A Guide to Buying Cufflinks for Christmas

Christmas is just a few days away, and if you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift for your husband, father, brother, boyfriend, etc., why not consider a pair of novelty cufflinks.

This jewellery is a welcome addition to a dapper man’s arsenal, while it’s a nudge in the right direction in terms of dressing for the dishevelled male. This article will provide you with a guide to help you in picking out the perfect pair of cufflinks as a gift this coming Christmas.

In the 1880s, cufflinks rose to popularity and are a staple among men’s fashion since. However, early in the 20th century, more colourful versions of these pieces of jewellery were popularised by the Duke of Windsor. This made the cufflinks one of the first pieces of pieces of jewellery men were accepted to wear.

Today, cufflinks come in a wide array of shapes, styles, texture and materials.

Materials

Of importance is the cufflink’s material because it will largely dictate the price point. You have to consider the wearer’s environment. Will he be attending business meetings often? Will he be at formal events or going to private clubs?

The pair of cufflinks you pick out should be appropriate for specific occasions. Also, check if the wear has a watch. If he has, what colour is it? What material is it made of? Generally, a pair of cufflinks should match the wearer’s other accessories, like a watch.

The most common materials you can choose from include the following:

Platinum. This is usually more expensive but is a stronger material. It’s perfect for daily wear since it is denser and resistant to corrosion. In terms of appearance, it is whiter than stainless steel or silver, but a bit heavier than the two.

Gold. This classic material is more suited for formal events.

Rose gold. This cufflink material; gives off a pinkish cast from the mixture of copper and gold. This is also best suited for formal events.

Silver. There are two forms of this material—sterling and pure. Sterling silver is a combination of copper and silver, while purse silvers are very lustrous but less durable.

Stainless steel. This inexpensive material has a classic silvery colour, won’t tarnish or irritate the skin and well-favoured thanks to its versatility.

Enamel. This is perfect if you’re looking for a material with more colour. In order to create a glossy material, the powdered glass is fused.

Precious stones. These range from mother of pearl to carnelian, lapis lazuli to onyx and range in price depending on the stone. Precious stone adds a bit of flair to a pair of novelty cufflinks.

Silk. These materials add a bit go casual and colourful option and typically come in either knot or cord styles.

Style

When you have decided on the material, now you have to pick a design. The most common are the following:

Stud and ball return. These cufflink styles do not have any moving parts. Rather, they have fixed backs which are more secure compared to the other styles. The only drawback is that they’re more challenging to put on.

Toggle closure or bullet back. This is the most common cufflink style. It is composed of a swivel bar hinged in between two posts. When inserting through the buttonhole, turn the bar parallel to the posts. Then, turn the bar 90 degrees and fasten.

Whaleback. These are similar to bullet back cufflink but instead of two posts, there is only one that is connected to a flat tail by a hinge.

Double panel and chain link. These are the most traditional cufflink styles, featuring 2 identical heads that are held together by a metal chain.

Knot and cord style. Most often, they are made from fabrics, featuring two knotted ends that are held together by a material used to make them.

Final thoughts

Now that you have the necessary materials and styles, you can now easily pick out which pair of novelty cufflinks will be suitable for your loved one this Christmas. Go ahead and shop for the most stylish gentleman in your life.