13L 1940s-1950s Trochus Shell Two-Hole Buttons 5/16 Inches Set of 11

Set of eleven vintage sew-through buttons featuring genuine natural mother of pearl with delicate carved designs. Each displays an intricate radiating flower or star-like petal motif hand-carved into the nacre, enhanced by light gold-tone gilt wash that highlights the carvings and adds a luxurious touch to the natural iridescent luster.

Era: 1940-1950s
Quantity: 11
Size: diminutive
Measure approximately: 13L, 13 lignes, 8.2 mm., or 21/64" (close to 5/16")
Attachment: Two-hole - two central holes placed in a deep round recess to protect the thread.

Material: Trochus shell. Genuine mother-of-pearl (MOP). From the sea snail Trochus Niloticus. Trochus produces a thick, strong, creamy nacre that's used for high-quality carved buttons.

Color: Creamy tones with subtle pink, green, and blue flashes. Hand applied gilt wash in carved design, as shown.

Origin: Manufactured in France, a historic center for fine carved Mother of Pearl buttons. (In the 1920s Japan became a major processor, turning Australian/Pacific trochus into finished buttons extensively exported worldwide through the 1950. However, finely carved mother of pearl buttons were a specialized offering from Europe).

Uses: These elegant buttons showcase mid-20th-century craftsmanship from the 1940s–1950s when small carved floral MOP buttons were widely used for fine lingerie, blouses, baby clothes, and delicate ready-to-wear garments. Ideal for heirloom sewing, doll clothes, antique garment restoration, craft embellishments, or jewelry making.

The petite scale, precise carving, and gilt detailing draw from earlier Victorian/Edwardian traditions but reflect post-war production techniques.

Condition: These buttons are in excellent vintage condition. The petite scale, precise carving, and gilt detailing draw from earlier Victorian/Edwardian traditions but reflect post-war production techniques.