Henry VIII Pomander necklace

Henry VIII Pomander necklace, Henry at Prayer, Tudor necklace.

From the middle ages right up to the 1700s, pomanders were carried, held to the nose, suspended on chains or girdles or hung in rooms to ward off bad smells, freshen clothes and make the wearer smell nice. It was also believed that these sweet smelling herbs and spices could ward off infectious diseases and protect the wearer from illness. A pomander was a perfumed ball of some kind:- A perforated case of petals, herbs and spices with musk or rose petals.

The “pomander”, usually gold or silver, could be attached to belts, girdles, clothing and jewellery. Pomanders were a popular accessory in Tudor and Elizabethan times. Elizabeth I was said to carry a pomander scented with Damask Rose, Benzoin and Ambergris, and a few appear in the lists of New Year’s gifts to the Queen.

Henry VIII in particular was afraid of illness and can be seen wearing pomanders either in or outside of his doublet in many portraits.

I have made this pomander necklace on a waxed cotton cord measuring 28 inches. It opens so you can fill it with herbs or spices or petals or even a small piece of scented cloth, whatever you choose. The pomander is antique gold filigree.