Are these micromosaics actually buttons?

The Vintage Vendeuse

The Vintage Vendeuse

VFG Member
There's no shank or whatever so I wasn't sure just what these were... buttons? If so, any idea how old they may be? It's odd that the backs are covered in thread. The black part is either glass or stone, definitely not plastic.
Thank you,
~Donna
buttons1.JPG
buttons2.JPG
 
Yup, that's how the old fabric covered buttons used to be made, there is usually a metal ring inside and it's thread wrapped, a bit like how a pom pom's made, only you don't cut the threads!
The black looks like glass to me.
 
Laura, did you really say 19th century?? Do you mean possibly Victorian?
I had to look up Pietra Dura, thanks for spurring me into a mini-lesson. :) So, if I've got this right, micromosaic involves glass and Pietra Dura involves stone?
I'll post better daylight photos tomorrow, if I get the chance. My cheap-o camera doesn't do well with artificial light.
Is there a descriptive term for the back?

ETA: These were found among my grandmother's bits and bobs. She'd be 103 this year if she were still alive. Grandma was from England, but also lived in Canada and the USA.

Another edit: Here is a very similar pattern. The owner calls it a mosaic. Is there a way for me to tell if my item is glass or stone?
http://imageevent.com/thejewelryring/cowmosaicsmicromosaics?p=23&n=1&m=-1&c=3&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=2
 
Hi Donna -- Knowing that these belonged to your grandmother must make them extra special. :)

The Vintage Vendeuse said:
So, if I've got this right, micromosaic involves glass and Pietra Dura involves stone?
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It is indeed a mosaic (Florentine style) that's comprised of 'hard stone' as per its name, but distinguished from the mosaics/micromosaics (Roman style) comprised of glass tile. Most people will refer to your pieces as Pietra Dura to distinguish between the two.

BTW -- It's hard for me to tell from the pic, but what color is the metal? Is there any wear? If not, have you considered having it tested?

Another edit: Here is a very similar pattern. The owner calls it a mosaic. Is there a way for me to tell if my item is glass or stone?
http://imageevent.com/thejewelryring/cowmosaicsmicromosaics?p=23&n=1&m=-1&c=3&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=2
Click to expand...

That's a very lovely piece as well. Both examples (yours and the one shown in the pic) look very much like stone. Try holding one up to your cheek or press it against your lip. Does it remain cold? If so, then stone. If it warms up to room temperature, then glass.

Rue_de_la_Paix said:
I no longer have my buttons books to reference, but I have never seen that type of silk cording backing on buttons made after WWI. Just my own experience.
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I don't know buttons, but Barbara sure does and would search online for these early buttons and see if you can find something comparable.
 
From my button pal -

I think mid-Victorian, but I am going to check with someone who knows more about that kind of thing than I do, so give me a day or so to hear back from her. If they are for sale, I might be interested in buying them!

Of course I didn't give him a day or two!
 
amandainvermont said:
From my button pal -

I think mid-Victorian, but I am going to check with someone who knows more about that kind of thing than I do, so give me a day or so to hear back from her. If they are for sale, I might be interested in buying them!

Of course I didn't give him a day or two!
Click to expand...

It's always good to have a ready-made buyer ;-)
Yes, they will be for sale.
 
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