Mele Travel Jewelry Box Value Guide

This Mele Travel Jewelry Box is a quintessential piece of 1960s Americana, showcasing the bold psychedelic aesthetic that defined the era's shift toward abstract design. Produced by the Mele Manufacturing Company, these compact cases were revolutionary for providing the increasingly mobile modern woman with a stylish, portable solution for earring and jewelry storage.

What affects the value of Mele Travel Jewelry Box?

• The preservation of the marbled exterior, as plastic from this era can be prone to scuffing or fading.
• The condition of the internal foam, which can degrade or crumble over time if not stored properly.
• The vibrancy of the red and orange color palette, with higher values placed on unfaded, high-contrast examples.
• Functionality of the metal hardware, specifically the integrity of the snap closure and hinge.

How to Identify Mele Travel Jewelry Box?

• Look for the distinct vibrant red and orange marbled swirl pattern on the exterior plastic casing.
• Check for the 'Mele' brand mark, typically found on the interior satin lining or the metal hardware.
• Verify the interior components, which should include a specific foam and satin lining designed for securing earrings.
• Examine the metal clasp and hinge construction, which are characteristic of mid-century United States manufacturing.

History of Mele Travel Jewelry Box

Established in 1912 by Emidio Mele, the Mele Manufacturing Company became the premier name in American jewelry boxes during the 20th century. By the 1950s and 60s, they revolutionized the market with travel cases like this one, designed for the increasingly mobile modern woman. These cases often featured bold psychedelic or marbled patterns typical of the era's aesthetic shift toward bright, abstract designs.