The History of Buttons: From Fasteners to Treasures

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by vintage & antique buttons.  Buttons are such tiny objects, yet they carry entire histories within them, stories of fashion, craftsmanship, and the women and men who once wore them.

A symbol of beauty and status

Long before buttons became everyday fasteners, they were symbols of wealth and beauty. The earliest antique buttons, dating back thousands of years, were carved from bone, shell, or wood. They weren’t used to close clothing at all, they were purely decorative.

By the 13th century, buttons had become a fashion statement across Europe. Royals and nobility wore them made from gold, silver, glass, and enamel. They were sewn onto silks and velvets in intricate rows, a dazzling display of artistry and skill. Some even hid tiny painted portraits or personal emblems, small, secret luxuries only the wearer knew were there.

Interestingly, in some historical moments, buttons even served as informal currency. Soldiers during early 19th-century conflicts were known to offer the gold plated buttons from their uniforms in taverns when cash was scarce, a reminder that these small objects could carry not just beauty, but value.

The evolution of style

As fashion evolved through the Victorian and Edwardian eras, so too did the button. It became smaller, more refined, and incredibly detailed. This was the golden age of embossed metal and enamel designs, tiny floral works of art that adorned blouses, coats, and gowns.

One of my favourite historical curiosities from this era is the perfume button. In the 1800s, daily bathing wasn’t always possible, and oil based perfumes risked staining delicate fabrics. Button makers devised a clever solution: a plush fabric or silk pad was set beneath an intricately carved metal face, sometimes featuring filigree or enamel art. A few drops of fragrance could be applied to the pad, allowing the wearer to enjoy a subtle, lingering scent, practical, beautiful, and utterly charming. These buttons were sometimes even gifted as romantic tokens, sewn into the collars of soldiers’ uniforms.

I’m thrilled to say I have one of these antique perfume buttons available, and I can create bespoke button jewellery inspired by its history. It features a carved metal face, a silk insert for your favourite fragrance, and beautiful enamel work that is faded in some parts, but that just adds to the appeal. It’s a truly unique way to wear history.

Holding history in your hand

When I find an antique or vintage button, I can’t help but wonder who wore it first. Was it part of a fine Parisian coat or a well loved cardigan passed through generations? That connection to the past is what inspires me most.

Transforming these buttons into bespoke button jewellery isn’t about making them new again, it’s about giving them a new chapter. I handcraft each piece in solid sterling silver, 9ct yellow gold, and even 24ct yellow gold vermeil, framing these forgotten little treasures so they can be worn and adored once more.

Why I love what I do

For me, buttons aren’t just embellishments. They’re wearable history, reminders that beauty doesn’t fade with time, it simply changes form. Every piece I create carries a whisper of the past, reimagined for today.

If you’d like to see how I bring these antique buttons back to life, or to commission your own perfume button inspired piece, you can explore my Button Jewellery Collection, a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring beauty of detail, or use the “contact me” form to make enquiries about your very own piece of wearable history.