![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)
![Etui Tools. Etui Tools.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Etui-Tools.-q88k0fywpta8ayf44ut7kwu6t332fdvrqlq7mmvr0o.jpg)
![Etui and Pomander Along with the Étui, Pomanders are a Common Sight on Châtelaines.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Etui-and-Pomander-q88k0fywpta8ayf44ut7kwu6t332fdvrqlq7mmvr0o.jpg)
An étui is a small case that contains miniature implements used to perform household tasks. Designed primarily for women, they can be quite ornamental and even whimsical. Often étui have a tapered or oval shape rendered in chased gold or silver gilt with émail peinture and rose-cut diamond sprays. An étui would contain nécessaire items that could include: scissors, thimble, bodkin and needles, pencil, ivory writing tablet and a small knife. Men also carried a slightly more massive version of an étui which might hold a watch, keys and a seal. Women often suspended their étui from a châtelaine, usually on the opposite side from the watch to provide balance.
![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)
![Etui Tools. Etui Tools.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Etui-Tools.-q88k0fywpta8ayf44ut7kwu6t332fdvrqlq7mmvr0o.jpg)
![Etui and Pomander Along with the Étui, Pomanders are a Common Sight on Châtelaines.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Etui-and-Pomander-q88k0fywpta8ayf44ut7kwu6t332fdvrqlq7mmvr0o.jpg)