Antique Art Nouveau Sterling 925 Silver Nurses Womens Cape Sash Belt Buckle | Vintage | 50.6 Grams order | 2.1" L | 3.8" W | Neoclassical | Rococo

We have similar Nurses' Buckle items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Nurses" under our items.

The Piece

Age Circa: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910

Markings: Indecipherable Maker's Mark on the back of the buckle, Tested, and Guaranteed

Country of Origin: Unknown

Brand: Unknown

Gram Weight: 50.6 Grams

Metal Type: .925 Sterling Silver, Brass Accents

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Item Measurements: The two halves of the nurses' buckle measure 2.35" and 2.0" in width each and 3.8" together. The buckles are 2.1" long.

Collectible Type: Nurses Buckle

Men's or Women's: Unisex

Notable Features:

- Neoclassical and Rococo-inspired filigree floral design
- The centers of each flower are made of brass
- Classic nurse buckle style -- clasp attached to the ends of a cape and then hooked together to keep the cape secure
- One buckle has a loop on the back through which a hook on the other buckle is attached
- Loops at the outer edges of each component of the buckle to which a cape can be attached
- This style of buckle was popularized by nurses, who wore them as part of their uniforms

Damage: Age appropriate wear.

*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*


The History

The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.” This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period. This era focused on women, and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a standard material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.

The Neoclassical era corresponds roughly with the period between 1760 and 1830, a time of increased political upheaval and change in Europe and North America. Inspired by the themes of personal liberty and progress introduced during the Age of Enlightenment, populations at large began to distance themselves from the lavish and exorbitant lifestyles and fashion of the wealthy, looking to the ancient Greco-Roman world for inspiration and direction. Born from this search for new philosophies and fashions that reflected their Enlightenment values was the Neoclassical style.

Unlike philosophers and artists, who had examples of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and art to base their work off, jewelers had very few pieces to reference, and instead created their own style of jewelry based on what they imagined would have been worn in the ancient Greco-Roman world. This saw jewelry emerge that incorporated motifs inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, artwork, and, later, excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Unlike jewelry from previous eras, which was made for the wealthy elite, Neoclassical jewelry was designed for and influenced by the people.

The late Baroque or Rococo period prevailed in the 18th century. The period was known for its substantial use of asymmetrical designs, curves, gold, and witty, whimsical themes. Both men and women at court wore sparkling gemstones set in gold during this period, as well as colorless glass pastes and pearls. Colored gems were often highly foiled behind them to enhance the depth of color. Jewelry was often created with naturalistic, floral designs. Rococo jewelry also featured embossed and engraved floral and feather designs on metal.

Nurses Buckles were used for both a buckle on the waist and more commonly used to hold in place the two ends of the traditional Nurse's Cape that was worn during the Art Nouveau era. The two halves would clip together in the center bringing together the ornate scene of the buckles.

Filigree metalworking is a delicate form of art and has been found as early as 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia. It was perfected by the Phoenicians and Etruscan civilizations between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. It involves stamping out a design in metal and hand bending and twirling threads, combined with tiny beads until a final motif emerges. It is reminiscent of lace and considered one of the most difficult metalworking processes. Filigree is still a order very popular technique in India and Asia.



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