<I>Bouquet holder, crown top, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The crown-topped vase with formal trefoil design at the high points of the top crown. Below the pointed top is double band of elliptical gold lozenges, and this baroque design leading gradually into a mother of pearl stem. Near the base of the vase is a short length of chain connected to a floral pin with a very pointed end and varying width in the center. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The straight spindle handle is made of turned 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. Near the tip a band around the stem connects a second length of chain to 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.