Exclusive Interview With Derek Anastasia, King of Enamel Cufflinks

Below are the interview conducted by me with Derek Anastasia, King of Enamel Cufflinks. Find out what made him collect over $500,000 worth of enamel cufflinks!

1. Hi Derek, what is the greatest satisfaction that you get from collecting enamel cuff links?

Derek: Finding that next pair or single to include in my Collection.

2. I understand that enamel cuff link collectors are really a rare breed and your focus is on enamel alone. I can say it really makes you "The King of Enamel Cuff Links." What is the greatest challenge you face when collecting enamel cuff links?

Derek: "King" ? Well, in the small world (sorry for the double-entendre pun) of cuff link aficionados I'm known as " Baron von Enamel. " As to " the greatest challenge I face when collecting enamel cuff links? " See the answer to question 1. above!

3. Derek, you also provide enamel cuff links appraisal services. What are the basic factors that you look for when doing a valuation?

Derek: First and foremost ... Condition. Condition. Condition. Second, the type of metal used in the cuff link. Third, the number of colors incorporated in the enamel along with the enamel's opacity; is it translucent or opaque. Fourth, the art design that graces the cuff link. Fifth, the age of the cuff links. Sixth, is there a maker's mark. And if so, what is the prestige of the maker. And finally, all six factors taken as a whole in no particular order to ascertain the cuff links proper valuation.

4. Over the years of collecting enamel cuff links which pair of cuff links do you consider to be the most valuable? Derek: It's very hard to have a single favorite (i.e., "valuable"). I have a lot of favorites and they all have a significant meaning to me. However, there's one pair that stands out above the rest because it's the pair that I call the 'Mother of All Enamels'. Why? Because it has the image on one face of the Tour de Guilloch? machine (it's the hand-cranked lathe that applies the design on the metal [a.k.a., 'engine turn'] underneath the enamel) and on the other face it has an image of an industrial firing kiln.

5. Where can a person who just started an enamel cuff link collection find more information? Derek: My web site,enamelcufflinks.com. After that, it depends on what particular question one has about enamel cuff links. The Internet is a smorgasbord of information. Further, jewelry dealers at antique shows are excellent sources of 'on the cuff' information.

6. Which pair of cuff links do you wear the most? Do you wear other cuff links other than enamel type? Derek: I rotate a tray of cuff links in/out of the collection and go one by one through the tray to wear each. After all, one must show love to all of one's children! "Wear something other than enamel on my cuff links?" Blasphemy!

7. What makes you focus on collecting enamel cuff links and why is it still so popular? Derek: The 'gemlike brilliance' of vitreous enamel. I find it totally captivating. Since man discovered how to convert silica and oxides into enamel ... I think others have found the brilliance equally captivating.

8. I saw the National Cuff Link Society's publication 'The Link' mention that enamel cuff links were only 25 cents in the 1920s and subsequently, the price went up to $3.00 in the 1930s. Do you consider that period to be the peak of enamel cuff link manufacturing? Derek: Yes, that period was the zenith in popularity for adorning jewelry with enamel.

9. How much can a pair of enamel cuff links be worth if they date back to the 1880s? Derek: Almost assuredly, if the pair comes from that period they would be "cuff buttons." They were the modern day precursor to cuff links. See the answer to question 3. above!

10. Where do you suggest cuff links collectors look for a pair of enamel cuff links to invest in? Derek: People can always e-mail me with their requests. Once again, the Internet is a great source; all the major online auction sites have enamel cuff links worth looking at. Also, visiting antique shows in your home city is viable sources for hunting these small treasures.

11. In one issue of 'The Link' publication, you wrote a two-part article on enamel cuff link restoration. Is it still common nowadays for people to restore their enamel cuff links? Derek: No. First, finding a competent enamel restorer is very difficult; a restorer that actually uses vitreous enamel and not the cheap "cold enamel" otherwise known as epoxy (using epoxy will totally devalue any pair). Worldwide, vitreous enamel restoration is a bit of a lost art. More restrictive, is the cost. It's very expensive and can price a pair out of their current market value.

12. It seems to me enamel cuff links restoration is a bit of work. Where can we find this form of unique service and how much does the service cost? How would you consider a pair of enamel cuff links worth restoring? Derek: Once again the Internet comes to the rescue. A search will uncover some sources. But again, caution is the word of the day. The first question to ask is does the restorer use vitreous enamel. If so, great, all other questions follow such as cost, time it takes to restore, etc. If the restorer uses cold enamel a.k.a., 'epoxy'), then think very very hard about using that restorer; applying epoxy to a cuff link does not make an enamel cuff link ... it makes for a plastic cuff link. That said, once you find a proper restorer, throw out all of the logical reasons as to why and why not to restore. If the beholder's eyes love the pair ... well, there you have it.

