The word “chatelaine’ is derived from Latin, and is the female French word for ‘keeper of the castle’ or country house, and so referred to the person who was responsible for guarding the keys to the castle during Mediaeval times. This person also acted as the overseer of the running of the household. This involved managing the servants, the requisites and the associated book-keeping.
Chatelaines were originally worn by both men and women, as an ornamental clasp on which to hang small ‘necessaires’, necessary daily household items such as writing instruments, scissors, purses, watches, and of course, keys. It was usually fastened to a pocket, girdle or belt, and had five-seven chains hanging from it, each of which had a hook or swivel catch for attaching the items. Later, they were most commonly worn by women, and became very fashionable as jewellery.
Originally first in use in England in the 17th century, they became very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The most expensive chatelaines were made of gold, whilst those of lesser cost were made of brass, silver, cut steel, or ‘pinchbeck’, which was a cheaper yellow alloy named after its inventor. Some were decorated with beads, repousse, tassles or enamelling. They could also have been inlaid with precious (diamonds) or semi-precious stones. Later, cameos made from Wedgwood jasperware were popular.
The National Maritime Museum in England has a fine example. Made of brass, it is decorated with the moulded figures of women, with an enamelled plaque of a gentleman, and also features raised faces on its linked plates. Hanging from it is a thimble, a sheath for scissors, and a pin cushion in the shape of a purse!
By the mid 19th century, chatelaines became less popular as fashionable jewellery, and were used mainly for their functional purpose.
