Thoughtful Thursdays: Chatelaines!

vintage salt shaker

I was watching Cash & Cari — one of those estate sale reality shows — the other day, when they had come upon a collection of something called... Chatelaines. I never heard the term before, but was totally intrigued by this Victorian-meets-Steampunk-looking adornment that had all these functional items hanging from it!

antique English whistle

By definition, a Chatelaine is  a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc. And that reminded me of many jewelry pieces I have created using antique objects. So I thought I'd share some of the versions I've made that had a vintage utilitarian twist.

upcycled pill box

It's so exciting to learn something new about this category of adornment that was typically worn by housekeeepers in the 19th century.

repurposed buss fuse tin

And I am so happy to be a part — not only of keeping vintage objects preserved, but also for creating something that serves an additional purpose above and beyond adorning our bodies!