HOW did young women record their conquests before the invention of Facebook? Dance cards were popular accessories for ladies attending grand balls in the 19th century.
The little paper cards were used to make a note of the chaps to whom a dance had been promised during the evening ahead and were regarded as an indispensible aide-memoire for a girl being swept off her feet by a phalanx of moustachioed beaux. In Lady Windermere's Fan, Oscar Wilde described dance cards as "a mother's only safeguard".
But how to carry the cards? Upmarket jewellers designed elegant cases to be worn hanging from a wrist bracelet.
A lead pencil was attached by a tassel.
The cases – sometimes made of precious metal, enamel and even porcelain –became more elaborate as the century wore on and those created for Austro-Hungarian imperial court balls achieved serious “bling” status.
Dublin jeweller, John Brereton has an exquisite and rare example for sale at his Capel Street branch.
Dating from about 1890, and created in either Budapest or Vienna, the 14ct gold case in the Art Nouveau style, features Cabochon sapphire buttons and the original sapphire- topped lead pencil.
The case also contains a mirror (useful for checking out the back-stabbing competition behind) and a secret compartment to hide love tokens, such as rose petals, from Mama’s prying eyes. So much more elegant than an iPhone, it’s for sale, price €6,950.
