For Dads and Grads — cufflinks, a touch of elegance

Looking for a gift for that special dad or grad in your life? How about the elegance and style of cufflinks—think Cary Grant and Fred Astaire? As quoted in In Good Taste, “Cufflinks are one of the few versatile men’s jewelry accessories that can add a touch of flair.”

Cufflinks, which reached their height of popularity in the 1930s, declined in the 50s, as buttons took over on machine-made shirts. At the turn of this century, newer generations rediscovered cufflinks and made them fashion statements once again. Today, French cuffs (where both parts of the sleeve have buttonholes) beg for a handsome pair of cufflinks.

Valuable cufflinks: Do you have any of these?

Here are some notable jewelers who created cufflinks that are now vintage (and can be valuable, depending on style and materials/gemstones). Wondering if they’re authentic? Look for fine workmanship, and of course, take them to a reputable appraiser or jeweler.

• Child and Child: Art noveau cufflinks
• Deakin and Francis: Since the 1900s, maker of some of the most valuable heirloom cufflinks, including “The Road To Ruin,” featuring images of dancing women, cards, horses, and drink
• Other vintage brands include vintage Tiffany, Faberge, Bulgari, and David Webb

Styles of cufflinks

There are really only a few types of cufflinks. “Whale backs” have a flat top with a toggle style “whale tail” post that flips back. Ball cufflinks have, as the name indicates, a round ball at either end. Finally, studs and buttons are most often associated with tuxedos.

Caring for valuable cufflinks

• Keep them separated: You don’t want them to scratch each other.
• Pack ‘em up: You can buy inexpensive cufflink boxes to keep them safe.
• A gem is a gem: Use the same care that you would if the stone was in another piece of jewelry, in terms of cleaning with damp cloths, avoiding chemicals, etc.

Buying your guy cufflinks? Some questions to ask yourself

• Will he wear them? If he doesn’t have French cuffs, include a new shirt to go with the new cufflinks.
• Is he whimsical? Would a laughing monkey amuse him? Or some representation of his favorite sport?
• Is he in a position of power (or would like to be)? A cufflink with a gemstone, or an ebony stripe, would add to his classy image.
• Does he like fine things? Look for a beautiful vintage pair (see above) and he’ll love the workmanship, beauty, and sheer classiness of your gift. And say it with gold.
• Is he graduating? This may be his first entrée into “adulting.” He’ll walk a little taller wearing an elegant pair of cufflinks.

Dad or grad, young or old, guys like a little shine and shimmer. Though the options may be more limited than for the ladies, cufflinks can be a beautiful gift that makes the man in your life feel more special than ever. And if you have any heirloom mens’ jewelry, watches, or silver, I can help you determine their value— just contact me at 617-304-0174 or at my website, www.ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly, Aimee