What is a Victorian chatelaine?

A Victorian chatelaine is a decorative clasp worn by women on the waist during the Victorian era. These were popular between the 16th and 18th centuries, and during the 19th century, they weren’t seen as often but were still considered fashionable. Women suspended useful household accessories from a chatelaine, including scissors, a needle case for sewing, keys and more. While all members of society wore chatelaines, the especially sculptural ones were donned in public and were sometimes considered a fashion statement. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Victorian chatelaines from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.