Enamel buttons are extremely beautiful and decorative. The enamel can be on precious metal, glass or non precious metals. Obviously the higher value ones are on precious metal and are often mixed with gemstones.
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Below are some examples and price guides of enamel buttons including a set of rock crystal and enamel buttons and a set of late 18th century enamel and paste buttons.
Spherical Pendant or Button 900–950 Cloisonné enamel and gold Byzantine
This handsomely worked, hollow sphere may have decorated the border of an official scarf, like the loros worn by the Byzantine emperor, or have been used as a button to hold together the outermost vestments of members of the Orthodox clergy. Similar works have been found at Preslav, the capital of the Bulgarian empire in the early tenth century.
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Enamelled Art Nouveau buttons made in Birmingham
Six buttons; enamelled sterling silver, each button is a four-leaf clover shape; deep blue enamel graduating to green in the middle; each leaf out lined in silver. The buttons are to be attatched with round toggles – brass, with silver ends. These buttons are classic Art Nouveau in style. Made in Birmingham 1909 by “J.F” or “J.I”. In round brown leather box, velvet & satin lined.(LC).
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
Four rock crystal and enamel buttons
late 19th century Each set with a pink-foiled sugarloaf cabochon of rock crystal, to a collet setting applied with black and white enamel, the reverse with hoop fittings, and blue and white enamel.
Sold for 1,134 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2021
Gilt metal and enamel buttons, France, ca. 1900
Circular cast gilt buttons each with loop and enamel design of semi-classical border in blue surrounding and a cupid on white.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
A SET OF LATE 18TH CENTURY/EARLY 19TH CENTURY ENAMEL AND PASTE BUTTONS Each blue guilloche enamel plaque with an applied circular-cut paste floral and foliate motif, framed by a surround of similarly-cut pastes, foiled and closed-back settings throughout, mounted in silver, lengths 3.8cm, cased
Sold for £ 1,020 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
Six Antique Gold and Guilloche Enamel Buttons, Boucheron 18 kt., the gold buttons applied with yellow and green guilloche enamel, centering small delicate florets encircled by fine gold ball granulation, edged by scrolled gold ribbons and gold balls, with maker’s mark and French assay marks, circa 1890. With original signed fitted box.
Sold for $2,500 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2014
