<I>Bouquet holder, jeweled, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with agate stones and mother of pearl handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of four panels each set with two oval agate stones surrounded with with pierced scrolling motifs. A looped clip attached to the middle of the vase allowed the holder to be attached to garments. Two short lengths of chain are attached to the side of the vase. The first attaches to a floral pin, which would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The second chain would have terminated in a ring. The ring would allow the bouquet holder to be worn from the finger or on a chatelaine at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing. The stick-stem handle is made from tapered mother of pearl. Mother of pearl handles retained a cool feeling longer than some other materials; because of this, they were said to be appropriate for warmer months.