Shadow boxes have long been a way to safely store and display precious items. They got their start in the old sailing ship days when it was considered bad luck for a retiring ship captain’s shadow to touch land before he or she did. Their items would be packed in fine wooden boxes and kept on board as a “shadow” of their owners, and then shipped home at a later time. Today, shadow boxes add a touch of personal elegance, and come in models you can hang on the wall or proudly display on a shelf or bookcase. Here are three things to consider when choosing a shadow box.