Anisha Riggs
Victorian perfume buttons are fabric-covered buttons that were popular during the Victorian era. They were often made with pieces of velvet sewn into the button, which was then dabbed with perfume. This allowed the thick fabric to retain the scent, creating a subtle yet lingering fragrance. These buttons were typically attached to clothing using a pin or thread and were removed at the end of the day to be washed separately. The use of velvet was practical as it prevented oily perfumes from staining clothing. Today, these antique buttons are sometimes used in jewellery-making, such as bracelets and necklaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Velvet |
| Purpose | To retain perfume scent without damaging or contaminating fabrics |
| Attachment | Pinned or stitched to clothing |
| Cleaning | Wash with mild dish soap or brass polish if made of brass |
| Use | Dedicated to each perfume |
| Jewellery | Used in bracelets, necklaces, earrings |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume buttons were made of velvet
Perfume buttons were a common accessory in the Victorian era, often made of velvet fabric. The velvet was sewn into buttons and then dabbed with perfume, allowing the thick fabric to retain the scent. This practice served multiple purposes: firstly, it prevented the heavy oil-based perfumes of the time from directly staining or contaminating fabrics; secondly, it ensured that the fragrance lasted longer without over-application. The buttons were typically attached to clothing using pins or threads and were removed at the end of the day to be washed separately.
The use of velvet in perfume buttons was also influenced by the Victorian perception of the body as a sanctum where no scent should touch the skin. As such, they favoured scenting accessories like handkerchiefs, fans, and gloves instead of direct application. The dark velvet fabric used in the buttons helped disguise any potential stains from the oily perfumes, which would have been more visible on satiny silk or wool fabrics commonly used in dresses.
Victorian perfume buttons were often decorated with pierced brass overlays, adding a decorative touch to their functional purpose. These buttons could be stitched together to form "necklaces" or "edges" of buttons, adorning the wearer with both fragrance and style. The velvet fabric used in these buttons was typically made from silk, although rayon, cotton velvet, and velveteen were also used in later periods.
Today, these antique perfume buttons are still cherished for their historical significance and are often used in jewellery-making, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage and antique items, with some sources mentioning their availability on platforms like Etsy and eBay.
Overall, the velvet Victorian perfume button is a unique and romantic relic of the past, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal, and continues to captivate those with a passion for fragrance and historical fashion.
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They were pinned or stitched to clothing
Victorian perfume buttons were typically crafted from velvet, which was sewn or pinned onto clothing. The thick fabric of the velvet retained the scent of perfume, creating a subtle yet lingering fragrance. These buttons were often pinned or stitched to the clothing, allowing the wearer to enjoy their favourite perfume without directly applying it to their skin or clothing. This method of wearing perfume was particularly popular among Victorian women, who favoured a romanticised and puritanical view of the body, believing that scent should not touch the skin.
The use of velvet in perfume buttons served a practical purpose as well. The dark colour of the velvet helped to disguise any stains that may have occurred from the oily perfumes commonly used at the time. This was especially important considering that washing clothing was not a frequent occurrence in the late 1800s. By attaching the perfume-soaked velvet buttons to their clothing, Victorians could enjoy their favourite fragrances without worrying about stains or damage to their garments.
The design of the perfume buttons could vary, with some featuring decorative pierced brass overlays. These brass details added a visually pleasing element to the buttons, making them a fashionable accessory. The buttons could be attached to clothing with either a pin or thread, depending on the wearer's preference. At the end of the day, the buttons could be removed and washed separately from the clothing, ensuring that the fragrance lasted longer and the clothing remained stain-free.
Today, these antique perfume buttons are often sought after by vintage enthusiasts and collectors. They are also used in jewellery making, adding a unique and historical touch to modern accessories. Some people even create their own perfume buttons by dedicating a button to each perfume they intend to wear, ensuring that the fragrance of the velvet matches the scent they wish to display.
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They were used to avoid direct perfume application to fabric
Victorian perfume buttons were used to avoid direct perfume application to fabric. The buttons were typically made of velvet, which was effective at retaining scent. The perfume was dabbed onto the velvet, and the button was then attached to clothing with a pin or thread. This prevented the heavy oil-based perfumes of the time from damaging or staining the fabric. The buttons could be removed at the end of the day and washed separately, preserving the fragrance.
The use of perfume buttons reflected the Victorian belief that scent should not touch the skin. Instead, accessories such as handkerchiefs, fans, and gloves were scented. The velvet buttons were often decorated with brass, which added a stylish element to the functional purpose of carrying perfume. The buttons could be stitched or pinned to clothing, providing a fashionable and practical way to enjoy fragrance without direct application to fabrics.
The popularity of perfume buttons can also be attributed to the limited laundry practices of the time. Velvet, with its ability to retain scent, was a practical choice for perfume buttons as it allowed for prolonged enjoyment of the fragrance without the need for frequent washing. The buttons could be dedicated to a specific perfume, ensuring that the scent remained intact without interference from other fragrances.
