I don't own custom jewelry, so no help here. I inherited lots of jewelry made of precious metals and gem stones, I donâÂÂt like to keep jewelry in the safety deposit box at the bank, it is inconvenient; also the boxes usually are not in the climate controlled area. I have not found any jewelry storage boxes/armoires useful, until I found the Stack On boxes in Sears automobile/hardware section. Below is the link from Amazon. The box has compartments; some are adjustable for different length of necklaces or bracelets. I use one box for different type of jewelry, such necklace, earrings, rings and bracelets. When opening the lid, everything in sight and is easy to find. I put each piece in small plastic bag so that they don't get scratches if touch one another. The box closes tightly, can be stacked up, fits perfectly in a safe or file cabinet to be put away and locked. I never hang jewelry on a fixture, only store everything lying flat. Occasionally I take pearls out to let them breathe and get some humidity from the air. Once a year I exam each piece for any cleaning or repair. I like to keep all the jewelry in tip top condition. Hope this helps. Here is a link that might be useful: Stack On Box

Kathy, I did a project with school children for our local nature center. We made stepping stones for the butterfly garden and used jewelry, buttons and other items embedded into the concrete. That was several years ago. They have been left outside and it works just fine for awhile. Eventually they will loosen & fall off. Sealing does help. I have a pair of earrings too that I have been saving; would make perfect eyes. Would love to see a picture of your project! becky

Hi Toomuchglass- Yes, the grout should fill smoothly between pieces of different thicknesses, as long as the differences isn't too extreme. I have found that I like the look, as long as there is some sort of pattern to it- like all the pieces of one color are the same thickness, creating a raised effect of that color. If only a few pieces of that color are thicker it will look bumpy and awkward. Does that make sense? If you are doing something sculptural this works fine, but if it's a table top, or something you want to be level it may be a problem. It should work fine on a bird house. Can't wait to see pics!

"One suggestion I have from past experience: don't bring out the goods until you are safely in your new home alone. I once made the mistake about fussing over one suitcase too much and others got too curious." Same thing if you are selling a house. Lock up your jewelry! I looked at a house owned by an older couple. The jewelry box was sitting out open on a dresser. I mentioned it to the realtor. She didn't seem to think it was a big deal. I wondered if she would care if it were her stuff.... When I moved I packed my jewelry in zip loc bags and put them into a stuffed toy. I don't use safe deposit boxes anymore. I had stuff stolen from them years ago. Safe deposit boxes aren't insured and bank personnel can and WILL go into them. It is your word against theirs. Only item left was a car title. Something that couldn't be easily fenced... Everything else was gone. I think it is bound to get worse as the economy and city coffers continue to suffer. FYI. A link that might be useful: Not-So-Safe-Deposit Boxes: States Seize Citizens' Property to Balance Their Budgets By Elisabeth Leamy-ABC-May 12, 2008 http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4832471&page=1