You may wonder if it is common to put any object inside a French porcelain Limoges box. And, if so, what do other Limoges collectors put inside their Limoges boxes? You may even wonder if you are supposed to put anything in a Limoges box at all?
The short answer is: Sure, why not?!
It is true that porcelain Limoges boxes function first and foremost as decorative collectible art pieces. Most come with either a painting inside and/or a porcelain accessory piece surprise. However, many collectors put tiny objects inside their Limoges boxes either as a special keepsake or a surprise item every time the Limoges box is opened.
Limoges boxes are small in size but most have enough space inside to store one or more tiny objects that are memorable for the collector.
The sky is the limit (or almost, depending on the size) when it comes to what you can put inside a French Limoges box. Of course, you have to be careful if the object you place inside is metal or sharp, it may crack or chip the porcelain when moved around.
Below are some ideas of the objects collectors and gift shoppers place inside a Limoges box. We know these from first-hand experience and what collectors have shared with us through the years.
The original uses of French Limoges boxes
When Limoges porcelain boxes were first created in Limoges, France in the 1770s, these elegant and tiny hand-painted art boxes became the rage of fashion accessory pieces among the royalty and the nobility. Limoges boxes were collected and used by both men and women. For the men Limoges boxes mainly served as snuff boxes that could be carried in men’s pockets. It is said that snuff boxes were so popular, many had numerous Limoges boxes to match their various outfits.
For women, Limoges porcelain boxes began their use as pill boxes and needle boxes. They were also the perfect container to pass little love notes at parties and events.
Limoges as a Pill Box
Today, Limoges boxes are still being referred to by some as “pill boxes” and continue to be used as such by many. A Limoges box is a perfect conduit, and a very handsome and stylish one, to hold several pills. It can either be placed in a man’s pocket or a woman’s purse. Since Limoges boxes are made of porcelain, the exact same material as dishes and tableware, they are quite safe and sanitary to hold pills.
Baby Teeth and Lock of Hair
Two of the most popular baby gifts among Limoges enthusiasts are baby’s “First Tooth” and “First Curl” Limoges boxes. These adorable porcelain boxes are frequently given as gifts for baby showers, to celebrate the arrival of a new baby and/or when a baby turns one. These precious little boxes are popular gifts given by grandparents and friends of the family.
Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl boxes come in different designs in pink, for baby girls, and in blue for baby boys. They are the perfect keepsake box to keep the baby’s first baby teeth and the sweet little lock of hair and are beautiful keepsakes that will become a family heirloom.
Dollar Bills as a Practical Gift
Limoges boxes are not only widely collected, they are a fantastic and impressive gift item. The Limoges box itself makes a truly spectacular gift for any age and any area of interest. Adding an additional money gift inside a Limoges box adds so much more and will be greatly appreciated by the recipient.
Money gifts are often placed inside a Limoges box for various occasions such as a birthday, graduation, wedding, birth of a new baby, moving to a new home, and especially the Holiday season. You can add a money gift inside your Limoges box as a truly impressive gift for any occasion.
Gold Coins and Other Objects of Value
Imagine opening a Limoges box you received as a gift and finding a gold coin or two inside! What could be more impressive than that?
Not only you can store small objects of value, such as gold coins or jewelry pieces, inside a French Limoges box, giving a special gift to a loved one is made so much more extra-ordinary with a small valuable gift inside. Jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, bracelets and others can be a perfect addition to any Limoges box gift.
An Engagement Diamond Ring
Throughout the years, we have been contacted by many bridegrooms-to-be who wanted to select and purchase a French Limoges box as an engagement ring holder when making their proposal. The bride-to-be thinks she is receiving an adorable Limoges box gift that she really admires. Upon opening the Limoges box, she is amazed at finding a spectacular engagement ring! What could be more romantic?!
Tiny Travel Mementos
Limoges boxes are purchased as travel mementos by many Limoges collectors. Unlike common travel souvenirs you can find in various cities around the world for very little money, Limoges boxes are valuable collectibles relating to travel to many cities and countries you can collect for a lifetime of pleasure and display with pride.
Travel-themed Limoges boxes provide the perfect space to hold a small travel-related memorabilia such as a concert ticket or a Paris metro ticket. Just imagine, every time you open your Limoges box you are reminded of a wonderful event you attended or a memorable trip you took.
Sea Shells From Your Favorite Beach
One of the fun things we all do when walking on the beach is finding sea shells. Whether it is a beach near where you live or a seaside location you are vacating at, collecting tiny seashells is a favorite pastime with many people. These tiny objects make great memorabilia and are collected by many.
A beach or sea-related Limoges box makes a wonderful keepsake of your love of the ocean or your trip to the beach. Storing a few little seashells inside your Limoges box makes the keepsake even more memorable and will remind you of your trip to the beach every time you open your Limoges box.
Digital Camera Memory Card
We all take lots of photos. In this digital age, the photos are rarely printed but end up in files that no one gets to see!
It would be a creative idea to store our favorite images on a tiny disk such as a digital camera memory card or a USB stick and store it in a Limoges box. Given as a gift, the recipient can view the photos and enjoy the memories that come with them. It is a great idea for storing family photos that can be viewed and enjoyed over and over again.
Whether you decide to put any object inside your Limoges boxes or leave them as decorative collectibles, as a Limoges enthusiast, you are undoubtedly looking to see what is new or add new pieces to your collection.
You have absolutely come to the right place! At LimogesCollector.com, we offer one of the largest selections of top quality French Limoges boxes online. You can find Limoges boxes for your collection related to almost any subject or area of your interest. You can also find gifts galore from our vast collection for any occasion or recipient on your list.
Take a few moments now to browse our website to see what appeals to your taste. We are sure you will see many Limoges boxes you will find irresistible.
