Recent Additions - Cufflinks and Stickpins

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include jazzy Art Deco cufflinks with striking sapphires and an elegant pair of British banded onyx cufflinks.

Sapphire Elegance  Dramatic Art Deco cufflinks with bold geometric borders surrounding yellow gold centers set with rich blue sapphires.  Beautifully crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1925.    Cost:  $1,325

British Onyx  The black-and-white elegance of banded onyx framed in the rosy tinge of antique gold settings.  With its striking contrasts and stark beauty,  banded onyx was a favorite among Victorian cufflink makers and wearers.  Crafted in 15kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  Sold

Recent additions to the Antique Stickpin Gallery feature a beautiful sapphire set in golden scrolls by Whiteside & Blank and a Carrington reverse intaglio of the New York Yacht Club burgee and commodore's flag.

Sapphire Scrolls  Intertwining golden scrolls centered with a rich blue sapphire.  The flowing, interlacing design reflects the Art Nouveau style, as well as the Celtic Revival, of the early 1900s.  Crafted in 14kt gold,  circa 1910.    Cost:  $625

Burgees Aloft  An elegant nautical stickpin featuring the burgee of the New York Yacht Club and the commodore's flag in a beautifully carved reverse intaglio.  Created by Carrington & Company in 14kt gold, circa 1900.    Cost:  $675

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

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include a striking pair by Carrington featuring abalone, pearls and platinum, elegant Sapphire and Diamond cufflinks, Charles Keller blue enamel and gold cufflinks in the Arts & Crafts style, two pairs of dramatically engine-turned "Big Bang" cufflinks, and an Onyx and Diamond dress set by Carter, Gough.

Carrington Abalone and Pearl Elegant abalone and pearl cufflinks in the Art Moderne style of the late 1930s. The abalone is a dark aubergine hue with flashes of red and green. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1935.




Sapphires and Diamonds Elegantly engraved platinum cufflinks set with blue sapphires. and sparkling diamonds. Surrounded by dramatic borders of winged volutes and stylized blossoms. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1920.




Keller Arts & Crafts Gold and blue enamel cufflinks in the Arts & Crafts style. The brightly polished yellow gold centers are surrounded by a captivating border of blue enamel. Crafted in 10kt gold, circa 1910.




Big Bang The brilliance of beautifully engraved platinum and sparkling diamonds. These cufflinks radiate outward like exploding fireworks in the night sky. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, circa 1925.




Diamond and Onyx An elegant diamond and onyx dress set from the 1920s. The white gold borders surrounding the black onyx are engraved with a dramatic Art Deco zigzag pattern. Created in 14kt gold, circa 1925.




Big Bang II White gold cufflinks beautifully engraved with a radiating pattern that explodes like a silvery firework in the night sky. Crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold, circa 1925.

We also recently added an elegant Egyptian Revival stickpin
to the Antique Jewelry Gallery.

Additional photos of these and other fine antique cufflinks,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

Recent Additions

Recent additions to the Antique Cufflink Gallery include ferocious winged lions, beautiful Moss Agates from Sansbury & Nellis, elegant onyx and gold octagons, and jazzy white and yellow gold cufflinks by Ziething.

Roaring Lions! A menagerie of mythological and exotic creatures inhabit antique cufflinks. These cufflinks feature a roaring lion with avian features. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1910.




Moss Agate II Beautiful antique cufflinks featuring fine Moss Agates with the appearence of dark green seaweed floating in sunlit water. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920.




Elegant Onyx! Some of the most elegant cufflink designs are the simplest. This pair of antique cufflinks features creamy black onyx set in octagonal yellow gold frames. Crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1920.




Golden Ovals! Jazzy white and yellow gold cufflinks featuring radiant yellow gold centers surrounded by dramatically engraved white gold borders. A beautiful example of jazzy Art Deco design. Created by Ziething & Company in 10kt gold, circa 1925.

Additional photos and details of these and other antique cufflinks,
can be found in the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

American Art Nouveau Cufflinks

Art Nouveau Cufflinks, circa 1900

In the decade before 1900 exceptional artist jewelers sought a break with the traditions of the past. Finding inspiration in nature, distant cultures, and their own fertile imaginations, these innovative jewelers created stunning jewels that were known collectively as the "Art Nouveau."

Different nations contributed unique interpretations to the Art Nouveau style. In France artists like Rene Lalique created jewels with fantastic woman-insect hybrids and other exotic forms. In Germany the new art found expression in the sinuous, tendril-like curves of the Jugendstil ("youth style"). And in Great Britain Art Nouveau jewels and objects reflecting elements of Celtic and Arts & Crafts design were created by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co.

