It is the most common thing for women to have jewelry in different colors, shapes and sizes. For men, however, it’s an entirely different story. Men’s jewelry can be quite limited, with only watches, necklaces and bracelets listed as the most common items. Many men, though, have already started to realize that there’s another important men’s accessory that they always need to have ready, and these are the cufflinks. It may be one of the lesser known accessories, compared to the more popular watch and bracelet, but it remains to be one of the most significant none the less.

Cufflinks are said to pre-date zippers, safety pins, Velcro and even the straight pin. It is a decorative fastener that holds together a cuff, hence the name cufflinks, on the sleeve of a tuxedo shirt or a dress shirt. It acts as a fastener that replaces the role of a conventional button. The basic principle of its design is made up of a cylindrical post with a decorative end.

As early as 900 years BC, cufflinks were already in use and worn by Vikings. During this time ancient people wore them as adornments. They served as a mark of honor, gallantry or high status in society. The French cufflinks, which are probably the most popular type today, were invented only in the mid-1800s.

In earlier times cufflinks were often made to symbolically represent ancient gods, were sometimes made as rewards for great battles won, and were even used to mark the birth, wedding and coronation of kings and emperors. The latter can be best exemplified today by the recent production of collector’s cufflinks as political memorabilia presented to a short list of campaign workers.

At present, the cufflink has been a popular accessory worn by men in special events such as weddings. We even have what we call now the groomsmen cufflinks. As the name implies, it is worn by groomsmen who play important roles in a wedding ceremony. For this type of men’s jewelry, there are a lot of designs to choose from. There are the ‘double-sided cufflinks’ that have two similar faces with a metal link connection. There are ‘chain cufflinks’ which are similar to the double-sided cufflinks, but use a chain to link the faces of the cufflinks. The ‘snap cufflinks’ which have two separate pieces snapped together. And then there is the more traditional ‘push through cufflink’ where one side pushes through the cuff holes and swivels closed while the opposite side has the decorated face for all to see

With the great history that comes before it, cufflinks need to be worn properly. They are used in garments with button holes but instead of a button, the cufflink is used for a more elegant and stylish appeal. The choice of material, color or style of the cufflink is purely personal, but should be consistent with the type of the event to be attended and how formal it will be. Remember that cufflinks are considered to be a mark of distinction. Thus, the next time you dress up for an occasion, try wearing cufflinks instead of just simple buttons!

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