The belt buckle is said to have been invented by Italian blacksmith Tomaso Kellioni during the Elizabethan era. Other historians say that the Persians introduced the belt buckle to the Romans after their conquest.

The popularity of the belt buckle has risen and fallen, but has recently gained popularity in Western countries such as the United States and Canada.  Ornamental belt buckles have become very popular as many different styles and themes have been manufactured.

Belt buckles have become more popular as a fashion than as a practical clasp for fastening two ends.  Belt buckles often attach to a regular buckle and are decorative in nature.

The popularity of western belt buckles has really kept the belt buckle industry thriving as modern day cowboys and western living enthusiasts have snatched up the many styles of western belt buckles that have become available.  Cowboy belt buckles, rodeo belt buckles, bulls and bull riding buckles are very popular in western markets in the US and Canada.

Belt buckles as an extension for gadgets has also invigorated the belt buckle marketplace.  From belt buckles that house your iPod Nano to LED belt buckles that allow you to display a scrolling text message, these extensions of the typical belt buckle have fueled their popularity.

The trend towards personalization has also infiltrated to the belt buckle industry and marketplace.  Customized belt buckles, LED Belt buckles, Name and monogram belt buckles all add the personal touch and allow individuals to make a statement.

Belt buckles also serve as a personal badge. There are literally hundreds of belt buckle types from licensed batman buckles to buckles of your favorite animals, make of automobile, sports team or rock band.

To give you an idea of the variety of unique belt buckles, we recommend you check some out on the Internet.   Belt-buckles.net is an online retailer of belt buckles and carries a wide selection of buckles, many of which have been mentioned in this article.  Happy belt buckling!