Wood jewelry boxes are the most commonly found type of jewelry box. In order to find the style of box that best suits your personal taste and the design of the room the box will be placed within, it is helpful to know about the different types of wood and the characteristics of each.
Alder is medium softwood that maintains a consistent color and is capable of taking a stain quite well. For these reasons, it is a popular choice for those interested in the look of hardwood for a reasonable price.
Ash is a white or pale brown colored hardwood with long fibers and a straight, tight grain. As such, it looks similar to Maple or Birch and is good for making bends. It takes stain quite well.
Aspen is a light-colored hardwood that is a bit softer than other types of hardwood. Although it does accept most stains, it often requires a sealer or a coating of mineral spirits in order to create an even stain.
Beech is a hardwood that is found mostly in Canada and in the Northeast United States. It is cream-colored and features an open grain pattern that is similar looking to Oak. It also takes stain well.
Birch is a white hardwood with a fine grain that is found mostly in Canada and in the Northeastern United States. Birch is capable of taking any color of stain, but it can get blotchy.
Western red cedar is the most commonly used form of cedar used for furniture and jewelry boxes. This wood has a reddish color and is relatively soft with a straight grain. In addition, it has a slightly aromatic scent.
The heartwood of cherry is reddish-brown in color while the sapwood is almost white that ages nicely. It stains and finishes quite well, even when only covered with oil.
Eucalyptus is a type of hardwood that is quite durable and strong.
Mahogany, has a straight grain and a reddish brown or deep red tint. It takes stain well.
Maple is a light-colored hardwood that is common throughout the eastern United States. It features an even grain texture and is very durable. It is also capable of taking any color of stain quite well.
Oak is an extremely hard wood that comes in both white and red varieties. Red Oak has a pink cast and is more popular than white oak, which has a greenish cast. Both have an open-grain look and stain well.
Parawood is a yellow wood from the Far East that is hard, much like ash or maple. It takes an even stain and, since it has a grain pattern that is very similar to oak, it is often referred to as Malaysian Oak.
Pine is a type of softwood that is found throughout the world. All varieties of pine have a yellow coloring that is coupled with brown knots. It is also excellent for staining and, when coupled with a sealer, can achieve an even look.
Radiata pine is a type of wood grown on plantations in South America. It is harder than other types of pine and does not have as many knots as is typically found in pinewood. In addition, it offers a lovely grain pattern.
Red Shorea is a tropical hardwood that is found in Southeast Asia. It is a heavy, dense wood that turns into a soft gray color over time.
Armed with this information about the various types of wood, you will be able to make a better decision when selecting the wood jewelry box that is right for you.