The Dazzle and The Shimmer - Ziething Cufflinks

Ziething "Bull's Eye" cufflinks circa 1925.

Ziething & Company is one of the lesser known makers of fine cufflinks from the first half of the 20th century.  The firm created intricately engraved cuff jewels with beautifully engine-turned centers often surrounded by boldly engraved white gold borders.  When brightly polished these elegant cufflinks literally dazzle and shimmer with reflected light.

Ziething "Jungle Sapphire" cufflink circa 1925

Ziething & Co. was based in Newark, New Jersey and specialized in creating 10kt and 14kt gold jewelry.  The style and linkage of the firm's cufflinks suggests they were created mostly during the 1920s and early 1930s.  I suspect Ziething, like a number of the other cufflink makers in the early 20th century, did not survive the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The maker's mark for Ziething & Co. is the letter "Z" in a diamond-shaped surround.  The maker's mark is usually found stamped in the middle of the bridge.  The other side of the bridge is stamped with the gold purity mark, "10K".  The Ziething maker's mark is sometimes misidentified as an "N" in an elongated diamond.

Ziething "Spider Web" cufflinks, circa 1925.

Several years ago a reader of the original blog post for this article kindly provided the following background information about Ziething & Co. and its eponymous founder:

"It's good to see the cufflinks by Ziething & Co.  The business was started by my Gt Gt Gt uncle William Henry Ziething (1875-1944) who was brought to America by his father Henry Ziething in about 1884.  William was born in Portsmouth UK. Henry did not get on with his wife and told her that he was taking William & his sister Ada for a holiday to Germany.  They actually went to Newark, New Jersey where they settled.  William & Ada's mother Amelia never knew what happened to the family and assumed that they had drowned on there way to Germany."

More elegant examples of cufflinks created by Ziething & Co. can be found on the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

Larter & Sons Period Rings - Louis XV

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentlemen's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of handsomely designed, finely crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements matching the beauty and themes of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter & Son's ring inspired by the reign of Louis XV - the ring reflects Larter's interpretation of the curving lines, airiness and asymmetry of the Louis Quinze style.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Louis XV Revival Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Larter & Sons Period Rings - Classical Revival

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentleman's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of handsomely designed, finely crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements that matched the beauty and theme of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter's ring inspired by the Classical Revival of the late 1700s - a period the jeweler characterized as an "age of utmost charm and refinement."

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Classical Revival Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Larter & Sons Period Rings - Gothic Era

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentleman's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of finely designed and crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements that matched the beauty and theme of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter's ring inspired by the Gothic period.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Gothic Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

New in the Gallery - Cufflinks, Dress Sets, Brooches and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include elegantly striking cufflinks from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.


Art Nouveau Curves  Elegant, free flowing scrolls accented with a sparkling star-set diamond.  The sinuous, untamed curves are a hallmark of Art Nouveau design.  Finely crafted  in 14kt gold,  circa 1900.
Cost:  $865


Sapphires and Stars  Bright blue sapphires set in frosted glass disks.  The dramatic effect is like a distant star shining through wispy clouds in the night sky.  Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.
Cost:  $875


Regal Blue  Twilight blue enamels set in boldly sculpted gold cufflinks.  Beneath the enamel a finely engraved radiating pattern shimmers like a distant star in the night sky.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.
Cost:  $925


Feeling Lucky  A four-leaf clover, lucky horseshoe and wishbone assure the wearer of these Art Nouveau cufflinks the best of good fortune.  Created by Larter & Sons in 14kt gold, circa 1900.  Cost:  $745


In the Tuxedo and Dress Set Gallery you will find a recently added a moss agate tuxedo set and a full dress set with onyx centers and ornate borders by Krementz.


Moss Agates  Mesmerizing moss agates with tangles of swirling green inclusions reminiscent of floating seaweed.  This elegant tuxedo set was created by Larter Bros. in 14kt gold, circa 1925.  Cost: $1,375


Onyx and Scrolls  Dark onyx centers surrounded by white gold borders with an elaborate scroll-and-berry design.   An elegant set in the striking black-and-white style of the Jazz Age crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.   Cost:  Sold


New in the Brooch and Pin Gallery is an Art Nouveau brooch with an amethyst, a beautiful Carter, Howe bar pin with a sapphire and fine enamel work, and an Art Deco circle brooch set with sapphires.


Art Nouveau Amethyst  A vibrant amethyst set amid elegant guilloche enamel work framed by a border of gold bands and interlacing Art Nouveau curves.  Created by Whiteside & Blank in 14kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $925


Edwardian Sparkle  A beautifully enameled bar pin set with a blue sapphire and two pearls.  Created by Carter, Howe in 14kt gold, circa 1910.  Cost: $485


Sapphires and Filigree  An elegant Art Deco circle brooch with sparkling man-made sapphires set in intricate filigree work framed by stylized leaf-and-vine borders.  Created in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.  Cost:  $365


New in the Antique Stickpin Gallery is a striking French Art Nouveau stickpin with a chimera clutching a stickpin in its maw.


