Surprising the most important woman in your life with something special for your anniversary is always a big deal. However, finding best gifts for women especially if they have very discerning tastes can pose a challenge. If you’ve always given her jewelry for important occasions, then maybe it’s time you gave her a special container for all her precious trinkets.

There are a wide array of choices when it comes to jewelry boxes. They can be constructed from a variety of materials such as leather, glass, plastic or fabric. But if you want a more elegant and truly extraordinary box, then a beautifully handcrafted wooden box is the perfect choice.

There is just something about wood that makes it stand out from the rest. The creativity and expertise it takes to make a wooden jewelry box makes it very special. Not only is it used to store your trinkets, but it is a masterpiece in itself.

If you want to give a wooden jewelry box that will make a lasting impression, choose one with in-laid marquetry. Marquetarians create wonderful, intricate designs that showcase the beauty of the box even more. Marquetarians meticulously put thin pieces of wood or veneers together to create a wonderfully eye-catching design.

These craftsmen usually make use of exotic burl woods like thuya, oak, maple, walnut, redwood and many others. Burl wood is a very popular choice because it has a very attractive and unusual grain pattern which can appear wavy, curly or may sometimes look like ‘eyes’ or small black dots. It is fascinating to note that burls are actually abnormalities on trees.

Burls are defective growths found on a few trees that are a result of a fungal attack or insect infestation. However, because of their unique shapes and ring patterns, they have become a highly prized and favorite choice of wood for many craftsmen. Since they are very rare, they can be quite difficult to acquire.
The thuya burl, for instance, is a highly valued wood from Morocco.

It is sometimes even considered a national treasure. It has been used for centuries and is even referred to in the Bible as ‘Thyine’ wood. Because of this, it is a favorite for carving religious items.

Artisans enjoy working with the thuya burl because it is easy to handle and polish. Its striking ‘bird’s eyes’ design is perfect for making boxes, furniture, trinkets, statues, plates and other types of wood work. However, due to overharvesting, the Moroccan government has banned the export of this wood.

In the wrong hands, working with burl wood can be problematic because it is softer and weaker than other types of wood. It is harder to saw, cut or chisel without splitting because of its irregular pattern. Therefore, it takes a lot of skill and competence to be able to handle this kind of material.

The various marquetry patterns that are crafted out of natural burl wood can add to the appeal of a jewelry box. Just as a woman’s jewelry is a personal expression of her character and taste, so should the container that she keeps it in. And just like your love for her, an exceptional handcrafted wooden jewelry organizer remains timeless and eternal.

This article was written by Rachel Manalo of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!