Hydrangea Box - Bronze

Handcrafted in small batches in Mt Eden, Auckland, the Hydrangea Box – Bronze is a compact cylindrical jewellery box and ring presentation box cast in solid silicon bronze. Produced in small batches of just 3 at a time, each box weighs approximately 85 g, measures around 33 mm in external diameter × 31 mm high, and features hand-carved hydrangea details with an individually heat-patinated finish, giving every piece its own unique depth and colour.

My workshop is adorned with seed pods and dried botanical treasures collected on daily walks. Right outside my studio doors, hydrangeas spend late summer festooned in delicate, lace-like blossoms.

Inspired by these intricate forms, the Hydrangea Box was first hand-carved in wax before being cast in solid silicon bronze using the lost-wax process.

Once cast, the lid and base of each box are individually heated to develop the patina. The heat draws out shifting tones across the bronze, picking up the petals and carved surface detail in a completely individual way.

Because the bronze responds differently each time, no two boxes will have exactly the same colour or finish. Each piece is then sealed with a protective satin coating to help preserve the patina.

Custom Ring Insert Available

Using this as a proposal or wedding ring box? Leave a note at checkout or send me a message after placing your order, and I will fit a custom ring insert before shipping.

The Details

Production: Small-batch release — made in batches of 3

Form: Cylindrical

Dimensions: Approx. 33 mm external diameter × 31 mm high

Weight: Approx. 85 g

Material: Solid silicon bronze

Finish: Individually heat-patinated with a protective satin seal

Craftsmanship: Hand-carved, cast and finished in Auckland, New Zealand

Dispatch & Lead Time: Finished pieces in stock ship within 1–2 business days. If a box is not currently available, please allow approximately 3–4 weeks for the next piece to be completed.

Care: Keep dry and dust gently with a soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing products, as these may alter the patinated finish.

Styling & Inspiration

A Unique Ring Presentation Box

Perfectly scaled as an heirloom presentation box for proposals, wedding days, or anniversary gifts. If you need this specifically to present a ring, please add a note at checkout or message me directly so I can include a custom ring insert.

As a Small Sculptural Object
Style it on a bedside table, desk, shelf or dressing table alongside books, ceramics, dried botanicals or other collected objects.

For Collectors
A small piece of functional sculpture for anyone drawn to botanical forms, handmade objects and materials that develop their own character over time.

For Anniversaries
Bronze is traditionally associated with both the 8th and 19th wedding anniversaries, making the Hydrangea Box an unusual handmade anniversary gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the finish change over time?

Yes. Bronze is a living metal and the patina may gradually deepen and mature with age and handling. This natural development is part of the character of the material.

Why does a non-stock box take 3–4 weeks?

Each box goes through several stages. The wax is prepared for casting, the piece is cast using the lost-wax process, the bronze surfaces are carefully finished, and the colour is developed individually using heat before the final protective seal is applied.

Will every Hydrangea Box look the same?

No. Each box begins with the same original hand-carved hydrangea form, but the heat-patination process develops differently every time. This creates natural variations in colour, tone and surface character, so no two boxes will look exactly alike.

Is this a jewellery box?

Yes—though with a sculptural, micro-scale twist. While more intimate than a traditional jewellery box (measuring 33 mm wide), it is designed specifically as a ring presentation box, heirloom keepsake dish, or small sculptural object for your bedside table.

Can I get a ring insert for this box?

Yes! If you are purchasing this as a ring presentation box, simply leave a note at checkout or send me a message before dispatch. I will gladly add a custom insert to keep your ring secure.