The LENOX China Jewels Nativity set is made with fine ivory-colored china decorated with enamel jeweling and accents of 24kt gold. Some of the pieces are imported. The creche is wood. The first pieces were released in 1993. Lenox has indicated this set may retire after the 2008 Christmas season.

LENOX has several additional pieces that are also called China Jewels but they are not consistent with the spirit of a Nativity setting. Those items are of animals including teddy bears on a sled, tropical fish and a kitten chasing a ball. For purposes of this Guide, they are not included on the list.

Several of these pieces are still available directly from LENOX. In fact, LENOX still offers what they call a complete 20 piece set, item number 773169, for $700.



The pieces are:
                                Joseph
                                Mary
                                Baby Jesus

                                Gaspar
                                Balthasar
                                Melchior


                                Angel with trumpet
                                Angel kneeling
                                Angel praying (5")
                                Angel praying (6")
                                Angel with outstretched arms


                                Innkeeper
                                Shepherd (standing) with staff
                                Shepherd (kneeling) with lamb
                                Woman with urn
                                Drummer boy
                                Dove seller
                                Fisherman
                                Perfume seller
                                Goose herder


                                Camel (kneeling)
                                Camel (standing)
                                Donkey
                                Ox
                                Sheep
                                Rooster and hen
                                Baby lambs
                                Baby goats
                                Elephant

                                Palm tree
                                Creche
                                Bethlehem Star


The Holy Family can be purchased as a set or individually. The set also includes a crystal star (pictured above) that can be hung from the inside peak of the creche. The Three Wise Men can be purchased as a set or individually as can the first Three Angels that are listed.

The creche has a high center section with lower stalls on either side. At 17.75" H x 25.5" W x 9" D, it is spacious and does not "crowd" the figures. Even though "creche" is French for crib or manger, this piece is more like the entire stable.

This is an understatedly elegant nativity set that will become a family treasure as the years pass and your children grow up with it. The pieces should be handled with care but are small enough that little hands can put them away in their boxes.

I am not a dealer and I do not sell.

Ralph Vaughan