I have Mom to thank for this one.
Hypothesis: The so-called "flower buckle" (as seen in OIP 69) is not a buckle at all, but exactly what it appears to be - a concho. The early Achaemenid weapon belt laces closed and the lace also attaches the round object, but as a purely decorative element.
We have no solid evidence for this hypothesis, but given the lack of contrary evidence, it should work with what we do know.