Well, Special thanks to Derek for contributing to the cufflinks community. Let us all revive this beautiful art piece again. I am sure you do agree that cufflinks do tell a story for a particular event in your life.

Silver Cuff Links - The Ideal Gift For Fathers Day

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 of the cuff link is usually reserved for the hallmark that gives the assurance that the cuff links 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 cuff links 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.

Stewart Hersey is a Silversmith and makes handmade silver gifts at his workshop in London. You can find a selection of his Silver Mens Gifts at his website http://www.hersey.co.uk

Cufflinks For the Summer Internship Interviews

Ahhhh! Summer is upon us. Its time for endless days at the beach just basking in the sun without a care in the world. Let the sand run between your toes as you watch listless clouds float by. Crisp, cold drinks and iced beer make their frosty appearances as you take that first sip and wonder how you ever worried about silly things like bills and final exams.

BAM! And then you wake up to the blare of an alarm and the realization that you have snoozed through its blistering sounds for the last 45 minutes making you late for your 8am Chemistry exam. The only remnant of your summer dream is a thin sliver of drool making its way down your chin. As you gather up your notepads and textbook and speed to class, you seem to have much more on your mind than your impending chemistry test (how does electromagnetic radiation carry energy to a receiver from a transmitter again?!). With summer just around the corner and tuition increases an all-too-real possibility, you will need to start looking for a summer job. Sure, you could just walk in and secure a position in the electronics department at your local Wal-Mart, but being a junior in college, it might be high time to begin exploring internships that actually RELATE to your major and that will get you the foothold you need in the industry you're actually studying.

Once you have visited your college advisor and the career resources department at your university in search for summer internship opportunities and once your resume is polished and submitted, the interview requests will start rolling in (that is, of course, unless you are a drama major attempting to secure an internship position at the top chemical engineering firm in the city, in which case, good luck). In addition to being doubly sure that you actually KNOW all of the skills and keywords you wrote about in your resume and cover letter, you will want to make sure you look the part for your interview.

Now, it may be very tempting for a high school or college student who is used to wearing faded t-shirts and ripped jeans to simply do the bare minimum in terms of dressing up for an internship interview; however, bear in mind that also applying for these same internships are those brown-nosing eager beaver students who would bring in freshly baked homemade cupcakes to the interview if they thought it would secure them the position. Yes, that's right. The guy from your statistics class who always raises his hand to ask a few more questions right when your professor is about to let everyone leave class a little early on a Friday afternoon...he will probably be there. So will that girl who lingers behind in class everyday to see if there is any extra work she can do for the week since she has already written her 15 page paper that is not due for another three weeks. These brown-nosers will be dressed to kill in one of the fifteen suits they have already purchased for just this internship opportunity, so you will need to look the part to compete.

So now you have the suit all tailored and pressed (yes, you will need to get it tailored and pressed for the perfect fit). Why not take your appearance one step further and do something that those brown-nosers may have easily overlooked? Pair your suit with the perfect set of cufflinks. Here are a few hints on selecting the right cufflinks for the right internship. After all, in this decision, it's imperative that you know and work with your audience.

• If you are, say, competing for an internship at one of the top law firms in the city, you could go a couple of different ways. As lawyers are known for their conservative ways, you cannot go wrong picking a traditional solid-colored set of cufflinks. A classic set like single-colored knot cufflinks would also be very appropriate, as long as they are matched to your shirt and tie. If you don't want to be too traditional and would rather have a little bit of an edge, there are many lawyer-related cufflinks to choose from like cufflinks that depict the scales of justice or a gavel. Don't try to get cute by wearing ambulance or barracuda cufflinks or the only door you will see is the exit door.

• Should you be applying for an accounting, engineering or financial services intern position, the same rules apply. These are considered the more conservative industries, so try to keep your entire look traditional. Some variations are acceptable, like wearing golf-themed cufflinks, since this is considered a traditional sport. However, should you be heavily into motorcycles, now might not be the time to whip out those Harley Davidson cufflinks.

• If you are competing for a position as a graphic artist or a video game designer and programmer where the office might be a little more laid-back than the typical corporate environment (ping pong tables and video came consoles in the break room as opposed to Financial Times newspapers strewn about the espresso machine), you will still want to make a professional appearance with a suit and tie; however, you could add a little bit of zing and creativity to your attire with some themed cufflinks. For example, you could choose some sterling silver Batman cufflinks or high-tech-inspired cufflinks (CD or microchip ones, for instance). Just do your best not to take this leeway a little too far. You want to come across to your potential new employer as professional and creative, not as that eccentric guy who sits in his cubicle burning incense and listening to Bob Marley all day whilst grooming his Chia pet.

