C. 1780s–1790s. A delightful set of four large Georgian opaline and black dot paste buttons, set in silver. Beautifully preserved with almost no signs of wear, we are lucky to find a set of four still together intact.

The foil-backed settings provide luminous light reflection, creating a beautiful harmony between the iridescent glow of the opaline and the deep sparkle of the paste stones. The 'black dot' technique is often seen in Georgian jewelry, where artisans painted a small black dot directly onto the paste stones. The hand-painted black dot mimicked the shadow cast by an open-culet in a diamond.

This pristine set is a textbook example of late-18th-century craftsmanship. Ready to be worn as buttons on a jacket or shirt, they could also easily be converted into two pairs of statement earrings or pendants, if desired. 
Here is a video from our Instagram story showing them in movement. 

Diameter: Approximately 30mm (1.18 inches)

*The antique box shown is for display only.