A mango wood box with a lion on the lid, 10 × 10 cm at the base and 6 cm high. The lid is dark blue with gold dots and a cream circle in the middle. At its centre is a lion’s face seen from the front, with a thick, curly mane drawn in gold lines. Twelve sections around it hold the zodiac constellations. The lid opens on two hinges and a metal clasp keeps it shut at the front. Opened, the lid leans back and stays put. Its sides are brown, grained wood. Made in India; you receive one box.
Regulus, the little king
The brightest star in the Leo constellation is Regulus, a Latin name meaning little king. People born roughly between 23 July and 22 August are Leos.
Leos are said to be generous and warm-hearted, and they enjoy being noticed.
A fire sign ruled by the Sun
Leo is a fire sign, alongside Aries and Sagittarius. Astrology links it to the Sun, the only sign ruled by it, and its weeks fall in the hottest part of summer.
For your party rings
Large statement rings, bracelets and the gold-coloured jewellery you wear on special occasions all have a good home here. A chunky signet ring fits too. Inside, the wood is bare and unlined, so put a cloth under delicate pieces. Wipe the lid with a dry, soft cloth and keep the box out of strong sun and off radiators.
Give it as a summer birthday present to someone who loves being at the centre of things. Ruby is the birthstone for July and peridot for August, so a stone or bracelet like that would go well with it.