Chatelaine

Here is an image from the Victoria and Albert Museum of a beautiful chatelaine. Named after "the mistress of the house", they contained all sorts of handy items that one might need, including thimble buckets, compasses, keys pencil holders and paper.... The variety is endless and the craftsmanship and design of these items are limitless! They moved from being worn at the waist to being worn around the neck (on ribbons or chains) as fashions evolved and waistlines disappeared. It is worth the time to throw into your favorite search engine to see these beautiful designs...










And another example off the Internet: