All about mother-of-pearl buttons

Mother-of-pearl buttons are obtained mechanically from the shells of sea and freshwater molluscs using bleaching in a weak boiling solution of hydrochloric acid.

Selected buttons are cut from the shells of exactly those molluscs containing the pearls. Experts especially appreciate the buttons that are obtained from the thickest shells. They are characterized by maximum strength and durability. In nature, such raw materials can be found quite rarely and therefore products are expensive.

The high cost in comparison with plastic is offset by its special attractiveness and beautiful iridescent effect in bright light. Such overflows will not leave indifferent anyone around.

Mother-of-pearl buttons are resistant to water, high temperatures, alkali and acid solutions, but at the same time they are quite fragile. Standard products are produced with a diameter of 10-22 mm with two and four eyes. They are used both for linen and for various costumes and dresses.

Mother of pearl can be of any color, but white buttons are most often found. For coloring, special dyes are used that transmit light, therefore, a painted mother-of-pearl button will shimmer in the sun, like a regular one. Sometimes the items have buttons made of dark mother-of-pearl. Buttons made of this material can be thick and thin, perfectly sanded or rough and bumpy, curved or flat, with or without colored specks.

Mother-of-pearl buttons look very elegant and romantic. They can be used in the interior - to decorate photo frames, lampshades, pillows. They will give the room a unique retro charm.

Like plastic, mother-of-pearl is easy to engrave. Some manufacturers create exclusive custom-made buttons - in this case, a flower or a certain plant may be depicted on the product, the brand name is often found.

You can distinguish a mother-of-pearl button from a plastic one both tactilely and visually. Mother-of-pearl never heats up (this can be checked by touching it with your tongue or lips). The artificial material always stays warm.

Today, many craftsmen work with mother-of-pearl buttons, because this is a natural material that looks stylish and unique on products. Antique mother-of-pearl buttons are especially popular - vintage items made from them look very romantic.

A luxurious necklace made of mother-of-pearl buttons can decorate any fashionista.

Small shell buttons are most often used for the production of romantic blouses, thin shirts such as shirts, all kinds of summer dresses. They can also be found on underwear.