Antique Cufflinks

At Friar House Antique jewellery we have been selling antique and vintage jewellery online since 2007. We have a hand picked selection of Antique and Art Deco cufflinks and gentlemen’s dress sets, in 18ct white gold, platinum, 18ct yellow gold and 9ct yellow gold, with beautiful engraving and fine detailing. If you're looking for a special, unique gift for the gentleman in your life, please check out our antique cufflinks collection. All our cufflinks are in original antique condition, for the refined & stylish gentleman.

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Antique cufflink styles and fittings

Cufflinks moved from a mark of status in the 18th and 19th centuries, often engraved with a family crest, to a genuinely functional accessory as double-cuff shirts became standard formal wear. Fitting type is a useful way to date a pair of antique cufflinks: chain-link cufflinks, joining two faces with a connecting chain, are typical of earlier pieces, while the swivel or toggle-back fitting familiar today became more widespread through the 20th century. Art Deco cufflinks often use geometric enamel or onyx panels set in platinum or white gold, in keeping with the wider style of the period.

As with antique earrings, cufflinks are sold as a matched pair, so we check both sides of every pair of antique cufflinks for consistent condition and matching engraving or design detail before listing them.

Styles in our antique cufflink collection

We stock chain-link and swivel-back antique cufflinks from the Victorian period through to Art Deco cufflinks, in gold, enamel and onyx. Engraved crest or monogram cufflinks are noted where the engraving is legible, and vintage cufflinks in our collection range from simple gold designs to bold Art Deco enamel and onyx pieces.

Men's cufflinks in our antique cufflinks collection make popular gifts, whether chosen for a formal occasion or for everyday wear. We can advise on whether a blank pair of antique cufflinks could be engraved to order to add a personal touch.

Buying antique cufflinks: what to look for

If you are buying cufflinks as a gift, let us know the occasion - a signet-style engraved pair of antique cufflinks suits a more formal or sentimental gift, while a plain Art Deco geometric design tends to work well as an everyday accessory. We check fitting mechanisms on every pair to make sure the swivel or chain-link action is still secure.

Condition of enamel work on Art Deco cufflinks is worth checking closely, since enamel can chip with wear over the decades. We describe any restoration or repair honestly in each listing.

Visit us or browse online

Our antique cufflinks collection changes regularly as new pieces come in. Contact us directly if you are searching for a specific crest, monogram or style, or visit our shop at 29 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, open Monday to Saturday, 10:15 to 17:00.

Expertly Curated By

Victoria DahmsAntique Jewellery Expert

Victoria has 30 years experience curating the finest antique and vintage jewellery

Victoria's Story

Questions

Common Questions

Are antique cufflinks suitable as gifts? +

They make exceptional gifts - personal, practical, and genuinely distinctive. A pair of well-chosen antique gold cufflinks is a gift that will be worn and appreciated for decades. We can advise on appropriate styles for a specific recipient, occasion, or budget, and can gift-wrap pieces beautifully. All purchases are accompanied by a full valuation certificate.

What occasions are antique cufflinks appropriate for? +

Antique gold cufflinks are appropriate across a wide range of formal and smart-casual occasions. Plain gold bar or oval cufflinks suit business dress and formal events. Engraved or enamelled examples are excellent choices for weddings. Art Deco geometric pieces with stone accents work well at evening events. The quality and individuality of antique cufflinks make them far more interesting companions to a well-dressed outfit than most modern alternatives.

Do antique cufflinks come in matching sets? +

All cufflinks are offered as matched pairs. Dress sets - which include shirt studs and sometimes waistcoat buttons alongside cufflinks in a fitted case - appear in our stock occasionally. These were originally sold as complete sets and matching examples are increasingly rare. When we have a complete dress set, we always present it as such in the listing.

Are antique cufflinks practical for everyday wear? +

Yes - cufflinks are inherently a practical item and antique examples in gold or platinum with secure mechanisms are perfectly suitable for regular use. The main consideration is the security of any stone settings in gem-set examples. We check every stone and its setting before listing and note any that have been repaired or require attention. Swivel bar mechanisms should be checked periodically to ensure the hinge remains free and positive.