Struggling to come up with a gift idea for dad this Fathers Day as a reward for his patience during the past 12-months and as constant reminder in the years ahead that he really is appreciated? Well instead of buying the usual tie or a bottle of his favorite liquor, a pair of monogrammed silver cuff links would make a gift he would really value.
Cuff links are not as straightforward as they look; there are several types of linking mechanism that have their own distinct advantages.
If you are used to wearing double cuffs, also known as French cuffs, for day or formal wear, you may prefer to use cuff links with a chain link, especially if you have large wrists or wear a watch that you would like to keep hidden up your sleeve except for when checking the time.
The links will create space between the opposing sides of the cuff and provide room to hide your watch and let your wrist move comfortably around.
Another type of link is the swiveling bar.
With this a post is attached to the underside of the exposed face of the cuff link and the opposite end to a bar that aligns with the post when you push it through the cuffs.
This then swivels at right angles to join the cuffs giving them a much closer fit than the chain link variety.
Many people find these easier to fit single handed than the chain type.
The visible part of a cuff link is often monogrammed with initials or engraved with a name.
Officially, a monogram is a set of interlinked initials, separated initials are properly known as a cipher, but as few people know the distinction we'll settle on calling them monograms.
With chain linked cuff links you end up with four faces in each pair that can be engraved.
You can engrave the dominant face with a monogram or name and the opposing face with a date or short message.
The underside is usually reserved for the hallmark that gives the assurance that they are made in sterling silver.
The traditional silver cuff link is typically oval shaped although there are many modern designs that have a plain area that have room for an engraving.
With casual wear becoming more common in offices and the decline of the tie as part of the office uniform, cuff links allow their users the opportunity to make a fashion statement and add a hint of elegance to their business attire.
Silver cufflinks also make great gifts at other times of year as well.
They are a nice "thank you" gift from a groom to his best man and ushers; can also be given to mark a graduation from a University; and as an achievement award for sales volume or long-service in a company.