In addition to their practical purposes, perfume buttons held romantic significance. They were often sewn under the lapel of a loved one's jacket, especially if they were travelling or fighting in wars, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of their beloved's fragrance with them. This sentimental use of perfume buttons added an emotional layer to their functional purpose.
Overall, Victorian perfume buttons served as a creative solution to avoid direct perfume application to fabric. They combined fashion, functionality, and romance, reflecting the imaginative prowess of the Victorian era in addressing the challenges of fragrance application while preserving the condition of garments.
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They are used in modern jewellery making
Victorian perfume buttons are small, decorative objects that were popular during the Victorian era. These buttons were designed to hold a few drops of perfume, which would be slowly released throughout the day. They were often made from materials such as glass, ceramic, or metal, and they featured intricate designs and colourful details. While their original purpose was to carry perfume, these buttons have found a new lease of life in modern jewellery-making.
Jewellery designers and crafters have embraced these vintage pieces, incorporating them into contemporary designs. The buttons' unique shapes, vibrant colours, and intricate patterns make them attractive focal points for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The process of upcycling these antique elements into new jewellery pieces adds a layer of sustainability and historical significance to the final product. Modern jewellers might attach these buttons to a simple chain to create a delicate pendant or incorporate them into more complex designs with complementary beads, charms, or gemstones.
The use of these buttons in jewellery-making allows wearers to connect with the past and embrace a piece of history. Each button tells a story and carries a unique charm that mass-produced modern components may lack. They add an air of elegance and sophistication to any jewellery piece, making them desirable for those who appreciate vintage fashion or seek a more distinctive and individual style. Furthermore, the perfume button's original purpose as a scent carrier adds a romantic and whimsical touch to the jewellery, evoking a sense of old-world glamour and mystery.
When creating modern jewellery with Victorian perfume buttons, designers must consider the materials and methods of the era in which they were produced. Many of these buttons were crafted with great attention to detail and featured elaborate enamel work, filigree patterns, or delicate painted designs. Integrating these vintage elements seamlessly into new jewellery may involve soldering, wire wrapping, or other techniques that require a skilled hand and an understanding of the original crafting methods. Ultimately, the incorporation of Victorian perfume buttons into modern jewellery-making blends historical charm with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in unique and captivating pieces that honour the past while appealing to the present.
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They were popular due to Victorian views on the body
During the Victorian era, societal norms and cultural practices regarding the human body were significantly different from those of previous and subsequent periods. The Victorian era witnessed a heightened emphasis on modesty and a strict adherence to social etiquette. Displaying one's body or discussing bodily functions was considered improper and indecent. This cultural context played a crucial role in the popularity of Victorian perfume buttons.
Victorian perfume buttons were small, decorative objects designed to be worn as accessories or sewn onto clothing. They featured a small compartment that could be filled with perfume or scented substances. These buttons served a dual purpose: they acted as both fashionable ornaments and discrete dispensers of pleasant fragrances. By wearing these buttons, individuals could subtly enhance their personal scent without drawing attention to their bodies or engaging in overt displays of vanity.
The Victorian era also saw a growing interest in hygiene and a belief in the therapeutic benefits of certain fragrances. Scents were thought to have the power to mask unpleasant odours associated with poor sanitation and to promote physical and mental well-being. Perfume buttons allowed individuals to carry these beneficial fragrances with them throughout the day, providing a sense of security and contributing to the maintenance of personal hygiene according to the standards of the time.
Additionally, the Victorian era was marked by a fascination with sentimentality and romanticism. Perfume buttons were often given as tokens of affection or remembrance, imbued with specific scents that held symbolic meaning for the giver and recipient. The exchange of these scented tokens reflected the Victorian emphasis on emotional expression and the sentimental value attached to gifts that engaged the senses and evoked memories.
The popularity of Victorian perfume buttons can be largely attributed to the cultural and societal norms of the time, which valued modesty, etiquette, hygiene, and sentimentality. These decorative objects allowed individuals to navigate the strict social expectations of the era while also expressing their personal style and engaging in subtle forms of self-care. By wearing perfume buttons, Victorians could discreetly enhance their presence, convey emotional sentiments, and adhere to the prevailing views on bodily decorum.
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Frequently asked questions
Victorian perfume buttons are tiny pieces of velvet laid over a metal button back with an overlay of decorative, highly ornate, openwork brass. They were used to absorb and carry perfume oil, as direct application of perfume to clothing could cause damage and contamination.
Victorian perfume buttons were typically stitched or pinned onto clothing and removed at the end of the day to be washed separately. They were primarily used for the practical purpose of securing the closure of a woman's bodice or gown.
Victorian perfume buttons were usually made of heavy velvet, sometimes overlaid with decorative pierced brass. They were often crafted into pieces of jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
