{"title":"Mother-of-Pearl Buttons","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMother-of-pearl buttons: the natural lustre of a fine shirt\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMother-of-pearl buttons are made from the inner layer of mollusc shells, known as nacre or mother of pearl. The material has a soft, iridescent lustre that changes with the angle of the light and cannot be fully recreated by synthetics. Mother-of-pearl buttons are the traditional choice for premium shirts, women's blouses, silk dresses and handmade items. Polkom supplies them wholesale to brands, ateliers and garment factories across Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow mother-of-pearl buttons are made\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe raw material comes mainly from Asia, with the Philippines and Japan among the best-known sources. Round blanks are cut from the shells, then sanded, profiled, drilled and polished. Modern technology has made mother-of-pearl buttons considerably more affordable without taking away their natural beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTypically, the face is lighter and more lustrous, while the back is darker and often keeps the rough texture of the shell. Mainstream models are dense and durable and do not break easily in normal use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause of its natural origin, mother-of-pearl is favoured by brands looking for plastic-free natural materials. Every button has its own pattern and slightly different hues, and up close you can see the fine layered structure of the shell. This is the detail by which a trained eye recognises a quality shirt before even touching the fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTypes of mother-of-pearl buttons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite mother-of-pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e: the classic clean lustre, ideal for white and light shirts.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDark and grey mother-of-pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e: deeper, iridescent shades for dark fabrics and eveningwear.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDyed mother-of-pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e: dyed so that the natural iridescence remains visible.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaw-effect\u003c\/strong\u003e: buttons that keep the look of a flake or piece of shell, for designer collections.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMother-of-pearl button sizes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most commonly used sizes are 14L to 18L (about 9–11.5 mm), standard for shirts, blouses and cuffs. For special requirements we also make larger models, up to 40L (about 25 mm), for jackets, waistcoats and decorative accents. We offer options with two or four holes, in different thicknesses and profiles: flat, with a recessed centre or with a rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePersonalisation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMother-of-pearl can be laser engraved, letting your brand logo or monogram sit discreetly and elegantly on the button. Engraving brings out the contrast between the lustrous surface and the matte engraving. For budget runs with a similar look, see our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/polyester-buttons\"\u003epolyester buttons\u003c\/a\u003e with a pearl effect, and for menswear our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/mens-buttons\"\u003emen's buttons\u003c\/a\u003e selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eApplications and care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003epremium men's shirts and dress shirts;\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ewomen's blouses, silk dresses and lingerie;\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eknitwear, cardigans and childrenswear;\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ehandmade and boutique items.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMother-of-pearl withstands washing and ironing but does not like bleach or harsh chemicals, which can dull its lustre. We recommend ironing garments through a cloth or working around the buttons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Polkom and how to order\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe have worked with mother-of-pearl buttons for more than three decades, keep stock in the most popular sizes and make samples quickly. If you are looking for another natural material, compare our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/corozo-buttons\"\u003ecorozo buttons\u003c\/a\u003e. Send us the size, colour and quantity via our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/contacts\"\u003econtact page\u003c\/a\u003e. Minimum quantities depend on the item.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1050\/6820\/0284\/collections\/sedefeni-kopcheta-kategoria.webp?v=1791482147","url":"https:\/\/polkom.com\/en\/collections\/shell-buttons.oembed","provider":"Polkom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}