Necklaces have used buttons as fasteners for centuries and were a simple fastener in Roman jewelry. They have also been used to decorate necklaces.
Below are some examples and price guides of necklaces which use buttons as decoration or fasteners including a Navajo necklace and a Peter Max runway necklace.
Necklace with Pendant Coins early 3rd century (Roman Imperial)
The gold necklace is composed of four braided chains. They are gathered together and, after passing through two large beads, cross over to the opposite bead where the ends are secured. The ends of the chains are fitted through holes crudely punched into the sides of the beads and are fastened by buttons inside. The overlapping chains give the impression that part of the necklace has eight chains. The length of the necklace can be adjusted by sliding the chains through the beads, thereby altering the amount of overlap. The beads are faceted and ornamented with rosettes, palmettes, and scallop shells. Collars keep the open ends from fraying.
Reference: The Walters Art Museum
A NAVAJO SQUASH BLOSSOM NECKLACE Double-strand necklace with simple blossoms, suspending a two-band wire naja with button finials and a central turquoise cabochon. length 14 3/4in
Sold for US$ 1,147 (£ 821) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
Charm-necklace made of beads (glass), thread, button (pearl-shell), shells (cowrie).
© The Trustees of the British Museum
A NECKLACE MADE OF DRESS BUTTONS The necklace of brick segments supporting eight circular buttons partly set with calibrated synthetic sapphires and circular-cut diamonds, 44.0 cm long, buttons circa 1930
Sold for EUR 1,750 at Christie’s in 2008
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold, Carnelian, Mother-of-Pearl and Diamond ‘Bouton D’or’ Necklace 18 kt., the V-shaped necklace designed as three stepped rows of rose gold buttons and concave discs alternating with fifty-one carnelian and thirty mother-of-pearl buttons backed by gold, each centering a collet-set round diamond, totaling 185 round diamonds ap. 5.55 cts., signed VCA, no. JE444485, ap. 91.3 dwts. Length 16 3/4 inches. With signed felt pouch.
Sold for $50,400 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021
Runway Peter Max button necklace or belt made from pins of the planet Saturn circa 1960. Neckace is 39″ long and 1.75″ diameter. Can be worn at any length. Signed “Peter Max.” Closes with “s” hook clasp. Rare Runway piece from original collection
Sold for $13,600 at Bidhaus in 2021
