I'm glad you started this discussion about buttons, Ted. I've really come to dislike the overly shiney look of chrome... it just doesn't seem to fit with the textures of fine wool and I want to replace the buttons on my PC coatee. The best way I've found to describe what I'm looking for is that I want buttons (and a cantle) with "high lustre", but not "shine."
I noticed on the "Military Metalwork" link, that their cut steel buttons are plated with Rhodium to prevent rust so I wonder if that effects their glitter-factor? I had been resigned to saving up for Sterling Silver, but I'm wondering if anyone makes cut steel buttons in the traditional diamond shape.