@smithsonian

The hottest party accessory for Victorian women? Bouquet holders. Along with fans, parasols, gloves and dance cards, they were must-haves for well-dressed women who often carried flowers at dinner parties, concerts and balls. Many bouquet holders featured a ring attached to a delicate chain, which allowed the wearer to dangle a bouquet from her finger while dancing. Like many objects made during this era, they had ornate details and lush patterns inspired by nature. The finest ones were made out of gold and silver, and inset with semiprecious jewels. These are some of the many bouquet holders now in our @smithsoniangardens’ collection.