Strictly speaking, not a jewel, but an incredibly luxe way to transport them. These handcrafted bags used to be de rigeur for wealthy ladies on the go. The top half functions like a purse and the bottom snaps open to reveal a velvet lined tray for carrying precious baubles. This one is made of fine box calf with gold plated fittings and a lock and key for the top and bottom sections. I believe it dates from the late 1950s. It is still possible to find them in excellent condition at auctions and through high end vintage dealers. They were also made by other manufacturers as train cases, or jewel cases.

I can just picture the original owner in a chic fitted suit and matching gloves and hat, hurrying to catch a train or plane somewhere, with her most important jewels in tow.