People search out different designs, materials, or buttons from specific time-periods. I have even heard buttons described as miniature examples of art documenting every period of history throughout our past. Even as buttons evolved from being strictly decorations, to practical items, they continued to be decorative as well. Because much work and material went into the making of buttons, they were often saved from worn out clothing to be used and reused. This practice has thankfully salvaged many of these throughout the years.
Lets look at some different forms buttons have taken through the years.
Pearl Buttons from the late 1800 s, often referred to as pearl were actually made of shells. After being cut and intricately decorated and polished, they resembled the then sought after pearl, and so quickly acquired the name. Pearled buttons are made still today from mussel shells taken from the Tennessee River. Glass Glass buttons are some of the earliest examples. As skilled glassblowers protected other forms of their art, so did they with their techniques for making buttons.