IF the 1960s were the height of ”anti-Establishment” dress codes, the 1980s represent a return to a more conservative style. Moving right along with the trend is a surge in the popularity of cuff links – many of which will be on display at the International Silver and Jewellery Fair at the Dorchester Hotel here from today through Feb. 3 links of london sale.
Although cuff links never quite disappeared from the scene, current interest sees them as a final touch to a new ”dressy Establishment Look” which also includes more colored French-cuffed shirts, pocket handerchiefs folded into breast pockets in multipoint effect, and sometimes even unusual stickpins valentine’s Day jewellery .
It was, in fact, an unusual stickpin in the corner window of an old established jewelry and silver firm, Plante & Johnson at 11 Bury Street in St. James’s, which caught the eye of exhibitor Paul Longmire in 1979. Within a week Mr. Longmire had purchased not only the stickpin but the entire business, where he continues the 70-year-old tradition of supplying the Royal Family, through Royal Warrants of Appointment, with presentation gifts in leather, silver, and gold valentines Day bracelets .
Since he opened his shop six years ago with but three pairs of cuff links on hand, Longmire has become something of a specialist. He has his own workshops and teams of skilled craftsmen for making today’s cuff links, many of them custom designed for individuals, companies, organizations, and American Ivy League colleges. These are made in 18-carat gold, silver, silver gilt, and gilded base metal, and the designs are put on by means of enameling or engraving. Prices range from about (STR)75 ($100 US) to (STR)1400 ($1,900 US), and sometimes even as high as (STR)7500 ($10,000 US) and over when they are set with gem stones such as rubies and diamonds valentines Day rings .