Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Antique Cufflink Archive


The Antique Cufflink Archive


Carter, Howe moss agate cufflinks, circa 1910.

The Antique Cufflink Archive was begun in the last century as a record of antique cufflinks we have had the pleasure of enjoying and closely examining. I thought the archive could serve three goals:

1. to share the beauty and inventiveness of antique cufflinks (sort of an Art Museum for these miniature masterpieces),

2. to tell the history of the firms and individuals who contributed to the creation of these wonderful jewels, and

3. to serve as a sort of a field guide or reference for cufflinks from the past, especially those created in the United States during the first half of the 20th century.



Link & Angell Art Nouveau cufflinks, circa 1900.

This summer I have given some thought to the latter two goals. From the comments of several readers, I believe the archive is serving well to illustrate the beauty, imagination and diversity of antique cufflinks. The cufflinks are presented somewhat randomly, but as miniature works of Art they do not need context or comparators to be appreciated. I also enjoy the randomness - it mimics the serendipitous way in which antique cufflinks are found in the "wild".


Larter Art Deco cufflinks, circa 1930.

In terms of telling the stories of the cufflink makers and serving as a field guide to antique cufflinks, there is room for improvement. To remedy this I will begin creating on-line galleries for each of the major cufflink makers. In addition to displaying examples of each maker's work, the galleries will share what is known about the maker's history. To aid in the identification of cufflinks, eventually sections on the maker's marks and characteristic design elements will also be added.


Carrington "Golden Scrolls" cufflinks, circa 1900.

For the inaugural gallery I have choosen Carrington & Company. This is partly because Carrington is one of my favorite cufflink makers, but also because their work reflects many of the design themes of the early 20th century.

The Carrington Cufflink Archive is a work in progress, but will give a good sense of the general direction. Any thoughts or suggestions on the format, content, etc of the gallery are appreciated. Enjoy!



Monday, August 15, 2011

Recent Additions


Antique Cufflinks

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include several Art Deco and Art Nouveau pairs set with diamonds.


Jazzy Art Deco diamond cufflinks. (J9076)

Deco Dazzle Dazzling Art Deco cufflinks with diamonds, intricately engraved centers and complementing white gold borders. A beautiful example of the jazzy brilliance of Art Deco design during the 1930s. Crafted in 14kt gold.


Art Deco diamond cufflinks. (J9062)

Keller Diamonds Elegant Art Deco cufflinks set with sparkling diamonds and decoratively engraved with an "M" on one link and an "S" on the other. Created by Charles Keller & Co. in 14kt gold, circa 1925.


Art Nouveau flower and diamond cufflinks. (J8805)

Sinuous Vines The sinuous tendrils of a stylized vine or flower surround a sparkling star-set diamond. Part of a series of flora-inspired cufflinks created by an unidentified maker. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.


These and other fine antique cufflinks can be found
in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.


Antique and Estate Jewelry

In the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery I have just added a striking lion-serpent brooch by Carter, Howe and a lovely Krementz honeymoon brooch.


Victorian lion-serpent brooch. (J9079)

Lion-Serpent and Pearl A Victorian chimera brooch with the head of a lion, feathered mane of an eagle and body of a serpent. Created by Carter, Howe in 14kt gold, circa 1890.



Dogwood Honeymoon  The Victorians loved jewels with hidden messages.  This brooch with dogwood blossoms and a crescent moon had a special meaning.  Created in 14kt gold, circa 1900.


This brooch and other fine estate jewels can be found
in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.