Cufflinks, in some form or another are some of the oldest types of jewellery. At first this seems a little surprising. You dont picture Vikings or Romans with double cuff shirts, however when you think of ancient jewellery, a lot of what comes to mind are functional as well as decorative peices.
People have been using metal and jewellery to connect parts of clothing together for many, many years. In the days before zips and buttons this made perfect sense. These days the nessecesity has dimishied but specialsation and improvments in technology have lead to an explosion of creativy and the market for cufflinks is as varied, as exciting and as inclusive as its ever been.
Sterling silver Anchor cufflinks
Today, there are cufflinks to suit all styles and all budgets made from materials sourced from across the globe, manufactured by hand and using modern technology.
In many cases, cufflinks are still part of formal attire and are often ceremonial in use however people now combine them with more casual dress as a way of introducing some jewellery to their outfit.
The way men dress is ever-changing and being fluid and versatile with your approach has never been more important and rewarding.
Do you need a double cuff shirt for cufflinks?
No, although double cuff shirts are literally made for cufflinks they can be a little bulky and cumbersome, especially in summer and there’s nothing to stop you wearing cufflinks in a single cuff shirt as long as it the necessary buttonholes. When you’re buying a shirt check that it has a buttonhole on each cuff.
What different types of cufflinks are there?
Fairtrade gold cufflinks
Cufflinks made from Fairtrade or Fairmined gold offer the best option for buying ethical cufflinks. These metals can be used to create any style of cufflinks and be combined with gemstones to create unique, responsibly created pieces.
Formal cufflinks
For many of us, cufflinks only come out for formal occasions. Think weddings, funerals, club events and maybe for work. For these occasions, plain refined cufflinks are usually favoured. The advantage of plain cufflinks in either gold or silver is that they can be engraved with initials or a family crest and are extremely versatile
Often formal cufflinks can be paired with dress studs and sometimes include semi-precious stones like Lapis or Onyx.
Customizable cufflinks
Often cufflinks that are given as gifts at a formal occasion, for instance, wedding cufflinks can be customized. This frequently means they can be engraved and engraved wedding cufflinks are very popular as a gift and memento of the day.
Other customization options are available, gemstones can be set, for instance, a birthstone and motives or even completely custom designs can be made from scratch.
Fun Cufflinks
Also known as novelty cufflinks, these can be anything a bit of of the ordinary, maybe something you wouldn’t immediately class as formal or smart. Maybe an abstract design with bright colours.
Enamel cufflinks
Enamel is another great way to add colour to a pair of cufflinks. Enamel is coloured glass that is melted in a kiln and can be made into intricate patterns and designs. Texture can be added to the metal underneath the enamel which then shows through the transparent enamel to reveal a decorative pattern.
Gemstone cufflinks
Gemstones can be a great way to add colours and personality to a pair of cufflinks. Gemstone cufflinks can vary wildly in price depending on the size, quality and rarity of the gemstone used as well as which precious metal they are set in.
One of the worlds most expensive pairs of cufflinks featured canary yellow diamonds set in 18ct white gold and were made by US-based Jacob and Co. and cost an estimated $4.2million
Diamonds are ideal for cufflinks as they are tough and resistant to wear, gemstones that are more prone to scratches and breakages, such as emeralds are less suitable for use in cufflinks and will scratch noticeably if worn regularly.
Donald Tusk, elephant cufflinks
Animal cufflinks
Animals and animal imagery are part of every culture worldwide so its no surprise that there is an abundance of animals cufflinks. Think of an animal and there’s every chance somebody somewhere has depicted them as a cufflink.
If you can’t find the animal you are looking for as a cufflink or don’t like any of the options that are available to you, then having some cufflinks custom made is an option.
Many jewellers will offer custom items as part of their service and we are no exception. We made these charming elephant ‘Donald Tusk’ cufflinks for a prominent vet a couple of years ago.
Symbolic cufflinks
Cufflinks adorned with symbolism can carry special meaning and significance. Symbols are often engraved onto flat surfaces like metal or gemstones. Clubs, societies and associations frequently adorn cufflinks with symbols and insignia.
What is the best cufflink fitting?
As cufflinks have evolved over the years so have the type and variety of fitting. Today there are several different types of setting and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Chain fitting
The two parts of the cufflink are attached by a short chain. This type of fitting is popular with older and antique cufflinks. It offers flexibility and security