Châtelaines

A companion for both your pocket watch and your watch fob, châtelaines consisted of one or several chains that extended from a woman’s belt or waistcoat. They were both utilitarian in function and yet unique, as each wearer could infuse her châtelaine with her own personal style.

Derived from the medieval Latin “castellanus,” meaning roughly “the keeper of the castle,” châtelaines appeared as early as the ancient world yet came into great popularity in the 16th century. They were used in part to hold pocket watches but also to keep other essential household tools close at hand.

Over time, the wearing of such chains became a symbol of status and authority, as the keeper of essentials, which grew to include keys to cabinets and doors, was typically relegated to the head master or mistress of the house.

Quick Facts

• Typical châtelaines suspensions included tools like scissors, thimbles (for mending), or keys. At times these inclusions were more unusual, such as a dangling vial of smelling salts or a whistle
• Châtelaines were also elegantly adorned, with some decorated with gilding, jewels or porcelain placards. By the late 19th century, most major jewelry houses, from Boucheron to Tiffany, included some sort of châtelaine in their line
• Though the châtelaine was originally designed to hook on the belt, later versions came equipped with a pin, allowing them to attach to one’s dress similar to a brooch