While the common bourgeoisie mostly used textile ribbons, aristocrats and wealthy merchants opted for elaborately crafted jewellery made of precious metal. The sewn buttonhole emerged and it became fashionable to hold the cuffs together with two decorative buttons connected by a chain. Called "boutons de manchettes" by French tailors, they enjoyed great popularity among the nobility.
Jewellers crafted these new-fashioned men's accessories from gold and silver and added semi-precious stones or finely chiselled coats of arms. In the 18th century, the use of cufflinks reached the wider classes. Crowned heads, aristocrats, wealthy citizens and fashion-conscious gentlemen amassed entire collections of these exquisite pieces of jewellery.
It became fashionable to personalise cufflinks and present them as a gift or token of appreciation. In the 19th century, the design was no less lavish and eye-catching: gold and silver cufflinks reached their fashionable peak and were extravagantly designed and often set with magnificent gemstones. At the end of the 19th century, for example, the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward II of Great Britain, popularised colourful Fabergé cufflinks. Manufacture, i.e. partly mechanised production in the century of the industrial revolution, contributed to the spread of cufflinks among the middle classes. Around the turn of the century, enamelled cufflinks were extremely popular, but with the simultaneous emergence of mass-produced men's shirts, shirts with simple buttons became fashionable, making the beloved men's accessory superfluous.
In the 1920s, double cuffs, also known as "French cuffs", conquered men's fashion - and these in turn required matching cufflinks. The practical back snap fastener, as we know it today, was introduced and there were no limits to the design of the cufflink in the Art Garde and Art Deco eras. After the wearing of costume jewellery was popularised by Coco Chanel, things also took off for men. In the 1920s and 1930s, more cufflinks were worn than ever before. In all price ranges.
The centres of production in Germany were Idar Oberstein (precious and semi-precious stones), Gablonz (glass crystals) and Pforzheim (gold doublé).
To this day, cufflinks have proven their worth as a classic accessory for formal occasions, elegant business outfits and festive evening wear, adding a subtle but effective touch to any appearance.
Materials: Silver and brass - plated in silver or gold
The term plated refers to a traditional technique in which a thin layer of gold or silver is applied to another metal. This process gives the cufflinks the high-quality look and feel of a pure precious metal piece, while at the same time making them more affordable and durable.
Silver plating impresses with its understated elegance and classic shine, while gold-plated models inspire with their warm colours and dignified expression.
Hand-painted cufflinks - Artful unique pieces made from Limoges porcelain
Thehand-paintedcufflinks are a special rarity within our collection. The finestLimogesporcelain is used for these extraordinary pieces of jewellery - a Material known for its purity and brilliant surface. Experienced porcelain artists, trained in renowned houses such as theMeissenPorcelain Manufactory or theDucaland Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Ludwigsburg, painstakingly hand-paint the small porcelain plates with the finest motifs.
The painted plates are then fired at around 830 °C to permanently fix the colours and ensure that they will last for decades. The frame of these cufflinks is made from recycled silver from a traditional refinery in Pforzheim - one of the most important centres of English jewellery production. Each pair is unique and lovingly crafted, impressively reflecting the special connection between man, nature and craftsmanship.
Cufflinks as a stylish statement
Whetherclassicallysimple, discreetly decorated or artistically crafted - cufflinks are far more than just a functional element of the wardrobe. They setstylishaccents, emphasise the personality of the wearer and blend harmoniously intofinelytailored suits, dinner jackets, tweed jackets or country outfits. They have a particularly elegant effect on shirts and blouses withturn-upcuffs as a subtle sign of taste and style.
Discover our The GunDog Affair Blouses and Shirts, which we have deliberately produced withapractical Convertible cuffs. This gives you the choice of wearing your Shirts or Blouses buttoned for a sporty look orelegantand sophisticated with a matching cufflink - stylish for every occasion.
