Brooch/Pin: Vintage Reproduction Czech Glass Red Heart Button with Swarovski Crystals, 24K Gold-Lined Opal Seed online Beads, & Circle-Style Clasp

Brooch/Pin: Vintage Reproduction Czech Glass Red Heart Button with Aquamarine, Erinite, and Jonquil AB 2X Swarovski Crystals; 24K Gold-Lined Opal Seed Beads; Red Ultrasuede Backing; and a Circle-Style Clasp

Condition: Perfect

Measurements: the brooch measures about 2 1/4" high by 2 1/4" wide by
1/4" thick (5.72 x 5.72 x .64 cm)

The Czech Republic, formerly Bohemia, has long had a tradition of high-quality glass making in a variety of forms from beads, buttons, and jewelry to candle holders, serve ware, and vases, etc. It's a miracle, but some of the vintage and antique button molds survived World War II and, once rediscovered, now are being used to mold new glass buttons in the old styles. The bold, red heart at the center of this brooch is a fine example of a new "old" button.

After snipping off the metal button shank and affixing the button to a craft interfacing base, I outlined it with two rows of 24K gold-lined opal glass seed beads. Because the button is set with Erinite and Aquamarine rhinestone crystals, I decided to use those colors of Swarovski crystals, as well as Jonquil AB 2X, to further embroider around the heart. Once the little crystals had been online added, I outlined them, as well, with the gold-lined seed beads. I then glued a circle-style pin back onto the interfacing, adhered a soft red Ultrasuede heart to the back, and encased the edges of the pin with additional seed beads. The finished brooch is perfectly suited to adorn any royal costume!