A shirt stud is a decorative fastener that fits onto a buttonhole on the front of a pleated shirt, or onto the starched bib of a stiff-front shirt. Such shirts have special buttonholes solely for shirt studs. They were first used in the Western world in the mid-19th century, when some shirt fronts were too stiff to close with buttons. So remains the case for the heavily starched, modern full dress shirts worn with white tie.Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of antique and vintage shirt studs including some frog studs by David Webb and some Victorian portrait studs.
A PLATINUM, GOLD, RUBY AND DIAMOND DRESS SET
Comprising a pair of cufflinks, four shirt studs/buttons, and two collar studs, set with round diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats and bezel-set rubies weighing approximately 3.50 carats, with original, fitted Collingwood Ltd. box
Sold for US$4,462.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
DAVID WEBB ENAMEL AND GOLD FROG SHIRT STUDS
Comprising three enamel and gold frog shirt studs
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Sold for USD 1,500 at Christie’s in 2020
Gold, Mother-of-Pearl, Black Enamel and Seed Pearl Dress Set
14 kt., including one pair of cufflinks, four buttons and two shirt studs, minor enamel loss, ap. 10.5 dwts. gross. With fitted box signed Tiffany & Co.
SSold for $567 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022
Pair of Victorian Enamel Portrait Miniature Shirt Studs
Each painted on porcelain, featuring a portrait miniature of a bearded gentleman, set in a tested to 14k yellow gold shirt stud mounting measuring approximately 28.1 mm (1.10 in). Gross weight: 13.1 grams.
Sold for US$150 at Fine Estate, Inc in 2022
Set of Four Sapphire and Diamond Shirt Studs. Each stud centering a bulge-sided triangle-shaped sapphire, framed by round diamonds.
Sold for 1,386 USD at Sotheby’s in 2022
