item mlin23

price £85

circa 1860

In the 18th century cut steel jewellery was made as a fashionable alternative to diamonds, it became so popular it even out priced gold jewellery for a while.   Originally, cut steel was made from old horse shoes which, literally, littered the streets.  It was a time consuming process where each faceted stud  had to be  individually attached  to a steel back.  Cut steel was widely used in the making of buckles. Even the Empress Josephine had cut steel jewellery amongst her collection.This pair of mid Victorian buckles is in perfect condition, the steel is still bright and sparkly. I suppose nowadays, they could be stitched on shoes, handbags, coats and hats, to give the item an individual look.   A good jeweller could easilt convet them into earrings.  Measures 3.2cm