Chimera and Pearl  A fierce dragon clutches a luminous pearl in its maw.  This golden chimera is a wonderful example of the dramatic and at times terrifying work of French fin de siecle jewelers.  Crafted  in 18kt gold, circa 1900.   Cost:  $675

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

Larter & Sons Period Rings - The Renaissance

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentleman's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of finely designed and crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements that matched the beauty and theme of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter's ring inspired by the Renaissance.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Renaissance Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Larter & Sons Period Rings - Ancient Egypt

Larter & Sons was a prolific maker of cufflinks and other gentleman's accessories during the late 19th century and through much of the 20th century.  Their output ranged from fine gold and gem-set cufflinks and dress sets to less expensive, but equally well made, cufflinks and accessories crafted in base metal.

In the early 1920s the firm created a wonderful collection of finely designed and crafted men's rings reflecting the motifs and architecture of past historic periods.  These rings were announced to the jewelry trade with a series of graphically striking advertisements that matched the beauty and theme of the rings.  Below is the advertisement for Larter's ring inspired by ancient Egypt.

A full size rendition of this advertisement can be viewed at Larter & Sons - Egyptian Revival Ring.  Over the next several weeks I will post the advertisements for the other Period Rings. 

Elegant cufflinks created by Later & Sons and other fine jewels
can be found in the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include winged lions, striking platinum and blue enamel Art Moderne cufflinks and an elegant dress set of carved onyx with pearls.

Winged Lions and Sapphires  Victorian gentlemen delighted in jewels decorated with exotic and fantastic creatures.  Here a winged lion-serpent fiercely guards a bright blue sapphire.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.     Cost:  $1,275

Platinum and Blue  The elegant contrast between frosty platinum pinstripes and regal blue enamel in the Art Moderne taste of the 1930s.  Created by Carrington & Co. in platinum and 14kt gold,  circa 1935.    Cost:  Sold

Engraved Onyx  Elegant dress set with beautifully engraved black onyx tops accented with small pearls and white gold borders.  The elegance of Jazz Age black tie attire.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $1,825

Recent additions to the Antique Stickpin Gallery feature a striking Brassler lapis lazuli stickpin and a Victorian golden scarb.

Lapis Lazuli  Brilliant blue lapis lazuli with small, golden accents is set beneath flowing Art Nouveau curves and Classical laurel wreath borders.  A wonderful example of the imaginative jewels created by Hans Brassler.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.    Cost:  $685

Golden Scarab  Victorian stickpin with a shimmering golden scarab set in a small shadow box.  The frame is decorated with fine wire scrollwork and small golden orbs.  A tour de force of Victorian jewelry making.  Created in 14kt gold, circa 1875.    Cost:  $675

Recent additions to the Antique Brooch Gallery include a wonderful sapphire and pearl brooch created by United Jewelers.

Sapphire and Pearls  A golden brooch with a richly engraved frame of floral and geometric motifs and small, luminous pearls accenting the corners.  A light blue sapphire rests in the center.    Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920.    Cost:  $475

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

Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery have an architectural theme. They include a striking pair of Gothic Revival cufflinks with blue sapphires and elegant two-tone cufflinks with intricate arabesque designs.

Gothic Sapphire The architecture of the Gothic era is reflected in the design of these elegant gold cufflinks set with bright blue sapphires.; Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920. Cost:  $975

Arabesque Beautifully engraved arabesque centers reminiscent of the Moorish architecture of medieval Spain surrounded by bright Art Deco borders with rising sun and lotus motifs. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1925. Cost:  Sold

In the Antique Stickpin Gallery recent additions include a glowing angel skin coral stickpin created by Hans Brassler.

Angel Skin  A glowing angel skin coral cabochon sits in the middle of flowing, golden frame. The rich patina of the gold gives this stickpin a sense of ancient mystery. Created by Hans Brassler in 14kt gold, circa 1910. Cost:  $625

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

New Additions to Antique Cufflink Gallery

Kohn & Company Art Deco cufflinks, circa 1930.

For timely updates when new pairs of cufflinks are added to the Antique Cufflink Gallery, please visit our new Facebook and/or Twitter pages. Photographs and links will be posted as new cufflinks are added.

Similar photographs and links will also be posted for new additions to the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery.

I hope everyone enjoys a festive and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Art Anderson

Recent Additions

Antique Cufflinks

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include beautiful scrolling Art Nouveau cufflinks, a striking engraved mother-of-pearl dress set by Carrington, frosty white gold Art Deco cufflinks and an Art Deco pair with sapphires.

