![Pinchbeck Necessary Box from a Châtelaine, c.1750. Pinchbeck Necessary Box from a Châtelaine, c.1750.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Necessaire_100-1-359g-q88jzlw2n451zfmt0ht5d4ffsr7bl2kcyguo9s4cjs.jpg)
A nécessaire is a receptacle for items considered to be required for everyday life. These could be ordinary items such as a knife or other eating utensil in a leather case or it could be an elaborate container, made from precious metals, secreting such items as manicure utensils or a sewing kit. Small decorative cases designed to hold miniature implements are also sometimes referred to as étui.