Off the Chain

Chatelaines are one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry to have evolved out of the Edwardian and Victorian eras. The name chatelaine historically comes from the french word châtelaine which previously referred to the female owner or wife of the owner of a rather large home, manor, or castle.  These ladies were the keeper of the keys. The term was later used for the decorative belt hook or clasp that was worn at the waist with a collection of suspended chains. As time progressed these decorate pieces were, instead of keys, scissors, a watch, thimble, vinaigrette, notebook, makeup compacts, and much more that hung from the ornate appendages of a chatelaine. 

Chatelaines were not only utilitarian, but were quite beautiful. As in all things, the chatelaine evolved into decorative jewelry that reflected the status of the woman who wore it. The chatelaine either draped over or attached to the woman's belt. The long chains dangled down her skirt and everything she needed was close at hand. The beautiful objects that hung from these glorious appendages are what we like to collect and they are "Off the Chain". 

Paula's great-grandmother's coin purse with makeup compact was one of her mother's favorites to carry to the dances in college. Although the mirror is cracked and the pressed powder is gone, the memories will last forever.

This sterling silver compact belonged to Paula's grandmother; her initials are monogrammed on the cover. We still can't figure out how these women applied face powder with such a small applicator. 

A Victorian woman never left home without her money. In England they used sovereign cases.

You just slide the coins in and out with ease and grace. Couldn't find a shilling so a nickel had to do.

These women knew how to socialize in style. Not even a headache could keep them at home. So just in case, they placed their pills in beautiful silver pill boxes and attached it to the chatelaine. 

Who are we kidding? This beautiful repoussé object was most likely a snuff box.

If you must hem something, then you may as well place your needles in a sterling silver repoussé sewing safe. 

Chatelaines were also the de rigueur for evenings as well. A lady’s evenings centered around dinner and dancing. The expression, “My dance card is full”, derived from actual fact. This is a dance card from the late 1800’s.  It fans open to reveal thin sheets of ivory or celluloid upon which the lady kept the names of the suitors she’d promised a dance. Quaint, isn’t it?

These little gems are propelling pencils, which were used to write on the dance card. They were invented in 1822. I love these two sparkly ones with the jeweled tops. (It’s always about the bling!)

Another necessary item of the day was a vinaigrette. Usually made of silver, these small boxes housed cotton that had been soaked in the lady’s perfume. The perforated top allowed the lady a quick sniff to combat offensive odors, which were common since the preferred mode of transportation was the horse and carriage!

This vesta case or match safe was a common item to carry on a chatelaine. The bottom has a ribbed edge on which to strike the match. Remember the only form of heat was a fireplace, so matches were a handy tool.

As we exit for the dance, we’ll leave you with this evening chatelaine. It has a small flask for perfume, a small coin holder, a dance card and propelling pencil, as well as a small compact for powder. What more could a lady need?  We hope you’ve enjoyed this “Off the Chain” post.

Hugs,


Patti & Paula

This week we are partying with the following fine folks:

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World Cuter

Mingle Monday @ Add a Pinch

Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva

It's Party Time @ It's So Very Cheri

Talent Tuesday @ Vintage Wanna Bee

Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Anything Goes @ Type A

Market Your Biz Blog Party @ Homemaker on a Dime

Twice Owned Tuesday @ Creating a House of Grace

Take a Look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Works for Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady

Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts

Pin'Inspirational Thursday @ The ArtsyGirl Connection

Show Me What Ya Got@Not JUST a Housewife

Home Decor & Organizing Link Party @ Organize and Decorate Everything

Create and Share @ Trendy Treehouse

 Homemaking Link-Up Weekend @ Hope in Every Season

Your Whims Wednesday @ My Girlish Whims

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

Potpourri Party @ 2805

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Weekend Wander @ While He Was Napping

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Features & Simply Creations @ Simple Home Life

Friday Flair @ Whipper Berry

Tuesday Link Party @ A Bowl Full of Lemons

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main

Feature Yourself Friday@ Finger Prints on the Fridge

BFF Open House Link Party@ The Answer is Chocolate