Antique Cufflinks

Antique cufflinks are stylish, smart and emulate class. There are a large range of styles to suit different occasions and attire. Traditionally it has been the older generations that have worn cufflinks but they are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations. Cufflinks suggest an air of professionalism and a character that takes pride in their appearance; a man who wears cufflinks exudes confidence and importance. Antique cufflinks will add an element of uniqueness to one’s look.

History of Cufflinks

There was a rise in popularity of wearing cufflinks in the late 18th C, they became indicative of wealth and status. In the middle ages cuffs on shirts had become decorative areas, held together by ribbons and frills and connected by buttons. Although cufflinks emerged in the 1600’s it was not until the end of the 18th C they became more commonplace. By the 19th C men’s wardrobes had become more conventional, with dark suits and dinner jackets, from here on cufflinks significantly rose in the fashion stakes. They could be made from gold, silver and pearl and may have been held together by brass chains or a t-bar link.

Types of Antique Cufflinks

Victorian cufflinks were very popular and by the 19th C and early 20th C they had become more intricate and detailed. It is possible to purchase oval, rectangular and square Victorian cufflinks depending on personal preference, some will be knotted or feature borders and may have a carved figurine in the centre. Popular at this time were cufflinks inlaid with mother of pearl, enamel and gemstones. Also around this period cufflinks with opals, garnets and black onyx were favoured. 

During the Edwardian period, the then King Edward, employed the likes of Cartier, Faberge and Tiffany as jewellery designers, during this time there was the emergence of enamelled guilloche and new engraving techniques came to light. King Edward has been sighted for cufflinks popularity during this time.

The 1920’s and 1930’s, alongside jazz and the Art Deco movement, saw cufflinks adopting bolder colours and their lines and designs became more angular. A set of Art Deco cufflinks is a popular collectors item, often patterned, with floral elements and gemstones

From the 1930’s to the 1950’s due the Great Depression cheaper materials were used, plastic, and gold and silver-plated, as opposed to solid silver or gold cufflinks. 18 karat or solid gold cufflinks are valuable due to their higher gold content.

Antique Cufflinks maybe engraved, this may suggest historical significance or merely an indicator of their previous owner. The clasps of antique cufflinks are often elegant and feature an original stamp from their country of origin. European cufflinks are hinged and often made from silver, although brass and gold were also employed in their production. Vintage and Retro cufflinks offer some very creative, quirky designs and maybe an alternative to a more formal look. A set of four cufflinks, for double-holed cuffs are harder to come across in good condition and are therefore of more value. It is also possible to purchase double-sided antique cufflinks.

Antique cufflinks are often passed down through generations and they make a fitting family heirloom to be enjoyed for the generations of males to come, although not gender specific they are predominately an item of jewellery enjoyed by men.