A Set of Buttons
Royal India
Late 19th Century

A set of 13 buttons in gold with rubies, each in the design of a flower-head. Traditionally gem-set buttons such as these were used on the long Indian coats worn by men for ceremonial and formal occasions. The smaller buttons were used to adorn the inner shirt. Buttons made with different gems were matched with the colour of the brocaded textile of formal coats.