Michael Mikutowski: Excellence in Design and Craft


Mike Mikutowski“Inspired Creativity and Immaculate Craftsmanship” could be a moniker for Mike and his jewelry boxes. Since meeting Mike and his wife Liz over a dozen years ago I come away impressed each and every time with the unsurpassed quality of their work. It’s a team effort. Their combination of artistic vision, impeccable execution and inspired principles are unparalleled in American craft. These are handmade jewelry boxes that sit in museums and private art collections around the country. They have won acclaim in international competition. No jewelry box is finer.


Inspired Creativity

Mike’s inspired creativity is easily seen in the numerous details of his work. No one visions and executes the possibilities of wooden jewelry boxes quite like Mike. When you look at his pieces, expand the image as fully as possible to appreciate his artistic vision. There is so much to see. At first glance, you may notice the inlay set into his tops. Then, take the time to look at the detail of the inlay. The combination of brass and various woods is fabulous and totally original. The use of these inlays ties the light-colored tops to be a rich, dark wood sides.

Next, notice the shapes given to the sides of his boxes. My favorites are shown on his Sculpted and Grand Jewelry Box designs. They add elegance and visual interest. Keep on looking. Notice the use of unique, architecturally interesting wooden feet on each design. They elevate your attention, seeing the jewelry box as a work of art. Notice the beauty of the pulls. Notice how the tray opens automatically with lifting the top and how the shapes in the trays keep them appealing as well as functional.

Excellence in Craftsmanship

Becoming a designer with Michael’s vision requires innate sensibilities and dedication to artistic perfection. Executing such vision requires passion and woodworking mastery. This level of craftsmanship can be seen once you inspect and touch a Mikutowski jewelry box. It’s in the perfection of the joints. The working of the hinges, trays and drawers. It’s in the silky touch of the finish. These level of craftsmanship begins early in making each box.

Mikutowski jewelry boxes begin with the choice of each piece of wood, and naturally Mike begins with the finest Bubinga and Bolivian Rosewood sides and figured maple tops. It’s more than the choice of each species. It includes choosing boards with grain patterns that enhance their position in the jewelry box. It extends to each and every wooden box. Some Bubinga sides appear best with certain Birdseye or Curly Maple tops. Mike makes a choice. Certain tops and sides appear best with certain inlays. Mike makes a choice. And each choice comes from years of mastery that will be appreciated by generations.

Mike’s Vision

Each craftsman has a unique vision of the work and it’s place in the world. This vision is the well-spring for the incredible work that each performs. For Mike it lies in his understanding of the human experience and environmental awareness. As he sees it, Mikutowski jewelry boxes exist to help people fall in love with the world, and through this love we will conserve the natural beauty that surrounds us. We invite you to bring this level of beauty into your home.

To learn more about’s Mikutowski jewelry boxes, look through the site – viewing images and reading copy. Find a piece of museum-quality craft in Michael’s work and offer it to yourself or someone you love. And, as always, feel free to call if we can help, 888-731-5100

“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum, Sengalese writer and conservationist.