CLEANING TECHNIQUES FOR CUFFLINKS

Cufflinks rarely need cleaning however the times when they are most likely to get dirty is when they are stored for long periods of time without use or if, for example they have been unintentionally brushed against food or had drink spilled on them.

It is better to maintain and keep cufflinks in good order on a regular basis, i.e. each time they are used, rather than to let them deteriorate significantly as to return them to a clean state will then require more vigorous attention, which may not be good for the surface of any precious metals or gemstones.

Before cleaning it is always adviseable to inspect them for damage and if any damage is found have the repairs carried out.  Carefully check the security of any gemstones and the workings of the swivel bar if this is the style of cufflink you have.

Whenever you are cleaning cufflinks, as with any piece of jewellery, consider the surface metal before deciding on a cleaning agent as strong cleaning agents made damage some surfaces.  Always check the use instructions on the cleaning agent for suitability and if in doubt firstly clean a small area which is not prominent, such as on the back.  This will give an idea as to whether the cleaning agent is suitable but you may need to leave for a short while incase there is a delayed reaction.

Simple soap and water will clean a great deal of dirt and grime off the cufflinks but to get a deeper clean you may need to buy a specialist jewellery cleaning fluid.  Never use bleach or abrasive chemical substances as this is likely to ruin the surface finish, especially if they are made of a precious metal.  If you need to use a brush to scrub them do not use a course bristle, use a soft bristle brush.  Preferably use a cotton cloth as much as possible.

Two methods to thoroughly clean cufflinks: -

1)         Dip and Brush

A gentle soap solution is sufficient enough.  Dilute a small quantity of powdered soap in warm water and mix completely.  If the cufflinks have unsightly stains, you can add a small amount of vinegar or glass cleaner.  Immerse the engraved cufflinks into the cleaning solution and leave for a short while to let the cleaning solution soften the dirt. Using an old soft bristle tooth brush and very gently clean off the cufflinks.

2)         Clean and wipe

Soak the cufflinks in the cleaning fluid for several minutes and the carefully wipe using a cotton cloth.

After using the cleaning fluid it is important to clean off any residue with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft clean cloth.  Do not leave them to air dry as this may induce oxidation.

You may also wish to polish them with a soft polishing cloth to finish the job.

If cleaned and maintained regularly cufflinks should last a very long time and continue to look good.

ENGRAVED WEDDING CUFFLINKS – PERFECT FOR MEN

Cufflinks are accessories used my men or ladies to fasten the two sides of the cuff on a dress shirt or ladies blouse.  As well as their practical function of fastening the cuff, they serve as decorative accessories and it is common for men and ladies to own several pairs of cufflinks of differing styles and colours.  This gives choice to match their outfits or to use dependant on their mood or the type of function they are attending. 

Cufflinks are available in many styles and materials such as gold, silver and some with precious gemstones.  Others are less expensive and even with humorous design and tongue in cheek humour.  Whether it be traditional style or more contemporary designs, there is a huge selection of cufflinks available to buy from the high street or from online retailers.

Wedding cufflinks are a case in point with a large variety available, especially from online retailers.  Wedding cufflinks add elegance to the male wedding party entourage outfits.  This is especially true for the groom who after all will want to look at his best on the special day and to complement his Brides outfit.

For those with a larger budget, cufflinks in gold or silver especially for the groom will certainly add an air of elegance and prosperity. For those on a more modest budget, engraved cufflinks are a perfect accessory for all the male members of the wedding party. Engraved cufflinks are available from on line retailers in various styles and shapes.  They can be engraved with something as simple as the title of the Groom’s attendant, for example “Usher” or “Best Man".  They can also be engraved with the name of the Usher or Best Man and even the date of the wedding, or for example nicknames or initials so that they become a keepsake or memento of the occasion.  Personalised engraving of the cufflink case is also available from many suppliers.

Many styles of wedding cufflinks and engraved wedding cufflinks are available from http://www.weddingxtras.co.uk/ at reasonable cost and with fast delivery.

WEDDING CUFFLINKS – A GROOMS FASHION STATEMENT

It is normal for the Brides outfit to be the talk of the wedding day, with the bridesmaids also providing great curiosity and attention.  Lets not forget the groom; after all it’s his wedding day as well and he needs to feel equally important.

The groom will often wear a lounge suit or morning suit, which is very popular these days.  Very often the groom will wear the same if not similar to the best man and his ushers and so it is difficult for him to stand out and feel as special as the bride.  One way of achieving this is to add accessories such as cufflinks; these are available in many designs, styles and price brackets.  Many shirts have double cuffs to accommodate cufflinks and they are an item that can be worn after the big day and so they will provide a lasting memento of your wedding.

They can be colour coded to match the bridesmaid’s outfits or the grooms cravat or tie or maybe the general colour scheme of the wedding.  Cufflinks are available in precious metals such as gold and sterling silver or in less expensive metals for example rhodium plated.  They also come in many styles, traditional designs and shapes or more contemporary designs.

Cufflinks add a certain sophistication to the grooms outfit and it is important to choose the right pair that the groom will feel comfortable and special.  The groom’s choice of cufflinks will say a lot about his personality.  They can also be chosen to match those of his attendants and many styles of this type are available online.  You can choose cufflinks specifically for each of the attendants individually by opting for cufflinks that have sporting designs, tongue in cheek humour, music designs etc etc.

Cufflinks can also be personalised, both for the groom and his attendants and these are available for purchase on line at reasonable cost and fast delivery.  Shopping on line for cufflinks is often much easier than travelling around various stores and is becoming a popular way to purchase them.

On the day of the wedding, the bride is expected to shine but it is important that the groom compliments his bride and also looks stylish and elegant.  Wedding cufflinks are a small accessory but have great impact on his outfit and say a lot about the groom and his personality.

WEDDING CUFFLINKS - A GREAT GIFT FOR THE WEDDING PARTY

It is customary to give each member of your wedding party a thank you gift to show your appreciation for all the help they had given.  Without their help, preparations for your wedding day would probably be much more difficult for you and your groom.  They will have helped you every step of the way in your wedding plans and therefore each member of your wedding party deserves a special thank you gift to provide a lasting memento of the wedding day.

Firstly you should consider your budget and stick strictly to it.  It is all too easy to overspend and every small overspend will soon add up to a big overspend.  It is more important to carefully choose a thank you gift particularly suited to each member of the wedding party.

When considering the type of thank you gift you should give, it is often thoughtful to give an item that will forever remind them of your special day.   Maybe something they can wear on the day, for the male members this might be a pair of cufflinks as many shirts these days have cufflink holes in the cuff and very often, double cuffs shirts are worn on the wedding day. 

Cufflinks fit into many different price brackets but remember, it may be necessary to buy for the best man, each of the ushers, the father of the bride and the father of the groom, possibly more if grandparents are included, so choose carefully.  There is a large selection of wedding party cufflinks available with the names of each of the male members inscribed on the face.  It is also possible to find reasonably priced engraved cufflinks, again with the names of the wedding party members or personalised with names, dates initials, nicknames etc.  This is a gift that would surely make them happy and provide a lasting memento of your special day.

It is wise to give similar gifts to each member of the wedding party so as not to show favoritism and remember, each guest is helping to make your special day a success.  A large selection of wedding party cufflinks can be found at http://www.weddingxtras.co.uk/ including personalised engraved cufflinks at competitive prices.