Friday, October 31, 2014

Sapphire and Gold Cufflinks



Carter, Gough sapphire cufflinks, circa 1920.

Cool, crisp mornings, clear blue skies and the rich gold tones of turning foliage announce autumn in New England. It is little wonder that my thoughts this time of year often turn to antique cufflinks decorated in the same elegant pairing of blue and gold. So, in the spirit of the season below is a brief survey of gold cufflinks set with bright blue sapphires.



Ehrlich & Sinnock sapphire cufflinks.

Early Art Deco cufflink makers rarely missed an opportunity to richly embellish a design with fine, intricate details. Here rich blue sapphires are set amid bright gold concentric circles, stylized acanthus leaves and finely milgrained edges. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.



Egyptian Revival sapphire cufflinks.

Platinum borders with stylized lotus blossoms and splayed papyrus fronds. The yellow gold centers of the cufflinks feature smaller lotus blossoms surrounding on one side a bright blue sapphire set in platinum and on other a radiant sun burst motif. The discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 inspired the Egyptian Revival style of the Art Deco era. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1925.



Charles Keller sapphire and diamond cufflinks (I).

A wind or compass rose surrounds diamonds and sapphires while stylized roses, a dentil meander and milgrained edges swirl around the periphery. An elegant example of the richly detailed cufflinks created by Charles Keller & Co. in the early 1900s. Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.



J.R. Wood Gothic sapphire cufflinks.

The architecture of the Gothic era is reflected in the design of these elegant gold cufflinks set with bright blue sapphires. The nested ovals, quatrefoils and navettes (diamond shapes) bring to mind the elaborate stone tracery surrounding stained glass windows in a Gothic cathedral. Created by J.R. Wood & Sons in 14kt yellow gold, circa 1920.



Charles Keller sapphire and diamond cufflinks (II).

Sparkling diamonds and rich blue sapphires surrounded by foliate wreath borders and dramatic pinstripe centers. The classic elegance and timeless beauty of the antique cufflink. Created by Charles Keller & Co. in 14kt gold, circa 1920.



Jacob Hookaylo frosty sapphire cufflinks.

A maelstrom of swirling snow surrounds a bright blue sapphire. This wintry tempest in a cufflink is framed by a jazzy border of alternating Art Deco scrolls and linear motifs. Although breaking with our theme of sapphires set in yellow gold, this pair of cufflinks is an elegant reminder that the New England autumn is followed by the frosty beauty of winter. Created by Jacob Hookaylo in 14kt gold, circa 1925.


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


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpin


Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include elegant guilloche enamel and diamond cufflinks by Whiteside & Blank, striking sapphire and diamond links, frosty platinum and gold snowflakes and an Art Deco pair featuring blue enamel and golden pinstripe.


Whiteside & Blank blue guilloche enamel and diamond cufflinks. (J9227)

Classical Jazz  Rich blue enamels with a jazzy engraved pattern of radiating zigzags surrounded by classically-inspired laurel wreath borders.  Created by Whiteside & Blank in 14kt gold, circa 1920.    Cost:  $1,625


Carter, Gough platinum snowflake cufflinks. (J9221)

Platinum Snowflakes   Shimmering snowflakes fall in frosty platinum skies surrounded by striking octagonal borders.  What more could you ask for in elegant Art Deco cufflinks?  Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1930.    Cost:  Sold


Windrose  A wind or compass rose surrounds diamonds and sapphires while stylized roses, dentil meanders and milgrained edges swirl around the periphery.  Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $825


Larter 14kt yellow gold and blue enamel cufflinks. (J9225)

Pinstripe Blues  Blue enamel accents and golden pinstripes light up these elegant cufflinks from the 1920s.  A mix of jazz and elegance equally well suited for the opera or a speakeasy.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1920.    Cost:  $725



In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a fiery French chimera from the Art Nouveau era.


French chimera stickpin. (J9214)

La Chimère  A fierce French chimera vigilantly guards the top of this golden jewel.  The perfect personal gargoyle to keep evil spirits away from one's lapel or tie.  Crafted in 18kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  $725


These and other fine jewels can be found in
the Antique and Estate Jewelry Galleries