What it does
A ring slot tray is a shallow tray with a row of slots, so a range of rings is shown together, upright and in order. It is how a graded range is presented and how it is put back correctly at the end of the day.
Velvet on a ring slot tray, specifically
Every slot in a tray is a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge in a way no smooth material can. Velvet also grips the shank slightly, which keeps rings upright when the tray is carried to the safe.
Getting the proportion right
Slot pitch and depth decide how many rings fit and how they read. Slots too close and the rings touch; too far apart and the tray looks half empty. The pitch should be set from the widest shank in the range, not the average.
How velvet is applied to a display form
Velvet is glued over the form and the pile has to run the same way on every face, or one side of the same block reads darker than the other. On a curved form it is cut in panels rather than stretched, because pile flattens where it is pulled.
Where it is used
Counter cases showing a graded range, and back-of-house storage where the same tray goes into the safe overnight. That double use is the reason it is worth specifying properly.
Velvet under case lighting
Pile absorbs light instead of bouncing it, so a velvet display sinks into the background and the piece on it becomes the brightest thing in the case. It also means the display itself photographs dark, which suits a shop and not a catalogue shot.
The mistake to avoid
A tray cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added. Where the range includes both, the slots are cut to the widest and the plain bands simply sit lower.
Why velvet
Velvet-covered display reads as traditional and formal. The pile absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so the piece on top is the brightest thing in the case.
The pile shows handling and dust. Velvet display belongs behind glass, brushed regularly; on an open counter it ages faster than suede.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | Slot pitch and depth decide how many rings fit and how they read. |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Velvet on this form | Every slot in a tray is a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge in a way no smooth material can. |
Frequently asked questions
Can ring slot trays be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the velvet is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do ring slot trays come in?
They are made to your dimensions. Slot pitch and depth decide how many rings fit and how they read. Slots too close and the rings touch; too far apart and the tray looks half empty. The pitch should be set from the widest shank in the range, not the average.
Is velvet a good choice for a ring slot tray?
Every slot in a tray is a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge in a way no smooth material can. Velvet also grips the shank slightly, which keeps rings upright when the tray is carried to the safe.
What goes wrong most often with ring slot trays?
A tray cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added. Where the range includes both, the slots are cut to the widest and the plain bands simply sit lower.
Can ring slot trays be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same velvet and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your ring slot trays
Tell us your case or window height, what the ring slot trays have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.