It was the Romans who first used buckles in the 1st Century. They were used by the military and High Social Classes.

During the 13th Century buckles were used to fasten girdles or waist belts then the 14th Century also saw the emergence of shoe buckles. These may even have occurred during the 13th Century as well.

The Medieval times produced more decorative buckles, some being made of precious metals and adorned with paste stones. The use of precious stones was forbidden by Sumptuary Law. In Elizabethan times this law meant that no one of lesser class than Knights or Baron's Sons were allowed to wear buckles or girdles.

In Georgian times the Shoe Buckle was extremely popular. These were often made in silver and decorated with paste stones.

Nurses Buckles are also an extremely collectible items. If you are very lucky you may still find some with a black belt attached. The black belt was given when a nurse passed her SRN but only a Ward Sister was allowed to wear a Silver Buckle. Art Nouveau or Victorian Silver Nurses Buckles are very popular.

Other types of buckles to collect include Cowboy Buckles and Military Buckles.