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From not-so-humble origins as a costlier alternative to silk-ribbon sleeve closures, the cufflink has always denoted a certain level of wealth – and power. Since the advent of the tuxedo in the late 1800s, cufflinks and their matching studs have often been the one touch of socially acceptable individuality allowed for men at the better sort of functions; they’ve also proved an enduring part of proper office dress – at least until the late ’60s, when polyester leisure suits nearly killed them.
Their revival came from the unlikeliest of sources: women’s wear and the English New Romantic movement of the early ’80s. Today cufflinks are the final finishing flourish to any executive outfit, for either gender.
His: (from left) Sterling silver enamelled oval basket weav e, Tiffany, $495, tiffany.ca RT by Tateossian red enamel filigree, $140, harryrosen.com Costen Catbalue white gold meteorite cufflinks, $2,200, costencatbalue.com Sterling silver Jan Leslie horseshoe, $350, harryrosen.com Sterling silver and black enamel stripe, Birks, $175, birks.com Birks Dimodolo 18-karat gold and diamond cufflinks, $2,725, birks.com Sterling silver Tiffany Bull & Bear cufflink, $240, tiffany.ca
Her: (from left) Sterling silver Bull & Bear cufflink, Tiffany, $240, tiffany.ca Pink Tartan gold and diamond clover, $4,995, pinktartan.com Van Cleef & Arpels 18-karat white gold and onyx Alhambra, $4,550, birks.com Pink Tartan crystal horseshoe, $165, pinktartan.com Costen Catbalue 14-karat yellow and white gold sun and moon, $1,300, costencatbalue.com Costen Catbalue yellow gold Celtic knot with 1.41 carats of rubies, $2,500, costencatbalue.com Pink Tartan red enamel clover, $45, pinktartan.com