Clasp

Traditional jewellery from the south German region often employs rich curling patterns. Filigree is one of the most characteristic elements, but jewellery made from sheet silver also uses the same swirling scrolls and flowers. This clasp is mainly made from silver and silver-gilt in a trellis pattern covered with tiny flowers, and studded with bosses set in filigree rosettes. The indented lobes of the rosettes are typical of south German filigree, and can be found on many other pieces of jewellery from the region, such as buttons, choker clasps and hair pins.

This clasp would have been worn by a woman with her Sunday dress. Although there is no standard pattern for traditional belt clasps in south Germany, every element of this clasp confirms that that is what it is.