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Medieval Jewelry Boxes

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century

Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this elegant, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1880, and built in cast iron, this heavy 162 pound travel safe is decorated with studded hobnails and embellished with floral medallions on each panel. The front door features two center brass wheels with alphabet letters. A two-letter combination activates the key and opens the safe; when opens, the safe reveals an inside with felt, a center metal shelf and a lower walnut wooden door compartment with lock for additional storage. The front door is embellished with the engraved inscription "Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite French Gothic style jewelry box or small chest, a testament to the timeless allure of craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate brass inlay ...
Category

20th Century Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Stone, Bronze

French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather
French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather

French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather

19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique patinated gilt casket was created in France, circa 1890. Built with brass and copper, the miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs
19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs

19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs

Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular body casket with semicircular lid made of carved wood and covered with a worked leather that has been reinforced with a series of forged iron fittings, material in which ...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wrought Iron, Other

Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500
Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500

Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500

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18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain
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Vintage Deed Box, English, Art Deco, Iron, Document, Deposit, Chest, circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
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Early 20th Century English Medieval Jewelry Boxes

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Rare Antique French 19th Century Gothic Revival Neo-Gothic Jewelry Box Church
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
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Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box
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Materials

Metal

Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box
Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box

Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box

H 3.25 in W 9.5 in D 5 in
Indian 19th Century Black Box with Iron Nailheads, Braces and Rustic Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
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Materials

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H 7 in W 24 in D 16 in
Gothic Revival Religious Ecclesiastical Bronze Chest Casket Jewelry Box
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Located in Cheltenham, GB
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H 3.55 in W 25.2 in D 4.73 in
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19th Century Bohemian Crystal Jewelry Box
19th Century Bohemian Crystal Jewelry Box

19th Century Bohemian Crystal Jewelry Box

H 3.75 in W 3.75 in D 2.96 in
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By Sarreguemines
Located in Atlanta, GA
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H 4 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
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Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jewelry Box Casket, Germany, c. 1905
Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jewelry Box Casket, Germany, c. 1905

Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jewelry Box Casket, Germany, c. 1905

H 2.92 in W 4.3 in D 2.76 in
Previously Available Items
19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on gargoyle figure feet, and is embellished with intricate repousse cherub and scrolled decor on all four sides. The jewelry box is upholstered with the original inside luxurious red velvet. The small safe...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs
19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs

19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs

H 5.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in
Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs
Located in Madrid, ES
Northern Italy box set with 16th century Floral Motifs 18.5x30x16cm Casket in carved and gilded wood with floral motifs. Sealing wax stamp inside. Vintag...
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16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

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Wood

Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs
Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs

Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs

H 7.29 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and Beautiful 16th century Siena box 13cm x 15.5cm x 27cm Paper mache box gilt and lacquered in blue and red. Good condition for the age.
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16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

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Wood

Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box
Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box

Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box

H 6.11 in W 10.63 in D 5.12 in
19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique two-tone casket was created in France, circa 1880. Rectangular in shape, the gilt bronze and pewter box is embellished with cherub and scroll motifs. The detail work is ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Pewter

19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor
19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor

19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor

H 3 in W 8 in D 6 in
19th Century French Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Pastoral Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1880. Oval in shape, the jewelry box stands on four small round feet, and is embellished...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Pastoral Scene
19th Century French Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Pastoral Scene

19th Century French Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Pastoral Scene

H 3 in W 9 in D 4 in
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this elegant, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1880 in cast iron with gun barrel finish ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

H 20 in W 15 in D 13 in
Medieval Style Continental Silver Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Medieval style, continental silver jewelry box, Germany, circa 1900. Decorated with Medieval figures and designs. Measures: 9 1/4 inches wide x almost 2 1/2 inches high x 5 1/4 inche...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Medieval Style Continental Silver Jewelry Box
Medieval Style Continental Silver Jewelry Box

Medieval Style Continental Silver Jewelry Box

H 2.5 in W 9.25 in D 5.25 in
Medieval-Style Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Jewelry Box with Hinged Lid, Paris
Located in New York, NY
Medieval-style, sterling silver (.950) casket - form jewelry box with hinged lid, having bun feet, Paris, circa 1900. Suede lined. Designed with mythical...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Medieval-Style Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Jewelry Box with Hinged Lid, Paris
Medieval-Style Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Jewelry Box with Hinged Lid, Paris

Medieval-Style Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Jewelry Box with Hinged Lid, Paris

H 4.75 in W 6 in D 3.75 in
19th Century French Gothic Bombe Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box has a bombe top with handle, and is embellished with ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Gothic Bombe Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Floral Motifs
19th Century French Gothic Bombe Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Floral Motifs

19th Century French Gothic Bombe Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Floral Motifs

H 4.25 in W 7.5 in D 4.25 in
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this fine, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1870 in cast iron with gun barrel finish, th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination

H 10 in W 17.5 in L 10 in
19th Century French Gothic Silvered Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Flowers Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique silver and gilt bronze box was created in France, circa 1850. The trunk-shaped box features intricate work on all four sides, a bombe top with handle. The metallic silve...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

19th Century French Gothic Silvered Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Flowers Motifs
19th Century French Gothic Silvered Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Flowers Motifs

19th Century French Gothic Silvered Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Flowers Motifs

H 5.5 in W 9.75 in D 4.75 in

Medieval jewelry boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval jewelry boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage jewelry boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval jewelry boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original jewelry boxes, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for jewelry boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $775 and tops out at $9,402 while the average work can sell for $2,774.

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