Friday, September 7, 2012

Old-Fashioned Pewter Buttons For A Modern Look

By Kerri Turner


One of the basic components of various types of clothing happens to be buttons. These items are usually small but in many cases, play a key role in how the particular style functions. Among the various types that are available are pewter buttons. The main difference between these and other kinds is their distinctive style and the type of material with which they are made.

This material is a malleable metal alloy which contains about eighty-five to ninety percent of tin and the remainder consists of copper, antimony and bismuth. This metal is unique in the sense that it was used for the production of jewelry and other working or hunting tools from the very beginning of the bronze age. More active use of this metal started from the middle ages.

In more recent times, it is mostly used to produce various types of tableware. It is also a well accepted choice for producing accessories including bracelets as well as buttons. The pliable quality that it has, makes it easy for craftsmen to easily design the buttons using any shape according to what they like or what their customers requested.

At the same time, every button made of this material looked very shiny and easily grabbed the attention of people. That is why, one could hardly imagine any fancy clothing from the fifteenth to eighteenth century without having them as they became the symbol of sophisticated taste and style. Other than being used to enhance the style, they were quite durable and would hardly break.

This made them ideal to use on the uniforms of soldiers and other military personnel as well. They became essential components of the garments and could be made with various symbols which represented a country or a division. This was of major importance because it served as a method of identifying soldiers who died in the war.

These days, they continue to be used as a result of their unique qualities, their functionality and also the long history that they have. Many artisans can be found who are experts in creating these buttons for a variety of clients. These include people who enjoy wearing vintage styled clothing and want to use these accessories.

Each button is designed and shaped according to the desires of each customer. Sometimes an artisan can create a duplication of a button from an old collection or from one found while excavations were taking place. In recent times they are being accepted more and are making their way onto the catwalk of some of the most exquisite designers where they are featured on their garments.

This shows that while they are a part of fashion history they are now also becoming a part of the future of fashion. Combining styles from times past with the modern looks always creates some excitement with the clothing. Using pewter buttons makes it easy for people to differentiate themselves from the pack and create their own style. In addition to clothing, they are also suitable for using with soft furnishings around the home.




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