Verbally, I complain about wifey’s jewelry collection. Her earrings alone would fill a blog (and it did!) So why is she now picking on me for my tie clasps and cufflinks. They aren’t jewelry, they’re necessities! How can one keep the sleeves of a shirt with French cuffs closed without them? Who would wear a necktie without holding it to the shirt with a clasp or tack? Is it preferable for a loose tie to dangle in one’s soup or my morning eggs? Why, of course not! So these items are an absolute must.
That I happen to have several sets of cufflinks does not suggest a ‘collection’, but merely the need to dress for the occasion. Let’s see – wifey shot some pictures to try to embarrass me into admitting that they are just another of my collections, but alas, we shall debunk her opinion and show you how very few there really are.
The earliest cufflinks I used were from my dad and all were the snap-link style, two sided, most with mother of pearl centers. Probably inexpensive and not flashy enough for a teenager.
My first buy was a set with an oval multi-faceted stone and an aurora borealis coloration. They had a strap attached that went down the cuff and around the back, over the turn-bar closure.
Staying with the gaudy theme, I purchased another stone-centered cufflink set
and these had Greek coins. They were from Swank – a common name in men’s accessories in the 50’s.
Later additions for special occasions include this set given as a ‘thank you!’ gift for the groomsmen at a wedding – cheezy!
The cufflink set is still together, I wonder if the couple is?
A bent-back style with a clothespin design caught my eye, also made by Swank. They were purchased when a friend had their first child and diapers hung from their back porch in the dead of winter. (Younger readers, ask your parents or an older relative to explain what cloth diapers were like.)
Forstar made this bent-back example in the shape of a belt buckle. I think they were a gift, but I shan’t mention from whom. Wifey (my starter wife) still gets upset at the thought of any previous life I may have had before we met. I’m suprised she didn’t give me a belt.
This set, purchased only a few years ago at some flea market, is in the shape of a plumbing shut-off valve and is emblazoned with the corporate emblem of Milwaukee Valve Company. They are one of my clients in my ‘real job.’ Interestingly, the handle turns on the stem.
One last pair, which I believe to be of an older design, represents a monkey fist knot and is mounted on a curved strand back with ball end. Made of brass, they feature sprinkles of blue painted dots.
So, you can see it’s NOT a collection, just an assortment. It’s NOT jewelry, it’s a needed accessory, especially if ever buy a French cuff shirt again!
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