Here's the story about her jewelry. While all the pieces are wearable, they just aren't very fashionable, or they're difficult to wear. There are a few large pins (my favorite is a lovely Art Nouveau design with an amethyst-colored stone), a locket with her pre-marriage photo at 19 (she was born 1886), a detailed gold bracelet, and two bakelite rings. I like the idea of sewing or pinning them to the backing for display so they aren't ruined, but they don't need to be removable until I give them away. For my regular jewelry, can you tell me what you think about using one of my husband's political button display boxes? I can't afford to buy an expensive jewelry box right now. It is $30 and has a walnut wood frame -- very simple but would fit in with the antique furniture in our dressing room. The backing can be replaced. I know the hinges and clasps are clunky looking, but they seem sturdy enough to handle opening and closing on a frequent basis. If I wanted, I could even apply something to help tarnish the metal. It measures 12"x18" and can be hung on the wall. My husband can always use it when I upgrade to a nice jewelry box.

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

I've only just stumbled on this thread, so I hope you don't mind me contributing! I'm very much into Craft Fayres and all things hand crafted and have built up a collection of about 7-8 earring "mushrooms" which stand about 3-4" high and have a series of holes in the cap of the mushroom for either dangly earrings or even studs. Sort of like this http://www.cole-woodturners.co.uk/images/earring_stand_-_takes_12_pairs_271108-1.jpg I've seen some that are flatter and have a second tier above. For bracelets I have another wooden stand with 3 legs/spokes on top of a central pillar and the bracelets just dangle. Necklace stands are about 10-11" high and similarly have either mini hooks for hanging chains/necklaces or the other one has little slots which is better suited to beaded/leather necklaces. Until I began writing this post, I was going to say my biggest problem was storing the "cuff" type bracelets, which just twizzle and fall off the bracelet tree, but a search on Google Images has given me a WHOOOLLLLEEEE load of other avenues and ideas to follow up! I was hoping I'd be able to attach a picture of my dressing table with my variety of trees, but I cant work out how...!

If you're near a major city, look for a store selling Retail Fixtures -- the display cases stores use to hold all their goodies. Or go on eBay. I bought several jewelry trays at a retail fixture store and stack them two deep in my small shallow drawers. They come in many different configurations within a modular sizing schema. They're much cheaper that the ones the Container Store and BB&B sell, and IMO, much more attractive and sturdy. The pieces are sold separately - there's a 'tray' (box) and a 'tray insert' (flocked molded plastic). If you want to get fancy, you could easily build a 'rack' into your drawers so the upper trays can slide side to side to easily access your lower trays. Here is a link that might be useful: Jewelry Trays on eBay