Vintage Cufflinks

February 28, 2010 by DeanRichards
Filed under Vintage Cufflinks

vintage-cufflinks

First of all, vintage jewelry, or just jewelry for that matter, is not only for women. Vintage accessories like cufflinks for men have actually played a great role in the men's fashion industry.

It was during the first quarter of the 20th century when cufflinks' history marked its vintage era. Famous jewelry designers like Tiffany and Cartier not only original but also very elegant designs that ranged from gold materials to platinum. Even the combination of platinum and gold provided a wide range of opportunities to create exquisite and intricate designs in all sorts of decorative patterns, not to mention that there were even gemstones and hard stones that can be fused with either platinum or gold.

During the vintage era of cufflinks, Edwardian and Victorian gold cuff links came up with a variety of unique and antique designs which were usually made up of fifteen or eighteen carat. . Aside from gold vintage cufflinks, there were also diamond studded fox heads, enameled game birds or freshwater fish that catered to sport enthusiasts. There were also novelty designs such as skulls and crossbones. Others were enameled to depict racehorses and loose women, both of which were equally popular.

Other early vintage cufflinks also came in pairs of rock crystals that were fused together in silver. Most of the vintage cufflink designs were inspired with a theme in mind such as nature, hunting, or sports. You will also see cufflinks in stores with either the design of a globe or even a hot air balloon in each of the cufflinks' faces - they are most likely, vintage. Jewelry designers like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are few of those who contributed to this themed vintage era of cufflinks. Examples of their designs include the distinctive square checkerboard with diamond studs. There were also sets of rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. Enamel cufflinks in neo-classic shapes were designs originated by Faberg, who also sold in diamond and gem sets. Most of his designs are found in his shops in Moscow, London and St Petersburg.

During the 1930s, there was the art deco vintage cufflinks which was known for its geometrical shapes, which was eventually adapted during the 1950s when jewelry designers came up with rectangular check & bar cufflinks.

In recent years, retro vintage cufflinks has made its way to the cufflinks catalog. There's the retro vintage 1970s chunky hard stone cufflinks and also the retro vintage 1970s chunky circles cufflinks.

Just like other cufflinks, or any other jewelry for that matter, when you intend to buy a pair of vintage cufflinks, make sure you inspect for indications of later repair and dents. Damage to enamel is often concealed by paint but it is near impossible to match the original look. Also, check if the connecting chains are original. Finally, examine any makers' marks extremely carefully. A vintage won't be truly vintage without a designer's mark.