What this construction is
A clamshell is a hinged box where the lid and base are the same depth and meet at the middle, so the piece sits in one half and the other closes over it. It is the most protective small-box construction there is.
Velvet on this construction, specifically
A velvet pad in the lid is the gentlest way to hold a piece from above. The pile gives enough to touch a stone without pressing on it, which is exactly what a clamshell needs and what a firm pad gets wrong.
Getting the fit right
Because both halves are deep, the interior can hold a piece from both sides — a pad in the lid pressing gently onto the piece in the base. That is what stops movement in transit without a tight seat.
The mistake to avoid
A lid pad that presses too hard marks a soft stone or an enamel. The pad has to be sized to touch and not to clamp, and that is set on the sample with the actual piece in it.
Where it is used
Pieces that ship rather than pieces that sit on a counter, and anything fragile enough that movement inside the box is the main risk.
Why velvet
Velvet is a cut-pile fabric with a longer, softer nap than microfibre suede. It is the traditional jewellery lining and still the one most buyers associate with a gift.
Putting your logo on velvet
Velvet does not hold a hot-stamp the way board or leatherette does. A metal plate, or a lid card, is the more reliable way to carry a logo on a velvet exterior.
Cutting the interior in velvet
A velvet slot closes on the shank under its own spring. The pile hides the cut edge, so the slot can be made slightly generous without looking loose.
Brush with the pile. Avoid pressing a heavy piece into the same spot for months at a time, or the pile takes a set.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Piece dimensions | Sets the interior |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Logo artwork | Vector gives the cleanest die or screen |
| Velvet on this construction | A velvet pad in the lid is the gentlest way to hold a piece from above. |
Frequently asked questions
Is velvet a good choice for a clamshell box?
A velvet pad in the lid is the gentlest way to hold a piece from above. The pile gives enough to touch a stone without pressing on it, which is exactly what a clamshell needs and what a firm pad gets wrong.
How does velvet wear on this construction?
Brush with the pile. Avoid pressing a heavy piece into the same spot for months at a time, or the pile takes a set.
Can it be made in our colour?
Yes — the velvet is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What logo methods suit velvet?
Velvet does not hold a hot-stamp the way board or leatherette does. A metal plate, or a lid card, is the more reliable way to carry a logo on a velvet exterior.
Can I see it before ordering?
Yes. A physical pre-production sample is made to your specification and the bulk run is held to the sample you approve.
Make your clamshell boxes
Tell us the piece, your brand and the quantity you have in mind. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.