Jewelry Boxes: Usher in the Classy Touch of the French Classic Armoire

The French Armoire has a beauty to it that remains unrivaled to this day. The designs of these armoires have been so popular that several jewelry boxes over the years have been inspired from them. Armoire is a French word that was originally derived from the Latin one 'armarium' meaning a chest.

Armoires were originally a series of shelves that were built into the wall and then closed with wings or wooden doors. As they evolved they became standalone pieces that looked like a series of chests placed on top of each other with some doors to close them. Around the 17th century was when more attention was paid to the details on armoires.

In the beginning, these armoires were used in churches and monastries for religious purposes. The nuns used them for books and the priests used them in the sacristy for religious items like oil, vessels, and incense. A few of these are still around like the 13th century oak piece in the Bayeux Cathedral in France

The Cathedral of Noyon also has another well preserved famous armoire from the same time. In the Vestry of York, you will see a great example of the perpendicular designs of armoires. Even the way these armoires were decorated evolved with time. People began to move from painting to carving on them.

Some good samples can be found at Louvre but the best ones are at museums and exhibits in Cluny. The linen-fold was a very popular 16th century style of decoration for the armoire. England and America soon saw the arrival of the armoire. In its classic version, the armoire is an independent piece of furniture and has double doors that are beautifully carved.

Currently they are designed with a number of storage purposes in mind. There are pretty childrens' armoires that are used as toy cabinets. You have the entertainment armoire that is big enough to hold a TV and its paraphrenalia.

Armoires are also used as crockery cabinets, linen cupboards, as book shelves and more. The jewelry armoire is perhaps the most beautiful of them. These can be put up on the wall or can stand on their own. These wooden structures can be carved ornately and give you a great way to store and show of your collection.

There are many styles to choose from. In the cottage style, the legs are turned out and the design has a colonial touch. The wood has a simple but fascinating look with its semi-gloss finish. Armoires inspired from antique models have their legs turned out as well. The carving and decoration however are hand made and gorgeous.

Present day armoires do have the basic shape of the classic version but with a modern look. In Queen Anne style armoires, designs of roses and vines are hand carved. Armoires have a wonderfully classic look to them and add to the beauty of your decor and your jewelry.

So why wait any longer? Get out there and find the armoire that suits you best.

This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes is original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic marqart jewelry box that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!