The material you choose for your jewelry display trays is as important as the color. It impacts the durability of the tray, the way it protects jewelry and the aesthetics of your store. What you consider to be the “best” material will depend on your priorities. Are you showcasing fine jewelry that is expensive and require a premium appearance? Are you looking for something durable to use at high-traffic art fairs? Are you looking for budget-friendly storage options? Here’s an overview of the best materials, including their strengths, weakness, and ideal uses.
1. Velvet is the luxury choice for high-end jewelry
The velvet is a symbol of elegance and a must-have for any store that sells fine jewelry. The velvet’s plush, soft texture gives it a luxurious feel while protecting delicate jewelry from scratches.
Key Benefits:
- Protects Delicate Jewelry : The dense, soft fibres of velvet cushion delicate items such as pearl necklaces and thin gold chains. This prevents tangling or scratching.
- Increases Visual Appeal : The rich, matte finish of velvet creates an “stage” effect. Dark velvet (black or deep burgundy), intensifies the sparkles of colored gemstones and diamonds. Light velvet (cream or ivory) compliments gold’s warmth, without clashing.
- It aligns with luxury aesthetics. Perfect for bridal shops, high-end boutiques or fine jewelry departments. It blends seamlessly with marble counters, brass fixtures and crystal lighting, which are core elements of luxury store designs.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Velvet is prone to stains and dust: It traps dust and is hard to clean. Spills (e.g. perfume or lotion) may leave permanent marks. This is not a good choice for outdoor events, or areas with high traffic.
- Not as Durable with Frequent Handling : Velvet can lose its plush texture after heavy use.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Fine jewelry displays (diamonds, pearls, gemstones).
- Use static displays, such as glass cases for luxury boutiques, rather than portable ones.
- Stores that have low foot traffic (no direct sun, no dust) or are in controlled environments.
2. Leather (and faux leather): Versatile and Durable
The leather (and its vegan counterpart, faux-leather) is an excellent material for a variety of store aesthetics. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and can be adapted to suit a wide range of styles. It is a material that combines sophistication and practicality. This makes it a favorite of both luxury brands and casual ones.
Key Benefits:
- Leather is extremely durable. It resists water and scratches. This makes it ideal for areas with high traffic (such as counter displays in busy shops) or portable sets (trade shows, crafts fairs). Faux leather is a cheaper alternative to real leather.
- Easy Maintenance: Use a wet cloth to wipe away spills and dust (or leather cleaner if you have genuine leather). It doesn’t stain or trap dust like velvet.
- Aesthetics that are Versatile : Leather is a versatile material.
- Luxury shops : Genuine leather in black or brown with gold trim compliments marble and brass.
- Industrial Stores : Distressed leather pairs with exposed bricks and reclaimed wooden.
- Minimalist shops : Matte black faux-leather aligns with sleek and modern decor.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Genuine leather is expensive: Leather trays of high-quality can be costly, especially in bulk. Faux leather may be more affordable, but it feels less premium.
- Leather Cushions Less Than Velvet: Because leather is smooth and firm it provides less cushioning than velvet. This means that it protects items more delicately (e.g. thin silver chains which may slide). If needed, add foam inserts to cushion the item.
Ideal Use Cases:
- High-end jewelry (golden, silver, statement pieces).
- Durability is a key factor in portable displays.
- Shops with different aesthetics (luxury industrial, minimalistic, bohemian).
3. Satin: Fashionable, affordable, and bright.
The satin material is lightweight and shiny, adding a touch to glamour without the price of leather or velvet. This material is perfect for fashion jewelry, such as costume pieces, beaded earrings, and trendy bracelets.
Key Benefits:
- Budget Friendly : Satin trays offer a more affordable alternative to velvet or leather. They are ideal for brands that have limited budgets, or who need to update their displays frequently (such as seasonal jewelry collections).
- Satin is easy to clean and maintain. It repels dust and dirt better than velvet, and can easily be cleaned with a dampened cloth. Even with frequent use, it doesn’t matt or wear out easily.
- Satin comes in vibrant colors, including pastels (pink and mint green), bright tones (navy or red), as well as neutrals (white and gray). It is easy to match the brand colors and seasonal themes.
