Everyone today knows what a cufflink is. But who invented this tiny accessory and when did the fashion come from?
Although many will assume that this piece of jewelry emanated from the 1700s, in fact cufflinks were found in King Tutankhamens time. Indeed they even outdate the humble shirt. However, they were most well known in the 18th century.
In those days they were made from all kinds of precious metals and stones and were most likely to be found in upper class or rich families. Before cufflinks were invented, men would fasten their shirts with laces or ribbons.
When this fashion came to an end - and we are all grateful for that! shirts were still being made with small slits in them to aid fastening.
Somewhere around the mid 18th century machines had been built which could mass produce shirt fasteners. Of course this revolutionized the industry, making production easier, therefore the selling price cheaper, which meant that even the working classes could now afford to add this accessory to their clothes.
Although the richer folk would use their gold, platinum and jeweled links most of the time, many would only wear them on occasions like weddings or state balls to safeguard these valuable little items, but the new machines meant that they could be worn most of the time since they were now being made of cheaper materials.
Faberge, and artisans of this ilk, was world famous in producing miniature works of art
cufflinks amongst them. Their artistry in producing enameled pieces, as well as using precious stones, meant that their work was world renowned for both their beauty and value. They were often given as gifts for visiting dignitaries and suchlike and today they are collectors items.
Faberge artisans were responsible for spreading the art of enameling across Europe and the USA in the early twentieth century when they were forced out of Russia by the communist revolution. Today, many producers will make cufflinks after the style of Faberge enamellers and though they may not be as delicate or valuable as the originals, they are still much appreciated.
So valued are these original works of art that many museums have sprung up to house such collections. Perhaps one of the better known ones is the Cufflink Museum in New Hampshire. This houses more than seventy thousand pairs!
This then proves the popularity of this particular piece of bling which hit its peak in about the mid 1960s. Since then, and with the coming of more casual wear, its popularity has waned. But today the trend for wearing more dressy outfits means that the humble or not so humble cufflink is making a come back.
You will find that many are being given as gifts on special occasions. For example, on wedding days the groom could be wearing a set with I Do written on them. Groomsmen dont get left out either and many will come with the position they hold in the wedding party. Best man and groomsmen are not left out, neither is father of the bride or groom. Even ushers get to sport their own identity and these
cufflinks make great gifts for the wedding party.
If you dont want to give wedding related gifts then there are many on the market in literally hundreds of styles that can be engraved. This gives you the opportunity to add a special date, initials of the recipient or just a special emblem that is known only to the people involved.
In days gone by especially the Victorian era many cufflinks were made with hollow glass domes. This enabled the wearer to place a strand of a deceased persons hair in the cufflink to remember them by. Todays style though is a little less gloomy. Instead, some are made in miniature picture frames so that the wearer can take pictures of his loved ones with him wherever, and whenever, he wishes to remember them.
Dont forget though that this is not just a male fashion. Many women have now taken up the style of wearing masculine type clothing and the cufflink lends itself to this rather chic style. Many are made that would suit the feminine wearer including semi precious stones or delicate animal motifs. Particularly beautiful is the tiny silver dragonfly or animal styles which are becoming increasingly popular.
There are even sets that sport a fully working clock! Imagine being asked the time and flipping up the cufflink to take a look! What a great way to show off a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry. Compasses too are being installed in the humble cufflink which means that he should never have to ask for directions again!
The powdered wigs and white faces of those days were also meant, not only to emphasize her beauty, but to cover up the smell of sweat etc since bathing had not yet become fashionable! Even nests of mice were known to hide out in the pompadour wigs! Let us all be grateful that that fashion is highly unlikely to catch on again!
Lastly, some sets of cufflinks come complete with a set of button studs. These matching studs slip over the original buttons on your shirt and add a little touch of elegance to an already classy outfit. Since many people are involved in the corporate world, this is a great way to stand out in the crowd. Studs would certainly attract attention, of the positive kind, and may just give that opportunity for you to clinch the deal!
Dont forget that if you do start to acquire these small items then you will probably need a custom made box to keep them safe. Many are available and come in pleasing finishes. Perhaps a good one to start with is the traveling case. It is very easy to mislay this small piece of jewelry, especially in a strange hotel room, so the traveling case is ideal to keep your small items all in one place. Blue Chopsticks
