Cufflinks for Christmas: Six marvellous modern and vintage examples to buy on thesaleroom.com

Cufflinks became popular in the mid-1800s as men started wearing suits every day. Stiff cuffs that could not be fastened with a button could be secured and decorated with a cufflink. Worn mostly by dandies to start with, they were popularised by the future Edward VII, who wore Faberge examples, and became even more widespread in the 1900s.

There plenty to choose from on thesaleroom.com – here are a few examples.

The Scottish set

This pair of antique Scottish hardstone cufflinks has an estimate of £400-600 at Elmwoods on November 28.

This antique pair of Scottish hardstone cufflinks feature a circular design with alternating panels of bloodstone and jasper. A bold design with a festive feel, the set is available at Elmwoods on November 28 with an estimate of £400-600.

View and bid for this pair of antique Scottish hardstone cufflinks on thesaleroom.com.

A gift from Somerset Maugham

Offered with an estimate of £1500-2000 at Dreweatts on November 27, these French ruby cufflinks were made by Cartier.

Not only are these diamond and enamel cufflinks attractive they also have a link to the British author W Somerset Maugham. They come from the collection of Alan Searle (1905-85) who, after working as his private secretary, entered into a relationship with the writer until his death in 1965. They are thought to have been given to Searle by Maugham. They are offered in a Janesich leather and silk interior case at Bishop & Miller on November 30, where they have an estimate of £600-900.

View and bid for this pair of diamond and enamel cufflinks, once a gift from Somerset Maugham, on thesaleroom.com.

French fancies for big spenders 

Bonhams offers this sapphire and diamond dress set on November 20 with an estimate of £4000-6000.

In the market for something extra-special this year? An early 20^th century sapphire and diamond dress set at Bonhams includes a large pair of cufflinks with French asay marks. Offered in a fitted case by Asprey, each sapphire is surrounded by four diamond studs mounted in platinum and gold. It is offered on November 20 with an estimate of £4000-6000.

View and bid for this sapphire and diamond dress set on thesaleroom.com.

Affordable options

This pair of vintage gold cufflinks is offered at Mellors & Kirk with an estimate of £30-60 on November 13.

There’s plenty to choose from on the more affordable end of the scale, too. Take this pair of 9ct gold cufflinks for example. Made in Birmingham in 1926, the machine-turned pieces might show a bit of light wear, but are still attractive and historic. Find them at Mellors & Kirk on November 13, where they have an estimate of £30-60.

View and bid for this pair of vintage gold cufflinks on thesaleroom.com.

The collection

A collection including Lalique and Liberty cufflinks are included in Catherine Southon's auction of November 27 where they are estimated at £80-120.

If you like the idea of getting a few gifts at once – or maybe keeping something back for yourself – many auctioneers will offer cufflinks as part of larger collections as single lots. For example, lot 483 at Catherine Southon’s auction on November 27, features modern and vintage pieces by designers such as Lalique and Liberty. It includes a pair of contemporary enamel cufflinks of Renee Macintosh design and a vintage pair by Lalique in large green cabochon glass. The collection is estimated at £80-120.

View and bid for this collection of Lalique and Liberty cufflinks on thesaleroom.com.

The designer cufflinks 

Offered with an estimate of £1500-2000 at Dreweatts on November 27, these French ruby cufflinks were made by Cartier.

Pick up a pair of French ruby cufflinks by Cartier at Dreweatts’ auction on November 27. Offered in an original box, each piece features double-sided panels set with calibré cut rubies. Signed Cartier, they are stamped 18kts and offered in a gilt tooled red leather box. Estimate: £1500-2000.

View and bid for this pair of French ruby Cartier cufflinks on thesaleroom.com.