Elegant Ovals

During the early decades of the last century, jewelry makers created elegant oval cufflinks in gold and platinum. Eschewing the more intricate designs of the period, the oval cufflinks often featured simple concentric patterns, subtle engine turning and dramatic pinstripes. These cufflinks are the epitome of understated elegance. Here are a few examples.

14kt gold cufflinks possibly by R. Blackinton & C0., circa 1920.

The striking centers of these gold cufflinks may give rise to a slight feeling of vertigo. Surrounding the repeated ovals are borders of undulating scrolls and, for an added dash of elegance, milgrained edges. Concentric ovals, perhaps influenced by the simple geometric shapes of the Arts and Crafts movement, were a common motif during the early 1900s.

Durand & Co. platinum and gold cufflinks, circa 1910.

Durand & Company created elegant two-tone cufflinks in platinum and gold. Here yellow gold centers shimmer with richly engine-turned chevron patterns. The centers are framed by engraved platinum bands and yellow gold edges with flowing wave motifs. Durand & Company was one of the preeminent makers of fine cufflinks and jewelry during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The founders of the firm shared an artistic heritage with the American landscape painter Asher B. Durand.

J.R. Wood & Sons 14kt gold "pinstripe" cufflinks, circa 1940.

Classic cufflinks with golden pinstripes surrounded by boldly engraved borders. The pinstripe motif grew in popularity as taste moved to the simpler, linear designs of the late Art Deco period. These cufflinks were crafted in 14kt gold by J.R. Wood & Sons. Founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1850, Wood & Sons created fine cufflinks and jewels for over a century before being acquired by Lenox, Inc. in 1970.

To view other beautiful oval cufflinks from the early 1900s,
please visit our Antique Cufflink Gallery.