What are Jewel Cases?
Jewel cases are protective covers for compact discs, digital video discs, and similar optical media. The cases are designed to hold discs safely, preventing scratching or breakage. When the consumer needs to access the disc inside, the case is popped open and the disc is removed. There are a number of variations on the basic jewel case design which are intended to accommodate different needs. There are three basic components of the jewel case. The first is the cover, which is often clear. The cover has two arms with small bearings which fit into holes on a matching back piece, which is often made from colored or tinted plastic. The bearings and holes create a hinge which is sometimes compared to the precision jewel movement in fine watches. It is believed that this may be the origin of the name “jewel” case. Finally, an inserted panel in the back piece is designed to hold the disc in place, typically with a central toothed nubbin which grips the middle of the disc until the disc is gen
Jewel cases are protective covers for compact discs, digital video discs, and similar optical media. The cases are designed to hold discs safely, preventing scratching or breakage. When the consumer needs to access the disc inside, the case is popped open and the disc is removed. There are a number of variations on the basic jewel case design which are intended to accommodate different needs. There are three basic components of the jewel case. The first is the cover, which is often clear. The cover has two arms with small bearings which fit into holes on a matching back piece, which is often made from colored or tinted plastic. The bearings and holes create a hinge which is sometimes compared to the precision jewel movement in fine watches. It is believed that this may be the origin of the name “jewel?case. Finally, an inserted panel in the back piece is designed to hold the disc in place, typically with a central toothed nubbin which grips the middle of the disc until the disc is gent
Jewel cases are the normal packaging for CD albums. They have a back cover and also usually a booklet (a kind of little brochure with the lyrics and other information). Sometimes CD singles are shipped in jewel cases, some American ones are also packed in card cases – which work like card sleeves except they are thicker.
