Silver buttons were an important element of traditional dress throughout Europe in the 19th century. Most had a loop on the back for attachment, but in Norway and Sweden stud buttons were also used. These were mainly worn by men, at the throat, to keep their shirts closed. They were usually decorated with filigree.

This stud button probably dates from the 18th century, although it is unmarked. The pattern, of applied circles of twisted wire, dates back to the late Middle Ages, when it was found on spherical buttons all over Europe. By the 19th century they survived only in the north, in Scandinavia and Russia. This button comes from Färs, in Skåne, in the extreme south of Sweden. Skåne province has the richest tradition of jewellery, and more was worn there than in any other district. Almost all the Swedish traditional jewellery at the V&A comes from Skåne.