“Ashley” Antique Pharaoh Button Pendant

A Moment in Time

Nearly two hundred years ago, this button fastened the uniform of a curator standing at the threshold of something entirely new. In 1827, as the Louvre opened its Egyptian artefacts rooms to the public for the very first time, France revealed a fascination that would shape art, design and imagination for generations. To be holding something that witnessed that moment feels quietly astonishing.

The Button

At its centre sits the serene face of an Egyptian Pharaoh, rendered in sculptural relief. The figure rises proudly from the surface, three dimensional and commanding, designed to be seen, not merely noticed. There is depth here, both visually and historically, a presence that feels as powerful now as it must have felt then.

Its Past Life

This button was worn as part of a curator’s uniform during the opening of the Louvre’s Egyptian artefacts rooms, an event that marked France’s formal embrace of ancient Egypt. The early 19th century was a time of intense Egyptomania, sparked by Napoleon’s campaigns and the scholarly work that followed. For visitors of the time, these rooms would have felt exotic, mysterious and utterly transporting. This button belonged to that moment, quietly gleaming amidst the excitement.

Though it depicts an ancient Egyptian ruler, it remains unmistakably French. A French antique shaped by France’s curiosity, scholarship and reverence for history, bridging cultures through craftsmanship.

Restored by Hand

Time had not been kind. When I found this button, it was almost black with centuries of tarnish. Hours of gentle, patient polishing slowly revealed its satin silver finish beneath, allowing the Pharaoh’s features to emerge once more. The result is soft rather than shiny, dignified rather than loud, exactly as something of this age should be.

Reimagined

I have set the button into a solid sterling silver mount, designed to honour its age while allowing it to live confidently in the present. An oval sterling silver carabiner clip has been added, making it effortless to attach to your favourite chains, beads or pearls.

To wear this piece is to carry forward a story that began almost two centuries ago, one rooted in curiosity, discovery and a deep love of history.

Button Origin
Curator’s uniform button from the opening of the Egyptian artefacts rooms, Louvre Museum, 1827

Materials
Brass with silver plating, solid sterling silver setting and carabiner

Available Colours
Soft silver satin

Handcrafted in
My French workshop

Your jewellery journey begins with a peice of Porsha Bella hand crafted wearable history.

Now for the legal stuff:-

Please note, all buttons used in my creations are antique, vintage, or second hand, and will naturally show signs of their previous lives.  Such as gentle surface marks, tiny dents, enamel wear, or soft tarnishing.
Each button is carefully tested and securely set, but as these treasures can be well over a century old, they remain delicate and should be treated with the same care as any fine antique.

While the jewellery itself is professionally handcrafted from solid precious metals using traditional goldsmith techniques, designed to last a lifetime, the historic buttons, pearls, and crystals within these designs are inherently more fragile. Their age and patina are what make them so special.
To preserve your piece, please avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, perfume, or impact. Treat it gently, and it will bring you many years of beauty and admiration.

As each piece is entirely handmade and one of a kind, I’m unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or replacements for changes of mind, or for age related wear such as button cracking, crystal or pearl loss, or plating lift that may occur over time.

If you ever have concerns about caring for your jewellery, please don’t hesitate to contact me for personalised advice.

Designer buttons have no affiliation with the original fashion houses. I take great care to ensure all branded buttons are genuine and sourced from reputable second hand suppliers & fashion historians.  Porsha Bella designer button jewellery is not sold on behalf of, or in connection with, any brand.

Your purchases are shipped via La Poste France using international tracking.
Please note, shipments are not insured against loss or damage unless requested. By completing your purchase, you agree to uninsurable shipping.
If you would prefer insured shipping, please contact me before checkout for a personalised quote.