During the Sixteenth Century, the personal fan became an indispensable part of the costume of the high-born ladies and reflected the costliness of dress popular during this period. Fans became works of art using a wide variety of materials for construction and adornment. Peacock and ostrich feathers were popular for tuft fans while fabric and straw were used for flag fans (popular in Italy). Fans were adorned with mirrors, gold, silver, pearls and various precious and semi-precious stones.