Seed Pearl Necklace and Bracelets

[L Verge]

Great photo, and the young lady is much better "put together" than the pseudo Mrs. Lincoln. To my eye, Miss Dart is attired in a very nice afternoon dress (and yes, there is a difference between a day dress and an afternoon dress -- and, of course, an off-the-shoulder ball gown). It appears that this photo pre-dates 1860 because the skirts probably are held out with multiple petticoats instead of the hoops that came into vogue later. The same can be said of the skirts of the older woman.

The biggest difference to me is how poorly the matron's dress is made compared with that of Miss Dart. The detailed trim and the sleeves alone make the young lady's attire classy. Wish I could say the same for the elder woman's outfit (collar is the exception). Miss Dart's bodice also appears to be a basque jacket, which I think came into vogue in the 1850s.

I wish the knowledgeable Donna would chime in here about the ornamental "device" at both women's waists. I don't remember seeing or reading about such an item, so I can only guess that it is either a watch chain or a chatelaine.