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.
