shoe buckle

A buckle is a clasp used for fastening the ends of a belt or as an ornament, particularly for shoes. Historically, buckles were crafted with intricate designs by metalsmiths. Ancient Greek, Roman, and Germanic peoples often ornamented their buckles with animal motifs, sometimes depicting animals in combat.1

During the Middle Ages, buckles were primarily decorative. The shoe buckle gained prominence as an ornament, especially in the 18th century, with fashionable individuals wearing large buckles made of precious metals and adorned with gems. In the 20th century, jeweled or ornamented buckles continued to be popular in women's fashion, though typically without precious gems.1