For the Zoom Q&A on February 15 at 2 p.m. I will ask — why does this button have concnetric circles of different colors, yet it feels smooth, with everything on the same plane? It’s a thin button, but could thinner layers have been inserted? Sew through with etching, steels, and possible inlay?
For the Zoom Q&A on shell, I am asking — is this a shell button? What material surrounds the shell? Composition? Horn? So is it Composition with inlay pearl and inlay mirrors? (What are the shiny circles called, and what are they called when they are not shiny but black?
This is a ball with mirrors. Is there a better term for it? What is the ball material? Ivory? My grandmother had thse in different sizes and she died in 1953, so I know it’s before then.The “cage like” nature of this pierced shell button fascinates me. Is there a name for it? It has a yellow metal back. Was it carved from one piece of shell with different layers? This is an 18th century shell, pierced, with paste. But what the black that shows through? It has a metal back The surface of this shell with little mirrors is SO bumpy with facets that it almost seeems as if the facets themselvees are what shines. The back is green. Does the six point star count as a religious symbol or as an astronomical body? Here is another thin button that I think might have been done in layers. Or is it all one piece/ Is this sew through painted or is at transfer or decal. I think it is oyster shell. is t
New Jersey State Button Society 