Buttons have been used throughout history as a practical way of fastening clothing. The earliest types of clothing used ties or brooches to fasten garments but eventually this gave way to the button that we know today.

Buttons can be found in a wide range of materials but the majority of antique collectible buttons are made from precious metals such as silver. Other materials are ivory, mother of pearl and many others. Very old medieval buttons tend to be quite large as they were mainly used to fasten cloaks although sixteenth century buttons were quite small. The eighteenth century led to even larger and more ornate buttons.

Queen Victoria made black buttons very popular. These were usually made of Jet which was extremely fragile and quite expensive. Later versions were made of black glass.

The Art Nouveau movement led to beautiful and unique designs being used. The most desirable of these being made in silver and gold.