Dress studs are extinct in the wild today. These small fasteners were once used by men to secure starched, detachable collars and wrist cuffs to their shirts. They were pushed through buttonholes from the inside, leaving the decorative face visible on the outside. Because 19th century laundering methods (like mangles) destroyed sewn-on buttons, studs were an essential and very fancy accessory. These coral ovals look like the love child of a knot and an infinity symbol. Chic! c. 1830.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), coral
AGE: c. 1830
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 5/8" x 3/8"