Carrington Fireworks  A Carrington full dress set with engraved mother-of-pearl centers reminiscent of exploding fireworks surrounded by swirling scroll borders.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.

Voluptuous Swirls  A tangle of voluptuous scrolls enlivens these striking Art Nouveau cufflinks.  They feature the tight, twisting swirls favored in American Art Nouveau jewelry design.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Sapphires and Stars  Art Deco cufflinks with dramatic compass rose centers set with small blue sapphires surrounded by angular Greek key borders.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1930.

Art Deco Elegance  Beautiful Art Deco cufflinks with flowing scroll borders and dramatically engraved bull's eye centers.  Created by Frank Krementz Company in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

Art Nouveau Waves  Dramatic scrolls flow along the edges of these cufflinks like frothy, crashing waves.  A nice example of Art Nouveau design.  Created by Link & Angell in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Estate Jewelry

Additions to the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery include a beautiful Art Nouveau brooch by Krementz, dramatic irises, sinuous grape vines and a Victorian amethyst and diamond stickpin.

The Dream  A woman serenely dreaming amid four-leaf clovers.  The clovers are set with sparkling dew drop-like diamonds.  Created by Krementz & Company in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Grapes and Pearls  Beautifully detailed grape leaves and a cluster of fresh water pearls cascade across the oval frame of this Victorian brooch.  Created 10kt gold, circa 1890.

Bouquet of Irises  A bouquet of golden irises flourishes amid an Art Nouveau tangle of curvaceous stems and foliage.  Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Amethyst and Diamond  A regal purple amethyst is accented with fresh water pearls and a sparkling diamond..  The gems are set in a flowing Victorian twig-and-vine setting crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1890.

The above cufflinks, stickpins and other fine jewels from the past,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery
and the Estate Jewelry Gallery

Recent Additions

Antique Cufflinks

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include striking Carrington purple enamels, Fritschze Art Deco diamond cufflinks, a pair of Huger pintstripes and beautifully engraved gold cufflinks from about 1900.

Classical Elegance Elegant cufflinks intricately engraved with repeated waves reminiscent of moire silk. The beautifully engraved centers are surrounded by reeded borders. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Art Deco Diamonds Elegant Art Deco cufflinks with intricately engraved centers and dramatic geometric borders. Small diamonds sparkle in box settings with millegrain edges. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

Carrington Purple Striking purple enamel over an engine-turned pattern of radiating, scalloped circles. The purple centers are surrounded by borders of white enamel and yellow gold. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

White Pinstripes Brightly polished pinstripe centers surrounded by Art Deco borders with stylized floral elements and intricate scrolls. Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.

Estate Jewelry

Recent additions to the Antique and Estate Jewelry Gallery include several lucky talismans - a four-leaf clover and a winged scarab.

Four-leaf Clover A beautiful Art Nouveau brooch of a four-leaf clover set with a small diamond. A wonderful example of flowing, almost surreal Art Nouveau design. Created by Whiteside & Blank in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Winged Scarab Soaring wings surround a scarab carved in dark spinach-green Jade. The winged beetle rests atop a stylized lotus blossom. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

The above cufflinks, stickpins and other fine jewels from the past,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery
and the Estate Jewelry Gallery

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery and the Estate Jewelry Gallery include a menagerie of lions, dragons and serpents and an alphabet soup of monogrammed cufflinks. A pair of frosty Art Deco cufflinks and a striking bloodstone stickpin complete the new additions.

Antique Cufflinks

Flying Dragons A fierce dragon flies across the front of these late Victorian cufflinks. The dragon is beautifully modeled with reptilian skin, richly detailed wings and grasping talons. Crafted 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Frosty Elegance Art Deco white gold cufflinks with a rich, frosty patina that contrasts beautifully with brightly engraved borders and sparkling diamonds. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1930.

Regal Lions A lion with a regal golden mane rises from the grass and roars fiercely. Beautifully detailed with full mane, whiskers and fierce eyes. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

"R" An elegant hand-engraved "R" against an energetic background of wavy and straight lines. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

"G" Elegant pinstripes, a boldly engraved letter "G" and the rich antique color of the gold all date these cufflinks to the Art Deco period. Created by Carter, Gough in 14kt gold, circa 1930.

"N" An elegant "N" in a rectangular cartouche accented with lively scrolls. The sedate linear centers contrast beautifully with the brightly engraved scroll borders. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1925.

Estate Jewelry

Entwined Serpents Entwined serpents with jealous green eyes (possibly cobras) guard a regal purple amethyst. A small fresh water pearl is set above the serpents like a distant, full moon. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Heliotrope A striking heliotrope, or bloodstone, set in a distinctive Arts & Crafts stickpin. The stickpin reflects the influence Medieval design had on Victorian and later jewelry makers. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.

The above cufflinks, stickpins and other fine jewels from the past,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery
and the Estate Jewelry Gallery