Found at market in Paris, this magnificent and rare Souvenir Jewelry Box depicts the beloved Notre Dame de Paris, which has stood at the heart of Paris for hundreds of years. Standing confidently on its four legs, with beautiful glass sides, the box features an embellished lid decorated with a beautifully colored view of one of the world's most famous cathedrals. Beneath the embellished lid, the box is lined with tufted fabric, ever so slightly worn from years of loving use.

This exceptionally rare find wonderfully captures all the beauty of Belle Époque Paris and the eternal Notre Dame de Paris.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 2.5"H x 3"W x 2.5"L.

Learn More About Notre Dame de Paris

Designed in the Gothic fashion and built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Notre Dame Cathedral in France is the official seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Its architecture is one of the first examples of the use of flying buttresses, and the cathedral also features numerous statues and beautiful stained glass windows. Major components that make Notre Dame unique include one of the world's largest organs and its immense church bells. Throughout its history, the cathedral has suffered from vandalism and near destruction, but concerted efforts to preserve its rich history continue.

In 1160, the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, ordered the construction of Notre Dame. He deemed the church that already stood in the location unworthy of the prestige of his position. Actual construction started a few years later when the foundation stone was laid in 1163. The choir, the first portion of the building to be completed, was consecrated in 1177. The High Altar was finished a few years later, in 1182. Maurice de Sully died in 1196 while the cathedral was still being built. Construction continued for years, with many bishops and architects making their mark on the seemingly never-ending building process. The fact that so many people had a part in building Notre Dame is what accounts for its unique and varied design. It wasn't until 1345 that the cathedral was consecrated as complete.

As a centerpiece of the cathedral, many organs were installed over the years after Notre Dame's construction. The first fully integrated organ, however, was not completed until the 18th century. Francois-Henri Clicquot built an organ with pipes that extended through the walls. It was rebuilt in the 19th century by Aristide Cavaille-Coll, who laid 6,900 new pipes to fit with the 900 from the previous design.

The bells of Notre Dame are also some of the most famous in Europe. Of the five large bells, the one in the South Tower is the most prominent. Known as the "Bourdon Emmanuel" bell, it weighs over 13 tons. The North Tower contains the remaining four. Traditionally, the bells were rung by hand, but electric motors were installed in the early 20th century.