The term chatelaine denotes a clasp or hook for a purse, a group of keys, or a watch. the word originates from the Latin castellum which means castle. Beginning in medieval times, the French word chatelaine has been used to describe the mistress of the castle, and the symbol of her status was the keys she wore at her waist. Eventually this term was applied to useful and/or decorative waist-hung ornaments. Later the word came into use to describe fashion accessory for women and men alike.

    The first mention of the word chatelaine appears in the Grande Larousse de La Langue Francaise dating back to 1196. Chatelaines were very popular in England in the 17th century, and became very much in demand in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout the rest of Europe. In the mid-1800's, they were no longer worn as fashionable jewelry, instead being used for utilitarian purposes. Unfortunately, many chatelaines were disassembled. There is some confusion regarding the word chatelaine because jewelry reference books describe them as 18th century wast-hung items. However, old records of traders, and manufacturers tell us that waist-hung ornaments were called equipages.

    Lara of LA is set to add more to this centuries-long confusion. As she jokes, she decided to "elevate" the chatelaine, and to give it higher visibility and versatility by designing it to be worn on the chest, across the chest, or at the waist. She likes the utilitarian aspects of a chatelaine, as well as the glorious extravagance it lends to a woman who wears it.

    Most of Lara of LA's assembled chatelaines are objects of superb quality, and are extremely practical, as well. These pieces find their home again by being assembled in her well balanced designs that are a real tribute to this lost and forgotten art she so admires.

    If we have piqued your curiosity, you may read about chatelaines in the book Chatelaines: Utility to Glorious Extravagance by G. E. Cummins & Nerylla D. Taunton.