Showcase Features

Type of Glass and Glass Bonding

Glass can be manufactured in different strengths, types, clarities, thicknesses, and shapes. Tempered glass is stronger than standard glass, is safer since it will break into small pieces with less sharp edges, but sometimes cannot be worked into more complicated shapes. Standard glass is used for cases that require larger, single sheets with large curvatures. Laminated glass is a safety glass that when shattered, will hold together by a material in between the separate layers of glass. Laminated glass makes cases harder to break into and quickly grab the contents inside. Apex Fixture uses tempered glass with a variety of thicknesses on the majority of showcases although rounded cases still require standard glass. Apex Fixture can also provide laminated glass when desired. In addition, Apex Fixture uses an ultra-clear formula for the majority of its showcases to provide the best clarity glass possible.

There are two common types of bonding pieces of glass where they connect, 90° UV bonding and 45° UV bonding. 90° UV bonding is easier to manufacturer and hence cheaper. Apex Fixture offers 90° UV bonding on some of its cases, but specializes in 45° UV bonding. While more difficult to manufacture, 45° bonding provides a much more seamless look and is less distracting to a customer.

45° UV bonding

90° UV bonding

Rail Systems

Apex Fixture specializes in hidden rail tray systems. When opening a showcase you want your customer focused on the jewelry, not the opening mechanism with ugly rails exposed. Apex Fixture uses hidden rail systems on all of its high-end showcases. Some of the budget-oriented showcases will still use more traditional rail systems.

Tray / Platform Types

Trays or platforms, upon which showpieces are placed inside a case, come in different styles and finishes:

Flat Display Platform with PU Leather

Raised Display Platform with Fabric/Linen

No Display Platform with Painted MDF wood

Stationary vs. Pull-out Display Platform

In a display case with a pull-out door, stationary platforms are fixed in the display case even when the door is opened. Pull-out platforms or trays are attached to the door and slide out with the door when it is opened. Stationary platforms are better for showpieces that are harder to balance as the stationary platform will keep them stable, but the showpieces might be harder to reach. When showpieces are stable and tipping is not a concern then a pull-out tray or platform can make the pieces easier to reach.

Stationary Display Platform

Pull-out Display Platform

Displaycase Types

Display cases can be made in different formats. In addition to the basic forms of counters, towers, pedestals, wall displays, or wall-mounted displays, counter style cases can be open-leg, open-leg with a free cabinet or seat, or enclosed. Enclosed cases offer the convenience of having built-in storage but also create a bulkier look and might not allow customers to sit in front of a case if you'd like to provide them with chairs. Open leg cases create a more open look but do not provide storage space. Adding a movable cabinet or seat provides storage or a place for a customer to sit.

Enclosed Base Showcase

Open Legs Showcase

Open Legs with Bottom Removable Storage

Lock Types

There are several different types of locks that can be installed on a showcase, from a basic mechanical key lock, to name-brand higher quality mechanical locks, to encrypted electronic key cards. Apex Fixture offers mechanical locks from Lehmann® and digital locks Hafele® as well as generic brands. In the case of digital locks, a sufficient number of user cards can be provided to ensure that all of the store's staff has an access card.

Basic Mechanical Lock and Keys

Mechanical Lock and Keys by Garman Lehmann brand

Digital Lock (Hafele or Chinese Brand)

Door Types

While perhaps not the most exciting design element, there are several different methods in which the showcase door can be configured to open. Sometimes it is simply the store owner's preference that determines which method is used. Other times the configuration of the showroom floor or building support structures determine which method must be used.

Pull-out counter with a cabinet that has swing-out or hinged doors