A Review Of Elegant Ostrich Egg Jewelry Boxes

I came across some hand carved ostrich egg jewelry boxes the other day that really took my breath away. I was window shopping in a rather upscale mall the other day when I found them. I never thought that something as fragile and ordinary as an eggshell could inspire such delicate and beautiful artistry!

I needed to examine them in detail, and I asked the attendant at the jewelry store for any information she had on them. How were they created?
Well, I found out that each shell starts out by being gently cut in half, and then hinged. One shell had been cut length-wise, and the other had been cut width-wise with the narrow side used as the lid. The one split length-wise was actually designed to hinge open from left to right like the door to a wardrobe, and it was mounted firmly upon a gold-plated egg stand. It had been decorated with multi-colored rhinestones and tiny discs of black pearl, and it was lined with a muted flowery fabric. Standing upright, it was intended for use as an elegant jewelry stand, with hanging hooks for earrings, rings, and necklaces and bracelets. It was truly exquisite!

The other ostrich egg jewelry box was just as gorgeous, if less extravagantly beaded. It was carved with some fantastic designs of ocean birds, sea shells, and ocean waves, yet otherwise was left mostly unadorned. The artist used silver for the hinge and clasp, and as an outline for the edges of the ‘doors’. Carved silver also fitted as a knob at the top for a handle to the lid. I was really amazed at all the excellent handiwork, for it takes a very practiced eye and steady hand to carve something so delicate and detailed onto something as thin and wispy as an eggshell.

It was such a treat to discover these jewelry boxes! Now, yes, their pricing reflects the quality craftsmanship. I think the cheaper of the two was listed at about $450 USD! That being said, I found myself hard pressed not to break open my piggy bank to purchase one. I couldn’t help but rush on home and research more hand carved jewelry boxes like these!