Most people probably think cufflinks are a 20th century phenomenon, designed to spruce up formal wear and add a little extra glitz to that tuxedo or other dressy attire. In actuality, cufflinks date all the way back to the 17th century, when men were searching for something other than laces or ribbons to hold their cuffs together. Thus the early cufflink was born – a small chain fed through cuff holes and hooked to a decorative gold or silver button.

In these early days, cufflinks were worn anytime, but eventually, they evolved into a fashion accessory that was most often used for dressy occasions. Some cufflinks were even made from precious stones. But while cufflinks were expensive at first and often a luxury meant for the upper class, the technology of the Industrial Revolution brought easier and less expensive ways to make cufflinks. The chain was soon replaced with a rod and fasteners became simpler to operate and cufflinks were now readily available at much lower prices.

Shirt manufacturers began making more and more shirts that were cufflink-ready and sales of this accessory skyrocketed in the 19th century, especially since they were now affordable enough to be purchased by middle class men.

The 20th century saw some attempts to replace the cufflink with imitation stones pre-attached to the shirt during manufacturing. However, most found those an unsuitable substitute.

Today, more men than ever wear cufflinks for both casual and formal occasions and cufflinks come in all shapes and sizes, including personalized ones. These make an excellent gift for a variety of occasions from graduation to retirement and everything in between. Cufflinks are also the ideal personalized gift for groomsmen and a good way to say thank you for their part in the wedding day.