The four inlay pieces are mitered together where they join at the corners, and fit in shallow routed grooves. Finally, I built an inner tray to make the box more useful for storing small items. I made my tray from satinwood, dovetailing the corners, dividing it according to the golden rectangle, and then adding a liner of suede over foam. No jewel could ask for a finer home. If you're making a tray, add ledger strips to the bottom of your box and you'll gain a lower compartment.
Great veneer deserves a great finish.
Three coats of gloss lacquer, sprayed on and rubbed out, really make the satinwood glow. Frank Pollaro owns a custom furniture shop in northern New Jersey. He is also a partner in the Flamingo Specialty Veneer Co. which supplied the veneer for this project.