- Reflects light well : Satin’s subtle shine catches the light and makes colorful jewelry (beaded earrings, enamel earrings, etc.) look brighter. This is great for photo shoots or stores with good lighting.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Feels Less Premium Than Velvet/Leather : Satin is a lightweight material that can make it feel less luxurious. It’s therefore not suitable for fine jewelry.
- Satin is slippery, so trays placed on smooth surfaces such as glass or marble may slide. Stability can be achieved by using non-slip liners beneath the trays.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Fashion jewelry, costume pieces, or seasonal collections.
- Playful/fashion-forward stores, pop-ups, or online photo displays.
- Budget-conscious stores that want to have a colorful, polished look.
4. Plastic: A Budget-Friendly Material for Storage & Casual Displays
Plastic is the most cost-effective and practical material. It’s designed with functionality in mind, not aesthetics. This material is ideal for casual displays, inventory storage or backstock (e.g. craft fairs and farmers markets), where cost and durability are the top priorities.
Key Benefits:
- Very Affordable : Plastic trays offer the lowest price, which makes them ideal for large purchases.
- Highly durable: Plastic is resistant to water, stains and impact. Even if it is dropped, the plastic will not crack (unlike ceramic or glass). This is perfect for outdoor events and messy environments.
- Transparent Options to See Jewelry: Clear plastic trays allow you to see jewelry without having to open the tray. This saves time when searching for specific items or restocking. The use of colored plastic (white or gray) can add a fresh look to casual displays.
- Easy Customization : Many plastic trays have removable foam inserts that allow you to customize compartment sizes to suit different jewelry types.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Low End Aesthetic : Cheap plastic may look unprofessional or flimsy, and is not appropriate for displays at the front of stores in mid-tier or luxury shops.
- Plastics that are thin can scratch over time, resulting in a duller appearance. Choose thick, high quality plastics for long-term usage.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Backstock or inventory storage (e.g. storing earrings in the stockroom).
- Casual displays (craft fairs, farmers markets, flea markets).
- Brands or stores that are budget-friendly and prioritize functionality over luxury.
5. Wood: Organic and Rustic for Bohemian/Earthy Shops
Wooden trays or wood veneer trays add a rustic, natural touch to any brand, whether it’s bohemian, earthy or artisanal. They are perfect for natural decor like reclaimed wood tables or macrame and rattan. They also complement jewelry inspired by nature.
Key Benefits:
- Harmonizes with Bohemian/Earthy Style : The warm, organic texture of wood reinforces brands that focus on sustainability or nature.
- Sturdy and Durable : Solid wood and high-quality veneer are resistant to wear. They’re perfect for counter displays in bohemian shops.
- Customizable : Wooden trays are available in a variety of colors and can also be engraved or painted with logos.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Hard wood can scratch delicate jewelry (such as silver or gemstones). Protect compartments by lining them with felt or foam.
- Unsealed Wood is susceptible to moisture: If exposed to water, such as spills, unsealed wooden can warp and stain. For longevity, choose treated or sealed wood.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Bohemian, earthy, or artisanal stores.
- Nature-inspired jewelry (wooden beads, stone pendants, macrame).
- Displays in shops with natural decor. (Reclaimed wood, plants and woven textiles).
How To Choose The Right Material For Your Needs
Ask yourself the following questions to narrow your choices:
1.What type of jewelry are you displaying? Fine jewelry = velvet/leather; fashion jewelry = satin; storage = plastic.
2. What is the aesthetic of your store? Luxury means velvet/leather, bohemian wood, playful satin and industrial faux leather.
3.Where are the trays going to be used? Static displays = velvet, outdoor events = plastic.
4.What is your budget? Luxury=velvet/leather, mid-range=satin/faux leather, budget=plastic.
Final Thoughts
It is important to balance aesthetics, functionality and budget when choosing the best material for jewelry display trays. Plastic is practical for storage and enhances rustic brands. Wood and velvet are ideal for high-end jewelry. You can create displays that enhance your brand, protect your jewelry, and increase its appeal by matching the material to your jewelry, store style, or use case.
