Horn and Mother-of-Pearl button sources?

[vonwotan]

I am looking for sources of real horn buttons in varying shades and sizes for coats as well as Mother-of-Pearl for shirts. Do you have any recommendations? Preferably in the United States but, any sources of quality buttons would be greatly appreciated.

[Jordan Marc]

Vonwotan:

If you're in close proximity to New York City, head for Tender Buttons on East 62nd Street. It's just off Lexington Avenue. Whether it's horn, mother-of-pearl or gorgeous buttons for blazers, they've got it. The shop is long and narrow and usually crowded. Fair warning, it's addictive. Once you do business with Tender Buttons, you will return again and again for all your needs.

JMB

[marcelo]

JMB:

Great tip! This shop looks like a buttons paradise.





The images are from: http://nymag.com/listings/stores/tender_buttons/

[Jordan Marc]

Marcelo:

It is, indeed. And if buttons of one kind or another aren't enough to entice you, there is a display case or two of vintage enamel cufflinks not to be missed. Further, there is Buttons, a book co-authored by Diana Epstein and Millicent Safro with a forward by Tom Wolfe that is well-worth adding to your reference library. It was published by Harry Abrams in 1991. Although this elaborately illustrated title is out of print, it shouldn't be too difficult to find through a good book specialist. Who knows? maybe Tender Buttons has a stash of them for sale.

JMB

[le.gentleman]

A great source for suit buttons is http://www.schneiderknopf.de/shop/page/2?shop_param=

Although the minimum order is 25 per button, it's well worth considering especially because of their exceptional prices (here you pay about 1/4 to 1/5 of what you usually have to pay). I think the prices are only so low because you buy directly from the manufacturer. Recently, two friends and I ordered button together, which makes it easier to reach the 25 minimum for 32" buttons. Right now, they are on vacation through 21st August.

They also offer a bespoke button service with a minimum order of 250 per color and size.

[vonwotan]

Jordan, Marcelo and le.gentleman,
Thank you all. Tender Buttons is on my agenda for my next trip home, along with Rare Frames for some new sun glasses. Increasingly, I find I love browsing wonderful little specialty stores or visiting the makers of the goods I purchase. I have become less willing to compromise on my purchases and learned the patience I need to search until I find what both looks and feels just right. I've already started to browse Schneider Knopf!

Cheers.

[marcelo]

Thanks for the reference to Diana Epstein’s and Millicent Safro’s book. I have just checked Schneider Knopf’s site too.

[Baltic]

I have had good luck with Hwa Seng Textile in Singapore for mother of pearl shirt buttons:
http://www.hst.com.sg/acatalog/Holland_ ... utton.html

[alden]

I just ordered some MOP buttons for my Polo coat from the trimmers Weldons and discovered that they now have an online catalgue

www.richardjamesweldon.com

If you ask for Pat Stanbury, she can arrange export orders.

Cheers

Michael Alden

[JohnL]

I have had good luck with Hwa Seng Textile in Singapore for mother of pearl shirt buttons:
http://www.hst.com.sg/acatalog/Holland_ ... utton.html

Worked for me also (for mop jacket buttons)

[Rowly]

Has anyone any experience with http://www.prestigebuttons.com/ ?
They claim to make the best genuine Mop shirt buttons....harvested in Australia and finished in Italy. It seems that most high end Rtw shirts use Shell, which is inferior to genuine Mop. Are there any better sources anyone might know of?....thanks..