<I>Bouquet holder, blue stones, mother of pearl</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded brass vase with blue stones. The vase of the bouquet holder is formed with four repeating panels. Each panel is ornately designed with ‘S' and ‘C' scrolls and is ornamented with a blue paste stone that is prong-set atop a ring of circles elevating each one. It connects to the handle at a stamped band with a four-dot-and-crescent design that encircled by six small, stamped leaves drooping downward. The straight handle is made of turned mother of pearl in a deep pinkish-purple hue. 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. A golden keyhole-shaped loop around the bottom of the stem attaches to a round-link chain and decoratively stamped finger ring. This feature is most likely a later addition that would allow the bouquet holder to be worn on the finger or attached at the waist to a chatelaine.