Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Men's Cufflinks: An Elegant History

By Brad Wilson


Men's cufflinks have always been associated with high society. Even today, a man is often thought to be rich and powerful if he is wearing a set of custom cuff. The first pair of jewelry brought about this trend.

The Origins

Before the cuff jewelry, men's shirt sleeves were held together by ribbon. In order for the shirt to be taken on and off, openings for the head and arms were kept larger by tailors.

By the mid-13th century, tailors started to add buttons to pin shirt sleeves together, rather than ribbon. Until the early 16th century two buttons started to appear. A chain link would connect the buttons as they became quite ornate. These "sleeve buttons" became very popular with the upper class when men started to wear them to commemorate special events, such as weddings, with this accessory. King Charles II is credited for keeping cufflinks part of high society. Because he was often seen wearing them each and every time he went out in public.

In 1788, sleeve buttons were termed "cufflinks" for the first time. Every male of wealth would have it in his wardrobe. This trend, which had started out in England, was spreading quickly throughout Europe. Jewels and monograms were being added to custom jewelry. A new jewel material called glass paste help to fuel more elaborate and ornate products. The cufflink design however had not changed. It comprised of two fat metals connected by a chain.

But the only ones who could buy them were rich people because only jewellers made them. With the Industrial Revolution, quantities of cufflinks started to rise while the price began to fall. Cheaper mass produced jewelries were being purchased then. This new production method also brought us the fix back design.

As production continued to increase, businessmen started to make the cufflink part of their everyday wardrobe. It was no longer a formal attire accessory by the 1920's. Designers started to come out with inexpensive, basic designs that everyman could use. This also gave way to inventing the "whale back" and toggle closure that are most commonly used today. Due to production ease, custom jewelry began to decline.

Today

Once the sixties were over cufflinks became less popular. This was mostly due to shirt manufactures designing formal shirts with button already on the sleeves. Top executives and people of high society still wore cuff but not most other people really used them. But even today, wearing custom jewelry and novelty cuff is popular for just about every occasion. They are a representation of class and sophistication and can be very versatile.

Throughout history, 'mens cufflinks have been very important. Today you can opt for custom designs with your initials, name, or your company's logo or even a simple pair of fabulous and classic cufflinks.




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