Jewelry Box Plans: Building a Keepsake

Building a Wooden Jewelry Box: Complete DIY Guide

A handmade jewelry box makes a meaningful gift and teaches valuable woodworking skills. This project introduces box construction, lid fitting, liner installation, and decorative techniques in a manageable scale.

Design Considerations

Size

Consider the intended contents. A ring-and-earring box measures differently than one for necklaces and bracelets. Common sizes range from 6×8 inches to 10×12 inches, with heights from 3 to 6 inches depending on compartment needs.

Compartments

Divided interiors organize jewelry better than open boxes. Plan compartments for specific items: ring slots, earring sections, necklace trays, and watch cushions all serve distinct purposes.

Style

Match the box style to the recipient’s taste. Clean contemporary lines suit modern sensibilities. Traditional profiles and decorative elements appeal to classic tastes. The wood species contributes significantly to appearance.

Material Selection

Primary Wood

Hardwoods make the best jewelry boxes. Walnut provides rich color without staining. Cherry ages beautifully. Maple offers light elegance. Exotic species create special statement pieces.

Secondary Wood

Box bottoms and dividers can use secondary species. Baltic birch plywood works well for hidden components. Contrasting woods for accents add visual interest.

Lining Material

Velvet, felt, or ultrasuede line jewelry box interiors. These soft materials protect jewelry from scratches. Choose colors complementing both the wood and intended jewelry.

Box Construction Methods

Mitered Corners

Mitered corners create clean lines with no visible joinery. Reinforce with splines, keys, or internal corner blocks. The mitres must be perfect—gaps are unforgiving.

Finger Joints

Finger joints provide mechanical strength and decorative pattern. Equal-width fingers suit machine cutting; graduated fingers show handwork. Either creates strong, attractive corners.

Dovetails

Hand-cut dovetails demonstrate craftsmanship prominently. They’re unnecessary structurally for small boxes but impressive visually. Practice extensively before attempting on final pieces.

Rabbet and Dado

Simple rabbet corners work for lined boxes where joinery stays hidden. The liner covers the joint. Quick to cut, adequate strength, easy for beginners.

Lid Options

Simple Hinged Lid

A flat lid hinged to the back works for any design. Size the lid slightly larger than the box for visual appeal. Quality hinges ensure smooth operation.

Raised Panel Lid

Frame and panel construction creates elegant lids. The panel can be raised, flat, or even glass. This construction adds complexity but significant visual impact.

Lift-Off Lid

No hinges required—the lid simply lifts away. Add a lip or reveal to position the lid correctly. Simple mechanically but requires precise fitting.

Interior Fittings

Removable Trays

Upper trays lift out to reveal storage below. Size tray ledges to support the tray securely while allowing easy removal. Multiple trays create layered organization.

Dividers

Fixed or removable dividers create compartments. Dados or slots hold fixed dividers. Removable dividers allow customization. Plan divider height for intended contents.

Ring Slots

Padded rolls hold rings securely. Commercial ring inserts are available, or make your own with cardboard and fabric. Space slots to accommodate various ring sizes.

Hardware Selection

Hinges

Quadrant hinges stop the lid at desired angles. Standard butt hinges work but may need separate lid support. Invisible hinges hide hardware completely.

Lid Stays

Lid stays prevent the lid from falling backward when opened. Some hinges incorporate this function; others require separate stays. Test lid operation before finishing.

Latches

Small boxes may not need latches—gravity holds the lid closed. Larger boxes benefit from magnetic catches or decorative clasps. Choose hardware matching the box’s style.

Lining Installation

Bottom Lining

Cut liner material slightly smaller than interior dimensions. Apply adhesive to the box, not the liner. Position carefully—repositioning tears delicate fabrics.

Side Lining

Line sides after bottom for clean seams. Cut precise heights to meet bottom liner without gaps. Use spray adhesive designed for fabric for best results.

Lid Lining

Line the lid interior using the same technique. Consider padding under the liner for cushioned appearance. The lid lining frames contents when the box opens.

Finishing

Finish the exterior before installing liners. Oil finishes suit jewelry boxes—they’re not subject to wear requiring tougher finishes. Wax over oil creates beautiful tactile surfaces.

Don’t finish interior wood that will be lined—adhesive sticks better to bare wood. Finish only exposed interior surfaces.

Gift Presentation

A handmade jewelry box becomes more meaningful with presentation. Include a card describing the wood species and your process. The story behind handmade gifts adds value beyond the object itself.

This project teaches skills applying to countless future boxes, cases, and containers. The small scale keeps material investment modest while developing techniques for larger projects.