Chatelaines

Wikipedia defines a chatelaine as a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain was mounted with useful household appendages such as scissors, thimbles, watches, keys, vinaigrette, and household seals.

Chateleine bags were suspended from a waistband by cord or chain, which were popular from the 1860s to the end of the 19th century.

Chatelaines were worn by many housekeepers in the 19th century and in the 16th century Dutch Republic, where they were typically used as watch chains for the most wealthy. Similar jewelry was also worn by Anglo-Saxon women, as seen from the burial record, but their function is uncertain.

The name chatelaine derives from the French term châtelaine and was originally used disparagingly, as it referred to a device designed to have all the tools necessary for the woman of the household to sort out any problem she may encounter in her day, like a fraying curtain.

Ancient Roman women wore chatelaines with ear scoops, nail cleaners, and tweezers.  Women in Roman Britain wore ‘chatelaine brooches’ from which toilet sets were suspended.

Too much information?

I have a broad set of Quilting tools and chatelaines that help keep the avid quilter organized and looking good.  Chatelaines are generally worn on a necklace and have both victorian and more modern appearance.  They are all sterling silver and natural gemstones.