Shoe Buckles and Shoe Clips

Shoe buckles and shoe clips are really interesting fashion accessories.  Although in the strictest sense of the word they are not jewelry, they often end up in the jewelry category.  The other interesting thing about is that as early as the 17th century they were originally worn by men. But since that time fashion has changed and now they are worn by women.  And why not?  They are the perfect way to jazz up a pair of shoes!  Or a single vintage example can be turned into a one of a kind bracelet or pendant.

Buckles were in use on shoes until the early twentieth century.  The buckles were actually sewn onto a strip of leather which was then sewn to the shoe.  I'm sure you remember the large buckles on the  shoes of our Pilgrim fathers or George Washington.

By the Art Deco period, the clip mechanism had been invented.  This meant that the clips could easily be changed from shoe to shoe.  In fact, as you can see in this example, the clip mechanism has actually been placed right over the original shoe buckle.  The invention of the clip meant that the these new buckles could easily be changed from shoe to shoe.

Shoe clips, in a variety of materials were very popular during the flapper era, when women had begun wearing shorter skirts and dancing was very much in vogue.  They could be found made of glass, metal, ceramic and rhinestones.  The best shoe clips at that time were made in France.

In the 1960's, skirts became shorter again and shoe clips once again became quite popular.  With the resurgence of new, "wild" dances, shoe clips became a quick fashion upgrade.  Rows of shiny rhinestones enhanced plain pumps for dancing the night away.

Today you can still buy beautiful shoe clips at your local shoe store or you can find old and new examples on line if you want them for your shoes.  Or, if you are the crafty type, you can turn a single vintage shoe clip into a lovely piece of jewelry.