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This object and one other are part of a set whose first object is Jewelry Suite (probably France), ca. 1860.

Object Timeline

-0001

1928

  • We acquired this object.

2004

2014

2025

  • You found it!

Cuff Buttons (probably France)

This is a Cuff buttons. It is dated ca. 1860 and we acquired it in 1928. Its medium is bright-cut engraved aluminum, gold. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Although first discovered in the early nineteenth century, aluminum was still a rare and expensive metal in the 1850's and 60's. Queen Victoria and Empress Eugenie of France both had jewels sets with aluminum, and some examples were displayed at the Crystal Palace Exhibition in London in 1851. In this suite, aluminum is set in elaborate gold mounts and covered with fine bright-cut engraving. Aluminum's life as a precious metal came to an end by the 1890's, when metallurgists were able to produce it in large commercial quantities. (Jewelry, 1989-90)

This object was donated by Mrs. Gustav E. Kissel. It is credited Gift of Mrs. Gustav E. Kissel.

  • Box (France)
  • diamonds, gold.
  • Gift from the Thomas W. Evans Collection from University of Pennsylvania....
  • 1983-69-14

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

  • Parure, ca. 1830
  • seed pearls, mother-of-pearl, gold, fiber.
  • Gift of the estate and in memory of Robert B. Noyes.
  • 1946-50-47/51

Its dimensions are

H x diam. (a): 1.5 x 2.1 cm (9/16 x 13/16 in.) H x diam. (b): 1.5 x 2.2 cm (9/16 x 7/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Cuff Buttons (probably France); bright-cut engraved aluminum, gold; H x diam. (a): 1.5 x 2.1 cm (9/16 x 13/16 in.) H x diam. (b): 1.5 x 2.2 cm (9/16 x 7/8 in.); Gift of Mrs. Gustav E. Kissel; 1928-5-3-a,b

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Hewitt Sisters Collect and Faster, Cheaper, Newer, More: The Revolutions of 1848.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18316475/ |title=Cuff Buttons (probably France) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>