2012 Grooms Trends: Cufflinks

In the past, men would hold their shirt sleeves together with strips of lace, pins or straps. Buttons were available but were used solely for decoration. Tailors began to use buttons as fasteners during the Renaissance period in the 13th century with the development of stitched buttonholes a fashion that failed to take off until the 1600's, when two decorative buttons were attached together in the middle by a link chain.

Jewellers responded to the new fashion by making silver and gold sleeve buttons with etched or stamped designs. Precious gems and stones were soon added to the buttons for the upper classes and royalty. Be sure to choose the right pair of cufflinks for your wedding day. There are many different styles that each give alternative looks and each have their own benefits.

Above: Grenade Cufflinks

The Styles

Bullet Back & Toggle

The bullet back and toggle backings are the most common style and the easiest to put on. The backing is the shape of a bullet between two posts.

Whale Back Closure

This style has a straight post with a flat whale tail attached at the end.

Ball Return

Available in chain link or fixed styles. The ball adds an extra element of decoration.

Fixed Backing

The cufflink and the post are one solid piece and are fixed to the back of the cufflink face. The backing is stationary and can be pointed or rounded.

Chain Link

This is the original cufflink design, the two sides of the cufflink are joined together with a chain link. The chain link design offers an air of sophistication.

Above: Burma Cufflinks

About Babette Wasserman

Forever brimming with original ideas, Babette Wasserman unceasingly creates ingenious and innovative designs. Reflecting her great verve for life, influences from classical film, vintage men's fashion and architectural detailing can be seen throughout her collections.

Each design possesses its own personality, exuding charm and effortless chic. Babette's diverse use of unusual materials such as lava, silk and leather enables the wearer to choose between a modern quirky look and a more traditional feel with exquisite hand-carved semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals or enameling.

Great thought is placed also on the back of every cufflink, either by reflecting the sculptural shape of the front, or adorning them with enamel. No part of the cufflink is ever left unturned! Babette's artful conception of the reversible cufflink and the innovative use of inlaid steel has enabled Babette to remain at the forefront of her field, perpetually offering the wearer stylish and distinctive designs.

For more information visit babette-wasserman.com

Header: Brick Cufflinks

1st May 2012