What it does
A fitted insert that drops into an existing tray or safe drawer, turning a plain surface into seats for specific pieces.
Velvet on a tray insert, specifically
A velvet insert is the part of the tray that touches the jewellery, and it is the part that should be replaceable. Specify inserts and tray separately and the tray outlasts several inserts.
Getting the proportion right
The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. A standard insert in a non-standard tray leaves gaps where pieces travel.
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
Safe drawers, counter trays and existing display furniture.
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
Inserts for safe drawers have to allow for the drawer runner clearance, which is easy to forget when measuring the opening.
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 | The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Velvet on this form | A velvet insert is the part of the tray that touches the jewellery, and it is the part that should be replaceable. |
Frequently asked questions
Can tray inserts 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 tray inserts come in?
They are made to your dimensions. The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. A standard insert in a non-standard tray leaves gaps where pieces travel.
Is velvet a good choice for a tray insert?
A velvet insert is the part of the tray that touches the jewellery, and it is the part that should be replaceable. Specify inserts and tray separately and the tray outlasts several inserts.
What goes wrong most often with tray inserts?
Inserts for safe drawers have to allow for the drawer runner clearance, which is easy to forget when measuring the opening.
Can tray inserts be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same velvet and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your tray inserts
Tell us your case or window height, what the tray inserts have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.