Krementz Art Nouveau Cufflinks, circa 1900

In America jewelry and cufflink makers were quick to follow the emerging fashions in Europe. Krementz & Company was an early adopter of the the Art Nouveau style. The above Krementz cufflinks recall the flowing curves of the German Jugenstil and the dramatic illustrations of the British artist Aubrey Beardsley. At the top of this note is a beautiful pair of Link & Angell cufflinks likely inspired by the exotic Art Nouveau jewels created in France and the posters of Alphonse Mucha. The face and cascading hair of the woman are enveloped in the narcotic vapors of a poppy flower - a classic Art Nouveau motif.

Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks circa 1900

However, Amercian Art Nouveau cufflinks did not just imitate of the latest European fashions. A unique style of Art Nouveau emerged in the United States. Louis Comfort Tiffany (son of the founder of Tiffany & Company) was a leading proponent of Art Nouveau design. Inspired by trips to Europe and participation in international exhibitions, he contributed a distinct American Art Nouveau style - one emphasizing nature and the imagination.

The above cufflinks created by Tiffany & Company are a wonderful example. The flowing, rich curves and organic forms of the cufflinks have the appearance of seaweed or aquatic plants floating serenely in the water. Voluptuous, flowing curves and tight swirls are emblematic of American Art Nouveau design.

George Street Onyx and Gold Cufflinks, circa 1900

A second pair of American Art Nouveau cufflinks featuring gently flowing borders with tight swirls. The gold borders are subtly textured to create a vine-like, or possibly reptilian, appearance. The swirls at each corner are reminiscent of shimmering stars on a slightly overcast or foggy night. The overall organic shape and drama of the borders is heightened by black Onyx centers and the natural patination of the gold. Created by George O. Street & Sons in 14kt gold, circa 1900.

Tiffany's work with art glass undoubtedly influenced his approach to Art Nouveau design. Indeed, the design of many American Art Nouveau jewels show a strong affinity with the voluptuous curves and curls that Tiffany created in glass. The Favrile glass punch bowl exhibited by Tiffany at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 is a wonderful example.

The affinity between the jewels and the art glass of the period is not surprising. One of the tenets of Art Nouveau design was to create a unified environment in which all elements - architecture, furniture, decoration, objets d'art and jewelry - followed consistent design principles and themes. A movement away from the cluttered eclecticism of the Victorian era.

To view these and other elegant cufflinks from the past,
please visit the Antique Cufflink Gallery.

Antique Dress Sets

Carrington Onyx and Pearl Dress Set, circa 1925.

In 1946 Fred Astaire performed Irving Berlin's classic tune "Puttin' on the Ritz" in the movie "Blue Skies." The performance beautifully captured the elegant fashion sense of the times and was an instant hit. Who can resist singing along to:

Dressed up like a million dollar trouper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper
Super duper!

This enthusiastic sense of style is reflected in the elegant dress sets and cufflinks of the period.

The Carrington black-and-white dress set pictured above is a good example. It radiates sophisticated elegance. The black Onyx tops are set with small white Pearls and surrounded by richly engraved platinum borders. Created around 1925, the set was originally purchased at Tiffany's.

Carrington Mother-of-Pear and Pearl Dress Set, circa 1930.

Carrington & Company was a maker of beautiful cufflinks, dress sets and other fine jewels during the first half of the 20th century. These white-on-white cufflinks feature Mother-of-Pearl centered with a small white Pearl. The platinum borders are embellished with a repeated geometric pattern in the Art Deco style. Another example of Carrington's elegant, sophisticated designs. The cufflinks were sold en suite with a matching set of shirt studs.

Garrigus Onyx and Pearl Dress Set, circa 1930.

This pair of Onyx and Pearl cufflinks exemplifies the simple elegance of Art Deco design. With matching shirt studs and vest buttons, the elegant ensemble is perfect for a night at the opera. Crafted in platinum and gold, the dress set was created by L.E. Garrigus & Company around 1930.

During the early 20th century, dress sets often followed the etiquette of black and white tie attire. Black Onyx or creamy white Mother-of-Pearl were often accented with small pearls or diamonds. The preferred precious metals were platinum and yellow gold.

Carter, Howe Moss Agate Dress Set, circa 1900.

But, dress sets were not just a matter of black and white. The cufflinks above are from a full dress set created by the jewelry firm Carter, Howe & Company in the early 1900s. The set features beautiful Moss Agates set in bright yellow gold. Carter, Howe created arresting dress sets and cufflinks with unusual gemstones, enamel accents and striking designs. While Carrington dress sets exude formal elegance, Carter, Howe dress sets embrace elegance with a little pizazz.

Carter, Howe Enamel and Gold Cufflinks, circa 1910.

Another example of Carter, Howe design. These cuff links and matching shirt studs (see photograph below) feature Mother-of-Pearl centers and dramatic borders of white enamel and yellow gold. Carter, Howe and the successor firm Carter, Gough excelled at creating imaginative designs and worked in a multitude of styles that appeal to both the collector and admirer of estate cufflinks and dress sets. What better way to look just like Gary Cooper. Super duper!

