“Josephine” Antique Versailles Button Pendant

A Button from the Gardens of Versailles

This remarkable button once formed part of a gardener’s uniform from the Palace of Versailles, worn during Napoleon’s reign, dating to the early 1830s. To have been chosen to work within the gardens of Versailles at this time was an extraordinary honour. These were not simply gardens, but living symbols of power, refinement and national pride, tended by skilled hands entrusted with maintaining one of the most celebrated landscapes in the world.

A Celebration of Garden Craft and Devotion

The button itself is rich in symbolism and detail. At its centre, a beautifully sculpted three dimensional repose depicts the essential tools of the gardener’s craft a spade, a rake and a wicker basket overflowing with flowers. It feels like a quiet tribute to patience, care and devotion to the land. For anyone who feels most themselves among plants and soil, this button is a deeply resonant symbol of a lifelong love of gardens.

Texture, Age and Time Worn Beauty

The raised central motif is finished in a softly brushed brass tone, set against a charcoal grey background that adds depth and contrast. The button shows gentle signs of its age, subtle wear earned over nearly two centuries, and these marks only enhance its character and authenticity. It is both visually striking and delicately detailed, a piece that rewards close inspection.

A Statement Pendant with Gentle Strength

This is a large button, making it perfectly suited to life as a pendant and an unmistakable statement piece. Despite its size, the detailing is refined and delicate, and I would recommend wearing it with care. It has a presence that feels confident yet poetic, bold without ever shouting.

Handcrafted Silver with Thoughtful Details

The setting has been completely hand crafted in solid sterling silver and has a wonderfully thick, weighty feel that grounds the piece beautifully. I’ve added a special touch beside the bail in the form of two small silver flowers, a subtle echo of the garden theme. The bail itself features a carabiner style clasp, making it easy to attach to your existing chains or a favourite strand of pearls.

A True One of a Kind Treasure

Buttons of this provenance and subject are exceptionally rare, and this piece is entirely one of a kind. Wearing it feels like carrying a fragment of history, a quiet reminder of a time when the gardens of Versailles were at the height of their splendour, alive with craftsmanship, ceremony and care. It is a piece for those who understand that beauty is something tended, over time.

Summary:-

Button Origin: Gardener’s uniform, Palace of Versailles, worn during Napoleon’s reign, circa 1830s
Materials: Antique brass button with brushed relief and charcoal grey background, set in solid sterling silver with decorative silver flowers and carabiner style bail
Colours: Brass, charcoal grey, silver
Handcrafted in: The French Alps, Porsha Bella Atelier

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.