History About Buttons Made From Precious Stones

Buttons of diamonds and other precious stones are frequently mentioned as decorations of dress by old writers, especially in the sixteenth century, when their use became general among the wealthy.

Cellini describes the button he made for the pontifical cope, the execution of which gained him great fame, and is spoken of by Vasari in high praise:--"I had laid the diamond exactly in the centre of the work, and over it I had represented God the Father sitting in a sort of free, easy attitude, which suited admirably well with the rest of the piece, and did not in the least crowd the diamond; His right hand was lifted up, giving His blessing. Under the diamond I had drawn three little boys, who supported it with their arms raised aloft. One of these boys, which stood in the middle, was in full, and the other two in half, relievo. Round it was a number of figures of boys, placed among other glittering jewels. The remainder of God the Father was covered with a cloak, which wantoned in the wind, from whence issued several figures of boys, with other striking ornaments most beautiful to behold. This work was made of a white stucco, upon a black stone."