Ring Boxes Galore ~all about sterling silver ring boxes

~Ring Boxes Galore~

Country Living June 2007 issue

Above is the June 2007 issue of Country Living. It holds a lovely layout of my collection. Please check the announcement page and make note of the new email and note! Thanks for your continued interests in these fabulous little beauties we know as sterling ring boxes..... Enjoy the hunt, Courtney

Magazines which have featured Ring Boxes Galore

Silver Magazine- Sept/Oct 2006 Issue

My first ambition was for Silver Magazine to find my collection interesting enough to put in their esteemed periodical. And I

squeeled with joy when I received the phone call that my article

had been accepted. The proofers checked and editors did minor

editing. It was official and published!

I still can't believe it happened. I'm just so thankful the

GREAT people at Silver Magazine understood it's significance.

............Chapter 2- second ambition~~ a book!!

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE ~ NOVEMBER 2003

SOUTHERN LADY ~ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005

MARY ENGELBREIT'S HOME COMPANION~ JUNE/JULY 2005

COUNTRY LIVING ~ JUNE 2005

Silver Magazine www.silvermag.com will feature an article I wrote

about sterling ring boxes in the September/October 2006 issue . You can see it at the website above or order a subscription!

The Ring box used in "The Notebook" Movie

Book signed by Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Joan Allen, David Thornton, Director Nick Cassavetes

Click the link for The Notebook homepage.

*Tidbits*

Did you know JFK, Jr. presented Carolyn's engagement ring in a Birk's sterling stepped square ring box. You can catch a glimpse

of it in the made for t.v. movie about their lives.

I've been told that the movie "Miss Potter" also featured a sterling

ring box. Miss Potter's fiance' presented her engagement ring in

a what looked like stepped or stairway ring box by Sturdy. Seems the

movie really showed it off! I've not seen the movie yet but will

embellish this story after I do. What a fairytale indeed!

Having been introduced to the wonderful world of sterling by my southern grandmother Meme, I quickly became an addict. I loved to love the things she loved. Her set of sterling sat atop the refrigerator, and we would admire it so often it was insane. Holidays were a must, but my favorite time was when a new piece was added to the beloved set. You can imagine the fuss. I'm 40 and I can't remember when I didn't know about sterling. I adore my grandmother's set ,and my daughter and I admire it as often as my grandmother and I did. The smell and feeling of sterling is wonderful. I have finally pulled my mother into the "sterling" ring and she now loves it as much as I do. She has many collections of sterling and we hunt together and often. I have to admit she is the "finder" and if you collect, you know what I mean. It's so grand! I simply love the hunt!! Another item my grandmother, mother and I loved to share was the Victoria Magazine. And as I sat one day with my new Feb99 issue, my mom and I chatted about our upcoming weekend in Memphis with our Aunt, and attending our favorite stomping ground, the Memphis flea market. Little did I know that Victoria was going to introduce me to the little treasures I'm about to share with you. Victoria featured Camilla Bergeron, an antique jewelry dealer who used sterling ring boxes as displays for her antique rings. Great presentation. "Presentation is everything" my mom has always said. It's a southern thing. I then turned the page and there they were, a foggy picture of 12+ ring boxes. I couldn't see them all in detail, but I had seen enough to know, I had to have at least ONE! I found my first at that great stomping ground my family loves, the very weekend I read the article. Did you know Victoria Magazine is back on the magazine rack!! For a first hand look at these beauties, drop by Fern and Feather in Stuttgart, Arkansas. My mother and I will be glad to entertain you!!

The Mystery of The Sterling Ring Box

The definition of a box is simple. n. -container usually rectangular in shape, with a lid. A simple definition for a

"not so" simple box. Add the fact that it's sterling and holds a ring. Put the three facts together and it's a "Sterling Ring Box".

The first time one sees a ring box, it's the shape that peaks ones interest. Round, square, bell and rectangular shapes are the most commonly found. This leaves the greatly desired

oval, heart and hexagonal shapes. Ring boxes usually bear a company name and/or makers mark. While not all are marked with a makers mark, most are marked "sterling". Then again,

some offer an unidentifiable mark. Retailers of jewelry or novelties often have their store name on the lid satin.

Sterling Ring Boxes were dearly beloved by someone special.

Proof of this is an extravagant vintage monogram or extensive

engine turning, leaving an oval or round cartouche for the owners initials.

These boxes have been tucked away and are now making their

second debut. While they are precious, beautiful, and intriguing, mysterious describes the boxes best.

Were they given as premiums with a purchase? What's the story? Who once possessed them? Where did he buy it? Did she say "yes"?

While the answer to some questions will never come, there are still some to be found. Visit the entire site and entice yourself with a pleasant adventure and learning experience.

The sterling ring box dates back to 1880's thorough the 1960's. Some look Victorian and some look Art Deco, but who is to say what the influence for them was at the time of creation. Their luscious velvet of various rich colors and the sleek satin reveal the quality of the time and hopefully the jewelers name. Great means were taken to make them desirable and desirable they still are today.

Sterling ring boxes come in all shapes and sizes. I find their condition amazing considering their age, and because of their great condition, one has to assume they were as prized a possession as the ring presented. I am no longer doing newsletters since all information from them is now on the site.

