Monday, May 31, 2010

Antique Cufflinks: Objects of Adornment


Larter blue enamel and gold cufflinks, circa 1930.

Antique Cufflinks: Objects of Adornment

In several earlier posts, I discussed the artistry and history of antique cufflinks. This month's note is about cufflinks as objects of personal adornment. These three factors - Artistry, History and Adornment - in large part explain the irresistible attraction of antique cufflinks. Together they constitute the "AHA Effect."

The reasons individuals wear antique cufflinks are many. At the most rudimentary level cufflinks are functional - they hold a shirt cuff together. Beyond the utilitarian, a wearer may select a pair of antique cufflinks because he/she wishes to enjoy a miniature work of art and literally keep it close at hand. Another wearer may be motivated by a sense of history. While others may aspire to a public display of wealth.

Fortuitously, the designs of antique cufflinks are as diverse as the motives of those who wear them. The period from 1880 to 1950 saw the creation of cufflinks in many distinct styles, ranging from Victorian to Art Nouveau, Edwardian to Art Deco. Among antique cufflinks there is something to suit almost any taste.

This point is better illustrated with photographs than words. Below is a sampling of fine antique cufflinks from the 1890s until the 1940s. These cufflinks would beautifully adorn any cuff.



Carrington purple enamel cufflinks. (J8828)

Striking guilloche enamel cufflinks with translucent purple enamel over an engine turned pattern of radiating ovals. A nice example of the beautifully crafted, bold designs created by Carrington & Co. during the 1920s and 1930s. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1930.



Durand platinum and gold cufflinks. (J8972)

Beautifully designed platinum and gold cufflinks with intricately engraved centers and platinum borders with Greek key accents. These elegant cufflinks were created around 1910 by one of the founding firm's of the American jewelry industry, Durand & Company.



WAB fierce lion cufflinks. (J8762)

A menagerie of mythological creatures and exotic animals inhabit antique cufflinks. These cufflinks feature a roaring lion with striking eagle-like features. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.



Elegant gold and black enamel Art Deco cufflinks. (J8826)

An exuberant pair of Art Deco cufflinks with radiant sunburst centers and black enamel accents. Engraved yellow and white gold borders complement the design with bold Art Deco motifs. Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.



Carter, Gough 14kt gold pearl and mother-of-pearl cufflinks. (J8650)

Wonderful white-on-white cufflinks featuring mother of pearl centers surrounded by elegantly scrolling white gold borders with a small pearl in the center. Crafted in 14kt gold , circa 1920.



Antique platinum and diamond cufflinks. (J8976)

The elegance of the Edwardian era sparkles in these platinum and diamond cufflinks. The soft engraving of the platinum shimmers like watered silk. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1910.



Carrington 14kt gold Arts and Cufflinks cufflinks. (J8804)

Beautifully crafted gold cufflinks in the Arts & Crafts style from Carrington & Co. The hand-hammered gold surfaces shimmer like sunlight sparkling on a gently rippling pool of water. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.



Sloan & Company Egyptian Revival cufflinks. (J8840)

Late Victorian cufflinks with dramatic winged scarabs. A wonderful example of Egyptian Revival design from of the late 1800s. Antique cufflinks often reflect an enthusiasm to past periods and ancient civilizations. Created by Sloan & Co. in 14kt gold, circa 1890



Antique Celtic Revival cufflinks. (J8775)

The curving, intertwining lines of ancient Celtic design inspired beautiful cuff jewels during the 19th century Celtic Revival. Another example, of the late Victorian interest in ancient cultures. These finely crafted cufflinks were created by George O. Street in 14kt gold, circa 1900.



Tiffany Art Nouveau sapphire and diamond cufflinks. (J8834)

Beautiful Tiffany Art Nouveau cufflinks featuring Old European Cut diamonds and blue Sapphires set amid flowing, intertwining curves. Crafted in 18kt gold, circa 1900.



The above and many other fine cufflinks from the past can be
found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.


Saturday, May 15, 2010

Recent Additions


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery feature an elegant pair of Durand platinum and gold cufflinks, beautiful Moss Agates from Carter, Howe & Company, sparkling Edwardian diamond and platinum cufflinks, and frosty white gold snowflakes.


Durand platinum and gold cufflinks. (J8972)

Platinum and Gold! Beautifully designed platinum and gold cufflinks with intricately engraved centers and platinum borders with Greek or Chinese key accents. These elegant cufflinks were created by Durand & Company, circa 1910.


Carter, Howe Moss Agate cufflinks crafted in 14kt yellow gold. (J8851)

Moss Agate III Beautiful eight-sided Moss Agates set in bright yellow gold. Created by one of the premier makers of fine cufflinks during the early 1900s. Crafted in 14t gold, circa 1910.


Antique platinum and diamond cufflinks. (J8976)

Edwardian Elegance! Cushion-shape platinum top cufflinks that sparkle with the elegance of the Edwardian era. The softly engraved platinum shimmers like watered silk. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1910.


Antique platinum and diamond cufflinks. (J8696)

Intricately Engraved! Beautifully engraved white gold cufflinks with elegant scroll borders. The dramatic borders feature winged volutes and small flowers at each corner. Crafted in 14kt white gold, circa 1920.

Additional photos and details of these and other antique cufflinks,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.