This chatelaine is a very fine example of 18th century jeweller's work, made from gold or possibly gilt bronze, and inlaid with bright blue lapis lazuli. The gold overlay is chased into a series of floral scrolls, with a lion and a tumbling figure visible along the bottom edge of the clasp.
Chatelaines were usually worn by women, often attached to a belt or ribbon, and used to attach useful personal items such as a watch or scissors. This example has two small flasks, one in blue glass or crystal, the other in lapis lazuli, which could have been used to hold perfume. There is also a central hook to which an item could be attached.
