Buckles are clasps that fasten a strap together. It is usually made of metal that is strong enough to bear the weight and pressure that threaten to unclasp the belt or strap. Through the years, the belt buckle has come to serve decorous purposes for dresses or uniforms. Military personnel express discipline by shining their belt buckles religiously.

Although belt buckles bring into mind swashbuckling pirates and gun trotting cowboys, one of the earliest recorded uses of the belt buckle was in the Xianbei Culture of North China during the 1st Century A.D. It was plated silver and gilt each measuring 4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm) and is now the property of the Fletcher Fund that acquired it in 1924.

Collecting antiquated belt buckles is also an industry in itself. Many collectors preserve and devote their time to hunting belts that carry pieces of history. Popular among them are those crafted and worn during famous wars, like the American Civil War. These buckles easily fetch thousands of dollars at auctions.

However, belt buckles are more like old paintings, and you can have reproductions of them, as it has been easier to do so these days. It is however hard to distinguish a genuine antique belt from a reproduction, especially when the materials used in the copy are the same as those in the original.

Although belt buckles are still used pretty much used for the same purposes as when they first came out, a lot of the modern pieces are worn for their decorous purposes. Most fashion experts say that belts give you a glimpse of a persons personality. There are assortments of belt buckles that cater to teens and fashion aficionados. Just recently, interest in belts as fashion accessories was revived. Belt buckle designs range from the exquisite to the simple yet elegant styles.