“Michelle” Chanel Silver Diamond Button Earrings

Chanel in the Golden Age of Parisian Glamour

The 1950s in Paris were all about glamour. Haute couture collections embraced crystals and diamantés, and Chanel had an extraordinary ability to make this kind of decoration feel sophisticated rather than excessive.

Coco Chanel believed her designs should be enough. A beautifully made Chanel garment was not supposed to need a collection of accessories competing for attention. The clothes themselves were the statement.

These remarkable buttons are a beautiful example of that philosophy.

Nearly 70 Years Later

When these buttons arrived in my workshop, they had lost so much of their original sparkle that I could not even tell whether they were gold or silver toned. Years of wear had left them looking rather tired.

It was only after I carefully cleaned, dipped and polished them that their true character appeared.

The beautiful silver tone emerged, along with the fine textured surface and the crystals that had been waiting for their second life.

Even the Chanel marque remains on the back of each button, and I have deliberately left it visible. It is a wonderful little detail that adds another layer to their history.

From a Chanel Dress Dated 1957

These buttons came from a Chanel fit and flare dress dating to 1957, a below knee silhouette that would have been wonderfully characteristic of the era.

The dress had been purchased at auction in Paris. Sadly, it had been badly stained.   I believe the undamaged fabric was repurposed, but fortunately for me, the buttons survived.

Judging by their condition when they arrived, I suspect they had lived a rather full life before eventually finding their way to my workshop.

I am very glad they did.

Made to Be Worn

I have set each vintage Chanel button into a hand crafted solid sterling silver bezel setting, with matching solid sterling silver ear hooks.

The high polish of the silver setting brings out the sparkle of the crystals beautifully, while the simplicity of the setting allows the original Chanel buttons to remain the stars.

And despite all that 1950s glamour, these are surprisingly easy to wear. They are elegant enough for an evening out, but refined enough to become the pair you reach for again and again.

Summary

A pair of genuine vintage Chanel buttons from a 1957 dress, transformed into elegant sterling silver hook earrings. Nearly 70 years of fashion history, preserved and made wearable again.

Button Origin

Chanel dress, Paris, 1957

Materials

Vintage Chanel buttons, crystals and solid sterling silver

Available Colours

Silver tone

Handcrafted in: The French Alps

Each pair is individually hand crafted in my French Alpine workshop.

Your jewellery journey begins with a piece of hand crafted wearable history by Porsha Bella Jewellery.

Now for the legal stuff:-

*Please note, the buttons used in all of my creations are second hand, antique or vintage, therefore they will show signs of their previous lives.  Some scratches, tiny dents, some enamel wear and even tarnishing.  I cannot guarantee the quality or longevity of these buttons.  In some cases there can be colour variations, and plating lift during the polishing process, this is unavoidable.  I’m unable to refund or replace buttons that break or crack.  Although I do put every button through rigorous testing to do my best to ensure their longevity.  *Disclaimer… I’m not able to guarantee the longevity of any buttons that have crystals or pearls used.

Unlike costume jewellery, my jewellery is professionally hand crafted using traditional Goldsmith techniques and genuine, solid precious metals, so therefore you can wear *some of your Porsha Bella pieces whilst swimming, showering and washing.  These activities shouldn’t damage or discolour the precious metals.  I never take my jewellery off.  However, you may need to polish your jewellery a little more frequently if you want that shiny, brand new look.  If you treat your Porsha Bella creation, like the treasure of history it is, you should have an heirloom piece that will stand the test of time.  If you have any concerns about how to care for this piece, then please reach out to me and I can help you with tips on getting a long and happy wear life out of it.

*Designer buttons have no affiliation with the brand or fashion house of their origin.  I do my best to ensure all designer buttons are genuine and from a reputable source.  Porsha Bella designer button creations are not sold on behalf of or in conjunction with the brand.  The designer buttons are second hand, vintage or antique, with all rights removed and protected by the second hand market.

* Your Porsha Bella Jewellery purchases are shipped using LaPoste France.  Whilst international tracking is used, there is NO insurance for loss or damage during shipping.  When you complete your purchase, you are agreeing to your piece being shipped without insurance.  If you want to have the shipment insured, please contact me before checking out & I can provide you with a quote for shipping and insurance.