For years, buttons have been more than a device that holds it all together. A popular category of collectible buttons are a staple (40,000 plus auctions) on eBay, and a topic discussed by sewing enthusiasts and crafters around the world. This new book bears all the color and attitudes of a favorite vintage button, with all the historical facts and realized pricing suitable for fans of the one thing that truly makes fashion functional.
DK's new line of paperback titles combines all the qualities of its hardcovers with the advantages of the soft cover format. Each of these already popular books will now be available to a large new readership who will delight in the essential elements of every DK title: clarity, educational value, and visual appeal.
Buttons have been made from almost every known material and by every manufacturing technique. Their study provides insight into fashion trends, the clothing industry and social history in general. This book introduces the wonderful array of these treasures from the past, to show the variety of materials and the intricate design and workmanship incorporated in the making of the humble button. Military and civilian uniform buttons are not included. Buttons can still be found amongst small items of silver or jewellery on antique stalls. The discerning eye can also spot interesting examples at boot fairs or charity shops. Collecting buttons can therefore be a hobby for everyone, however much or little they have to spend.
Button collecting has been a hobby in America and Britain for a number of years. Organized along the lines of stamp collecting, there is an incredible variety of buttons available, with the most magnificent produced during the eighteenth century. This book outlines button history and describes the types of buttons that the average collector is most likely to encounter. With illustrations of a large range of button designs, this is a perfect introduction to an enjoyable, timeless hobby, ideal for aspiring collectors and anyone interested in the history of fashion.
For 500 years, the world's greatest makers of costume jewelry have hidden, anonymous, in the heart of Europe: Gablonz, Bohemia. This groundbreaking, beautiful book exposes the jewels, craftsmanship, technological development, and history of Bohemia. Almost 400 gorgeous color photographs illustrate the area's artistry, its most significant designers and manufacturers and their contributions to the art of jewelry, button, and bead making. Bohemian glass dynasties lasted for centuries, until the middle of the 20th century, when the entire community of German-stock craftsmen was expelled from the area in the turbulence of World War II. Though Gablonz will forever feel the loss of these great craftsmen, their artistry has been meticulously researched and documented by Sibylle Jargstorf for this book.
Already an enormously popular title - An absolute must for all collectors. More than 3500 actual photos of buttons. Nearly every make and style is represented and identified with key variations shown.

Almost 350 photos represent numerous categories: pins and pendants, brooches, watch chatelaines and fobs, hatpins, buttons and cuff links, shirt waist buttons, and dress sets. Information on how the jewelry was worn, as well as what trends influenced design in form and decoration, is provided.2001 values. AUTHORBIO: Dorothy Kamm is an award-winning porcelain artist, author, and expert on hand-painted porcelain. She is a certified and registered artists and teacher by International Porcelain Artists and Teachers, Inc. She has been teaching the art of porcelain and painting for more than a decade. She is the author of American Painted Porcelain Collector's Identification and Value Guide, Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, and Painted Porcelain Jewelry and Buttons. REVIEW: This book showcases miniature works of art, and presents decorating techniques, styles and motifs, and the quality of the artwork, in addition to the history of the American china painting movement. Information on how the jewelry was worn as well as what trends influenced design in form and decoration, is provided.
Buttons have been made from almost every known material. Their study provides insight into fashion trends, the clothing industry and social history in general. This book introduces an array of these treasures from the past, to show the variety of materials and the intricate design and workmanship incorporated in the making of the button.