Cufflinks: 5 reasons for wearing them

A heritage of elegance and refinement

First appearing in the 17th century, men’s cufflinks initially served a practical purpose: fastening the sleeves of shirts without buttonholes. Their role quickly went beyond simple functionality to become a marker of social status. Made from precious materials such as gold and silver, or adorned with gemstones, these accessories became synonymous with sophistication and prestige.

The 19th century marked a true revolution in the history of cufflinks. The great jewellers of the period competed in ingenuity to create pieces adorned with engravings, refined motifs and brilliant gems. Their popularity remained strong until the 1970s, when the rise of more casual clothing, combined with industrialisation and the production of ready-to-wear shirts with integrated buttons, led to their decline.

Today, however, cufflinks are enjoying a remarkable revival. Although they remain popular for major occasions such as weddings, ceremonies and professional events, they are now also establishing themselves as an everyday accessory for expressing personal style. Giving or wearing cufflinks becomes an elegant and personalised gesture that enhances an outfit and reflects the personality of the wearer.

Oval Carnelian Cufflinks – 18k yellow gold

5 reasons to wear cufflinks

1) A practical and aesthetic solution: Cufflinks elegantly secure the cuffs of shirts with French cuffs. Unlike traditional buttons, they provide a polished finish while enhancing the outfit through their refinement.

2) A unique detail to personalise your style: These accessories add a distinctive touch to a suit or formal outfit. Whether playing with colours, textures or shapes, they offer creative freedom to express originality with subtlety.

3) Perfect harmony with your watch: Cufflinks are an ideal complement to an elegant watch. By choosing matching materials and shades, such as the same precious metal or stones that echo the dial, they create a refined and coherent ensemble that emphasises sophistication.

4) A way to shine on special occasions: At events such as weddings or receptions, where the choice of men’s accessories is often limited, cufflinks allow you to stand out elegantly. They add a bold note that catches the eye and moves beyond usual standards.

5) A masculine version of luxury jewellery: With meticulous details, particularly when set with gems, cufflinks become true pieces of men’s jewellery. They embody craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

AGUAdeORO’s new cufflink collection

At AGUAdeORO, we created a first collection of cufflinks that redefines the codes of masculine elegance. Crafted in yellow and white gold, these creations showcase vibrant coloured stones such as ruby, jade, onyx and tiger’s eye, sculpted into bold shapes. Combining modernity and timelessness, each piece illustrates our pursuit of excellence and our passion for innovation.

Jade Cufflinks – 18k white gold

How to care for your cufflinks

To preserve the brilliance of your cufflinks, we recommend storing them individually in a jewellery box to avoid contact with other stones or metals that could cause scratches. Although the stones used are resistant, it is also advisable to remove them after each use to prevent them from being lost or damaged, particularly in an accidental machine wash.

Discover our entire cufflink collection by clicking here.

AGUAdeORO is a jewellery house founded in 2009, with locations in Geneva and Zurich, offering clients the opportunity to acquire ethical jewellery made in Switzerland. We are committed to offering jewellery that combines sustainable development and elegance.