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Mother of pearl buttons are iridescent buttons made from an inner layer of certain shells. Especially shells of oysters and mussels that contain nacre, the mineral substance that forms pearls. Mother of pearl shirt buttons are a classic detail handled and favored by the best tailors for over a century.
What is the pearl button capital of the world?
Muscatine
By 1905 Muscatine produced 1.5 billion pearl buttons annually. With nearly 37% of the worlds buttons coming from Muscatine, the town became the undisputed Pearl Button Capital of the World.
Where do shell buttons come from?
Shell buttons and Mother of Pearl buttons have long and varied history. Before 1950, most shell buttons are made in Muscatine, Iowa, USA, but now most mother of pearl or shell buttons today are made in China.
Use your jeweler’s saw to carefully cut the nacre in your desired shape and size. Cut the number of button holes you would like into the button using the tip of your fine knife. Buff away any rough edges with fine-grain sandpaper. Sew your buttons onto your desired outfit and enjoy.
Do they still make mother of pearl buttons?
The shells in the river were depleted and the production of plastic buttons became cheaper and more popular. Today, many of the mother of pearl buttons are produced in Asia from different kinds of shells. However, we still carry vintage Muscatine Iowa mother of pearl buttons!
Are pearl buttons still made?
The last Muscatine pearl button was cut in 1967, though production began to slow in the 1930s. There are just three button companies in Muscatine today, all producing plastic buttons and other plastic products. Most pearl buttons now are made in Asia from clam, mussel, agoya, and abalone shells.
During the first quarter of the 19th century, a less costly stamped steel button was made in an openwork pattern. Brass buttons that were gilded by dipping in an amalgam of mercury and gold also became popular.
What shells are used to make buttons?
Buttons are made from shells by first cutting out “blanks” using a tubular saw….The main species are:
- Abalone shell.
- Cowry shell.
- Fan shell.
- Helmet shell.
- Mussel shell.
- Nautilus shell.
Are old buttons worth any money?
In general, clothing button prices can range from a few cents to a few hundred dollars each. Only rare examples in stellar condition bring high dollar values though. Embellishments like hand painting and enameling on antique French or Victorian buttons can lead them to be worth $200 or more.
Mother-of-pearl buttons are the most luxurious button material. They are ten times more expensive than a plastic button, but worth their weight to make a great quality shirt.
How old are buttons?
about 5000 years old
Ian McNeil (1990) holds that “the button was originally used more as an ornament than as a fastening, the earliest known being found at Mohenjo-daro in the Indus Valley. It is made of a curved shell and about 5000 years old.”