History of cufflinks

The History of cufflinks goes back to the Middle Ages where its precursor, the ‘cuff string’, adorned the wrists of fashionable gentlemen of the day. One of the earliest references to what we now recognize as cufflinks was made in the London Gazette of 1684, which referred to a pair of cuff buttons set with diamonds; the same journal in 1686 also described a pair of gold enameled cuff buttons. More evidence of the existence of cufflinks in the 17th century was found in Suffolk, England, where a decorated gold single chain cufflink was discovered.
Despite its early appearance, the continual taste for adorning sleeve ends with elaborate wrist ruffles meant it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that the cufflink really came into its own as dandy-ish ruffles gave way to functionally minimal sleeves and in particular the arrival of the French Cuff (also called the Double Cuff), or as the French themselves called it poignet mousquetaire – the musketeer's cuff, paving the way for the emergence proper of cufflinks.

Engraved Cufflinks 101 for Dummies

Cufflinks - these are decorative fasteners mostly worn by men during formal occasions These cufflinks, as the name suggests are worn on two sites of the cuffs

Cufflinks - these are decorative fasteners mostly worn by men during formal occasions. These cufflinks, as the name suggests are worn on two sites of the cuffs.

The cufflink''s heritage goes way back to the Middle ages. It''s great grand ancestor was called the ''cuff string''. The cuff strings were worn around the wrists of the gentlemen of the olden days. Cufflinks then evolved, throughout the decades, becoming increasingly more fashionably, and increasingly more pricey as well. The 1600''s saw cufflinks adorned with diamonds and gold.

Cufflinks were initially worn by the upper crust of society. However, by the 1800''s, cufflinks evolved into trendier, more mainstream sorts, as various jewelers in London and New York marketed and distributed cufflinks at a much, much reasonable price. Eventually, a barrel of cufflink designs emerged, making the cufflinks infiltrate the mass market even more.

Cufflink designs vary. There are novelty cufflinks, traditional cufflinks, contemporary cufflinks, utility cufflinks, and humorous cufflinks. There are some which are made up of a short post connecting a couple of disc-shaped parts. There are also some which may have a portion that rotates on the central post. Whatever the design, cufflinks sure have come a long way since their "cuff string" days.

Recently, cufflinks have reached another echelon. These days, cufflinks have become the gift of choice for any occasion. It has become one of the most popular list on the groomsmen gift ideas, along with hip flasks and Zippo lighters.

To give them a more personalized feel, engraved cufflinks are the gifts of choice for any dress shirt-wearing male. Engraved cufflinks have gained a foothold as superb great ideas because, one, engraved cufflinks are elegant and pleasing to the eye. Second, cufflinks are considered a status symbol. Third, engraved cufflinks are stylish.

However, you have to consider that there is only a select type of males that you can gift with engraved cufflinks. To give you a hint, these are:

1. Those who often wear dress shirts to the office. These are the male species under the corporate category. Naturally, you would not give engraved cufflinks as gifts for skater punks who, most likely, would wear a formal suit once in every two years. Nor would you give engraved cufflinks to outdoorsmen. That simply would not be practical, would it?

2. Those who are often invited to formal occasions. There are a few men who, luckily or unluckily - depends on how they see it - are often invited to formal occasions. These men do not need an entire case of engraved cufflinks. Maybe just one or two for them to wear occasionally.

3. The cufflink collectors. Yes, such group of men actually does exist. For some reason, they find collecting cufflinks quite fascinating. An engraved cufflink would be the perfect personalized gift for them.

4. Teenagers. Somehow, teen males simply ought to have a pair of elegant cufflinks in handy. These are extremely useful in prom, homecoming, family gatherings - such as weddings - or formal dates. It would be a whole lot better to have these things around their rooms - its saves them a trip to their dad''s closet to borrow a pair of cufflinks.

source: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/

Cufflinks - The Fashion Accessory

For many people style and fashion is everything! Men for decades have styled there appearance for business with a stylish suit comprising of shirt, trousers, ties and blazer. This is how many interpret the appearance of a well groomed man going to work within the city. Although a suit accentuates an individuals appearance there is nothing quit as elegant as adding a pair of designer cufflinks to the ensemble.

In today's society the range of cufflinks on offer are endless. You are now able to choose virtually any design you can think of and develop it in to a set of stylish cufflinks. Alongside the endless ranges available you can also personalise each set of cufflinks making them ideal as a gift or present for a friend or loved one.

Cufflinks have been in existence for centuries however they are often one of the accessories often forgotten when it comes to preparing a stylish outfit. Ever since the first cufflinks came in to existence in the seventeenth century they have been a fashion accessory that boasts wealth and power. Only distinguished gentlemen and men of wealth and power would display the cufflink as a means of reinforcing their image and status. For many years the design of the cufflink was very important to the individual as it would project their level of professionalism. In certain established circles the design of the cufflink you wore related to your profession and the importance of your stature.

The cufflink comes in many styles and designs and should be used in accordance to your image. Especially if you work in certain sectors such as the financial industry, a set of intricate cufflinks can boast your professionalism and desire to succeed. Other areas include the military, solicitors, lawyers and many more where the style of your cufflink is an important factor for projecting your image.

Although the cufflink can be an important attribute towards your career they are also perfect for displaying affection. A set of carefully engraved cufflinks created in gold or silver is the ideal gift for a family member of loved one. Whether you are looking to enhance your attire, would like an idea for a birthday or Christmas present or just like the idea of purchasing something unique to collect check out all the latest cufflinks available online.

Written by Graham Horsefall on behalf of The Cufflink Man offering one the largest selections of designer and novlety cufflinks online.