Carter, Howe Enamel and Gold Shirt Studs, circa 1910.

To view these and other dress sets from the past,
please visit our Antique Cufflinks Gallery.

William Huger Cufflinks

William Huger blue guilloche enamel and gold cufflinks, circa 1920.

William Huger Cufflinks

William Huger & Company was not as large or prolific as some of the other fine cufflink makers of the early 20th century (e.g., Carrington and Wordley, Allsopp & Bliss). But what it lacked in size and numbers, the firm made up for with the beauty and craftsmanship of its cufflinks. William Huger cufflinks are sought both for their great beauty and rarity.

William Huger & Co. gold cufflinks, circa 1900.

The story of William Huger & Company is yet to be fully told: the historical record is sparse. The firm was based in Newark, New Jersey and appears to have created fine gold cufflinks and other jewels for only a few decades from the late 1890s until the early 1930s. Like many fine jewelry makers based in Newark, William Huger & Co. ceased operations during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.

Wm. Huger & Company gold cufflinks, circa 1920.

The greatest source of information about the firm are the cufflinks, themselves. William Huger embraced the best of late Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco design. The cufflinks usually feature bold, arresting centers surrounded by refined, exquisitely detailed borders. The cufflinks were crafted in 14kt gold and often accented with enamels (like the beautiful cufflinks featuring blue guilloche enamel pictured at the top of this post) or gemstones.

William Huger Onyx and gold Art Deco cufflinks, circa 1930.

Elegant simplicity defines Huger cufflinks during the Art Deco period. The cufflinks above feature gently domed black Onyx centers surrounded by rich 14kt gold borders of geometric Art Deco motifs and reeded sections. William Huger excelled at combining the boldness of Art Deco design with the firm's high craftsmanship and attention to small details.

"Architectural Elegance" by William Huger, circa 1930.

We have nicknamed this particular Huger design "Architectural Elegance." It is reminiscent of the Chrysler Building and other architectural icons of the Art Deco era. Relative to other Huger cufflinks, this design is not quite as rare. I suspect it was one of Huger's more popular cufflink designs during the 1920s and 30s. Crafted in 14kt white gold, circa 1930.

William Huger & Co. maker's mark.

The maker's mark for William Huger & Company is an "H" with curling edges. The mark is found on the reverse of cufflinks to the right of the precious metal mark ("14" for 14kt gold). The Huger mark is sometimes misread as a fancy "K" or the somewhat similar maker's mark of the Clark Ring Company. At times the Huger mark may be partially obscured because of wear.

To view these and other fine cufflinks from the past,
please visit our Antique Cufflink Gallery.

Antique Onyx Cufflinks

Over the past several months, I have written about antique cufflinks set with shimmering Moonstones, mesmerizing Moss Agates and iridescent Mother of Pearl. Another beautiful gemstone that is elegant on the cuff is Black Onyx.

Carter, Howe Onyx and Gold cufflinks, circa 1890.

During the Victorian era the midnight shades of Black Onyx were most often associated with mourning jewelry and the rituals of bereavement. Towards the end of the era the inky darkness of the gemstone began to shed its more sombre connotations. By the early 1900s, elegant cufflinks and shirt studs crafted in gold and Black Onyx had become de rigueur for black tie affairs.

Onyx, Diamond and Platinum Cufflinks.

Sparkling with diamonds and platinum, these elegant Carrington cufflinks reflect the light, airy jewelry designs of the early 1900s. They feature eight-sided Onyx tops centered with small collet-set diamonds. The platinum borders are richly engraved for an added touch of elegance. Crafted in platinum and 14kt gold, they speak to the undeniable elegance of Black Onyx and diamonds.

Garrigus Onyx and Pearl Cufflinks, circa 1930.

During the Art Deco era (circa 1920 - 1940) Black Onyx remained a favorite with jewelry designers. The dark black of the Onyx beautifully contrasted with the glowing brilliance of platinum and pearls. And the easily fashioned gemstone was ideal for the bold, geometric designs of the period.

Pictured above is beautiful cufflink created by L.E. Garrigus & Company. Garrigus was a maker of fine gold and platinum cufflinks and jewels during the first half of the last century. Their cufflinks were sold by Tiffany & Company and other fine jewelry retailers.

L.E. Garrigus Onyx, Pearl and Platinum Dress Set, circa 1930.

The Garrigus cufflinks are part of an elegant dress set with a pair of cufflinks, 3 shirt studs and 4 vest buttons. The set nicely illustrates the 1920s catch phrase "Putting on the Ritz!"

To view more antique cufflinks set with beautiful gemstones,
please the Antique Cufflink Gallery.