Alabaster Clamshell Jewelry Box

A beautiful vintage Italian alabaster jewelry box featuring a sculptural, fluted silhouette and contrasting brass-tone metal mounts. Carved from white alabaster with delicate natural gray veining, this decorative box combines the elegance of Italian stonework with classical architectural detailing.

The rounded body features a deeply scalloped, melon-like form raised upon a substantial cylindrical pedestal base. A fitted, domed lid echoes the fluting of the body, creating a beautifully cohesive silhouette. Brass-tone metal mounts frame the opening, with a hinged lid allowing access to the spacious interior. The softly translucent alabaster displays subtle variations in color and veining, lending the piece its distinctive character.

Italy has a longstanding tradition of alabaster carving, particularly in the Tuscan town of Volterra, where artisans have worked the stone for centuries. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Italian workshops produced an assortment of decorative alabaster objects, including jewelry boxes, vessels, and ornamental accessories. The material was especially prized for its delicate translucency, smooth finish, and ability to be carved into intricate forms.

A lovely addition to a dressing table, vanity, or bedside table, this Italian jewelry box offers an elegant place to store rings, bracelets, and treasured keepsakes. Its sculptural form also makes it a handsome decorative object, particularly when arranged alongside antique silver, perfume bottles, and other collected accessories.

Origin: Italy, Vintage, Mid 20th century
Material: White alabaster with brass-tone metal mounts
Dimensions: 5" W x 4" H
Condition: Vintage condition with natural veining and variations in the alabaster, minor surface wear, and patina to the metal mounts consistent with age and use. Please refer to photographs for details.