Antique Cuff Links For Elegance and Style

What creates more style and elegance  for a man than a beautiful pair of antique cuff links. Cuff links make a wonderful fashion statement for a black tie event or a quiet college affair.  When it come to looking good, cuff links add that little extra special touch.

Cuff links come in a wide variety of styles and metals but one of the most distinguishing characteristics  of antique cuff links is the clasp.  Here is a brief overview of the different cuff link clasps.

 

Toggle bar cuff links

The toggle bar cuff link is a toggle mechanism that can rotate vertically between two bars. The toggle is moved vertically to fit through both cuff holes. Once through the toggle bar is moved to the horizontal position to  secure the cuffs  in place.  This design became popular in the 1940's and is still popular today.







Snap link cuff links

The snap link cuff links consists of two piece that come apart in the middle, push together and pull apart.  Manufacture of this type of cuff link started in about 1910-1918 by companies like Kum-A-Part, Snap-Link and Bear and Wild and  were popular in the 1920's and 1930's.  They were machine made of base metal with gold or silver and mother of pearl embellishments.  They were convenient to wear  but the snap mechanism sometimes failed causing the cuff links to come apart unexpectedly.

Double Panel cuff links

Double panel cuff links consist of a chain or a bar or a bridge connecting two identical decorated shapes together.  French makers,  Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes and Boucheron preferred this style because the cuff links appear of hug or grip the sleeve.

Single Panel cuff links

Single panel cuff links are just like double paneled cuff links except only one side of the identical shapes are decorated.  With single panel cuff links the undecorated side must be worn on the cuff facing inward against the body. 

Swivel Bar and Pivot cuff links

The swivel bar cuff links have just one decorated panel on each cuff link and a movable bar on the back.  The bar is lined up with the cuff holes and then is swiveled horizontally to hold the cuff in place.  The pivot cuff link has one side that is immobile and a connecting bar that is able to pivot.

Ball or Oval back cuff links
Ball and oval backed cuff link have a  immobile closure mechanism shaped like a ball  or an egg attached to a rod.

Show off your own personal style and elegance with antique cuff links during the holidays and other special occasions.