Buckles
18th century
Paste and metal
Museum purchase
Object number2013.3.2
During the 18th century, “paste stones” were commonly in shoe buckles. They were cut to look like diamonds, but were made of lead glass backed with silver foil. Light reflecting off the stones makes them sparkle.
DescriptionPair of oval shaped shoe buckles with curved profile in silver metal frame and setting, large oval and tiny round shaped diamond paste stones; back has center hinge mechanism with double sided prongCollections
Exhibitions