Since the subject at hand is virtually untapped and printed information is so scarce, I'm hoping this site will be the place to come for information. In my search, I've found two books that actually mention sterling ring boxes. I've seen several catalogs that mention them, but there is no book of knowledge on the boxes. That is why this site is crucial and I hope for it to be a place for sharing all information.

I would gladly add any of your ring boxes to my site and all information that applies. If you don't have pictures but have information, either in addtion to or as a correction to what is already stated, please send me an email. It's so important to be informed with new, additional or even "could be's" information. If you are a collector, a specialist in a certain field or just a passer-byer, please email with any information. If you want to buy a box for that special event, email me and I'll see what I can do for you. I have many contacts and you just might be in luck. I think this is the only site about Sterling Ring Boxes. If it's not, let me know where to go to see the others. Enjoy the website!!

~FEEDBACK~

Courtney:

Beautiful website. I don't have a collection of sterling boxes - they sure are gorgeous. Was fascinated by your information re the Kents' Limited ring box. My grandfather owned Kents' Limited jewelry store in Toronto - had been a family business since the mid-1800s until my grandfather closed it down in the early Fifties (claimed the "new credit jewelers" had ruined the business!). We still have several of the Kents' sterling boxes in the family along with other sterling & jewelery. Looking forward to the movie using that box - will tell the rest of the family.

Thanks so much,

Eleanor Kent

The package was beautifullly wrapped.
She had never heard of the ring boxes and was totally surprised. She is looking forward to visiting Stuttgart and your store to see your
collection. Thank you for your professionalism and sharing such a
unique hobby.

Cindy A.

Was very interested in the article in At Home in Arkansas about ring boxes. My mom lives in Fayetteville. I would be interested in buying one. Could you provide me with some information on the resources you might have on the origin or time period. I like to collect antiques and this is a very different collectable. Also, could I receive past copies of your newsletter. Please advise. Thank you! Great article and great website.
David

GREAT GREAT ARTICLE! AND I HAVE EVEN SEEN YOUR BOXES IN PERSON! EVERYONE THEY ARE FABULOUS! I LOOK FORWARD TO ADDING TO MY NEW RING BOX COLLECT AFTER VIEWING YOURS SEVERAL YEARS AGO! GREAT TO HAVE SOMEONE HERE AT HOME WITH SUCH UNIQUE ITEMS!
Brenda J.

Your collection of ring boxes is incredible and the website is amazing. I look forward to seeing the boxes when in Arkansas again - probably in late November. Best wishes on a wonderful adventure!
Margot T.

Loved your article in At Home. I"m from Little Rock and my mom gives me a subscription every year. I'm very interested in your ring boxes. Thanks!
Holly N.

Thank you Courtney. I've passed your site on to my friends. Looking forward to doing business with you again. You seem like a friend. Marianne M.

Courtney, I am enchanted! Now this is the way to present a history lesson. I will visit F&F to see up close and personal next time I'm in Sugar Town. Take care! Shawn

BEAUTIFUL RING BOXES...
CAROLYN

Love the site. The ring boxes are beautiful!!!!
Lori

GOOD ON YOU COURTNEY !!
MURRAY JAMES

Courtney - I love your newsletter and website! Keep the information coming!
Pam W.

Court, You did a great job! Love all of your ring boxes. WOW!!!
DeAnne

What a wonderful website and such beautiful ring boxes. I was just thrilled to receive notice of your site and congratulations on all the hard work you obviously put into creating it. Bravo!!! Susan
Susan

Sistergirl!!! You have done it again....Bebe
Bebe

Courtney - thanks again for the email to your new site. It's great!!!
elda

Hi Court, Looks like you've found some real treasures in ring boxes and built a nice site for them, too. I think a few look like old friends! Have fun, and best wishes! Michael
Michael Howard

Wonderful job Courtney! Keep up the good work!
Pam Taylor

It all went like clockwork and she LOVES the box which is just beautiful. Thanks for your help!

Elsa C.

We got engaged this weekend and the ring box was a huge hit! Everything went perfectly...

David G.

I have received the ring box, and it is perfect! Thank you so much!

Robert B.

I have the box and it is great! Thank you very much for all of your help, I know she will love it. Thanks
JON

Lori's ring box came today. It is beautiful. Thank you so much for everything.

Carlene

Courtney- I received the ring box this morning...thank you very much...it is beautiful and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, Joe M.

I got the bigger ring box. It is gorgeous. Deanna

Thanks. The box arrived in time and is lovely.
Adam

Repeat Buyer:
It all went like clockwork and she LOVES the box which is just beautiful. Thanks for your help! Elsa

Antique Trader- America's Weekly Antiques & Collectibles Marketplace

At HOME Arkansas- Arkansas' Best Magazine

ringboxesgalore@centurytel.net

*** NOTE*** If you are emailing me for the first time, you will likely

get a "bounced" message that your email has been returned.. Not to worry, I'll get your email as it will go into a special folder and I assure you I'll reply promptly. There is no need to do anything but send your email once. Thanks for understanding.

Courtney Dickson Hildebrand

1503 South Porter

Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160

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