Rhinestone Buttons

Vintage rhinestone buttons are becoming a popular collector’s item, as retro comes back into style.  If you’re interested in collecting vintage buttons or you want to find some for use in a clothing project, this article might help you.

Vintage rhinestone buttons are generally regarded as anything that was made in the 1970s or earlier.  Generally it’s difficult to put exact dates on buttons because there is no real record of when they were made, so most people take an educated guess based on the style of the button relative to the style of the period.  Be sure to try and ascertain from whoever is selling you the buttons how they know or why they think they’re from the period they are – because of the lack of paperwork or records around buttons, it’s easy to make buttons today in the style of years gone by and to try and sell them as vintage.

If you’re satisfied that you’re truly buying vintage rhinestone buttons, check the style and make sure it’s something you like.  You should also try to get as much information as you can about the condition of the buttons, such as whether there are any rhinestones missing, which is quite possible for buttons which are 40 years old or more, and if any of them are damaged or scratched.  Also check whether the backing is damaged at all, and be sure to ask what material they’re made of.  Also, if you’re planning to use the buttons for clothes, make sure you find out where the button holes are.

Also make sure you know the exact size of the buttons before you order them, so you’re not disappointed or surprised when they arrive.  Vintage buttons could be anywhere from quarter of an inch to an inch or more in diameter, so the difference is significant.

Determining pricing is very difficult and ultimately it depends mainly on how much you’re willing to pay for them.  Usually for small sets or collections of just a few buttons, you shouldn’t pay more than a few dollars unless there’s something very special about the buttons.  You will see some vintage rhinestone button sets going for a lot more than that, but that’s rare.  Do some shopping around to compare styles and prices and you’ll start to get a feel for what’s available and how much you’re willing to pay for each piece.