Sure, there is a possibility you might be getting paid squat as a summer intern and used as the office whipping boy running errands for the big whigs and doing their dirty meticulous work; however, you will be gaining experience in your industry that will look fantastic on your resume and you are sure to be earning a bit more than a stocker at Wal-Mart. By simply dressing the part and backing that up with actual knowledge and experience (bone up on your interview questions beforehand), you are guaranteed a shot at that summer internship.

Whether your interests are in silver, gold, artistic, sports, or other theme-related cufflinks we've got you covered. Cufflink Aficionado carries a broad range of men's cufflink products designed to meet each connoisseur's individual style and interest. Our selection of men's cufflinks is sure to top off that perfect look!

Natural Color Diamond Rings Pretty As A Picture

Purchasing diamonds over the Internet may seem like a good idea. After all, what you are really interested in is how the ring looks on her hand, right? At the price paid for natural color diamond rings, you want a lot more than that. You want some assurance your diamond purchase is worth the money you pay for it.

The first step to making sure the beauty of the diamond pictures is accompanied with a money back guarantee of authentication, and the diamond comes with a grading. What this means is an expert has compared the diamond to an industry standardized clarity chart, and has graded the size of the diamonds imperfections against the industry standard.

Diamond Pictures Why Internet Pictures Dont Tell The Whole Story

Once your receive your diamond from the Internet seller, you can then take the diamond ring to a local jeweler who can compare the actual diamond clarity and colour to the report. In the event a major discrepancy is found, you can then use your money back guarantee to return the diamond ring for a refund.

As with anything else, the money back guarantee is only as good as the reputation of the company from whom you purchased your diamond ring. As such, it is imperative you do not allow the dazzling pictures of the diamonds to blind you to wise shopping practices. Deal only with companies you are familiar with or offer some sort of reliability rating on their site. For example, look for the Better Business Bureau seal on the site.

Caroline O'Shaughnessy runs www.Best-Diamonds-Online.com.
She keeps track of all the latest news and developments about diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry.

Think Cufflinks Are Only For The Wealthy?

Cufflinks have a real image problem. They are perceived as a high class luxury item for the wealthy and the upper crust; an extravagance, if you will for the elite members of society. While the cream of the crop certainly do tend towards connecting their French cuffs with a pair of top of the line cufflinks, this doesn?t mean that you can incorporate them into your wardrobe too.

Cufflinks were originally born of necessity. Simply put, in the old days, shirt were made to be worn with cufflinks. Men would either fold one cuff over the other and push the link through (these were called barrel cuffs) or they would push the insides of the cuffs together and pop the cufflink through (these were called ?kissing cuffs?). The latter style is more popular and considered more ?proper.? With this style, both ends of the cufflinks are visible from the outside of the shirt.

Over the years, the popularity of cufflinks has waxed and wanted but they never die out. They are quite simply a fashion statement and and extravagance that men will always make a priority. These days, there are more styles, colors and themes for cufflinks than ever before. They are also more affordable than ever before. This has led to cufflinks becoming quite the collector?s items as well.

Cufflinks make a statement. A man that wears cufflinks cares about himself enough to dress right. They also can make a statement about the wearers personality. You can choose from so many different themes that there is bound to be a style for you, from NFL teams to Martini cufflinks to occupational designs for lawyers and doctors. These also make great gifts no matter the recipients interests.

Personalization is another unique aspect to cufflinks. Add a pair of initials to a stylish pair of silver cufflinks and you?ve branded them as yours. Looking for groomsmen gifts? What better way to thank your buddies than to present them with a pair of cufflinks that they can wear on your big day and for years to come. They will be sure to appreciate you for such a thoughtful gesture.

Them important thing to remember is that you don?t have to be the Duke of Earl or a Wall Street Banker to take advantage of wearing cufflinks. Men from construction workers to delivery men wear them when they don a dress shirt and so can you. Don?t have a dress shirt? Well then we can?t help you!

Simon is a freelance writer and is in charge of content writer for Executive Gift Shoppe. They are an online retailer of designer men?s cufflinks, money clips, business card holders and pocket watches. Their products are perfect for groomsmen and executive gifts.

London Cufflink Designer Takes On The World

Visit Ian at his studio in Lavender Hill Clapham and you?ll find him working at the coal face with his subordinates, unafraid to get his hands dirty. A Scouser by birth and the son of a builder he chose a different career path that lead him out of working class Liverpool and into London, the fashion capitol of the world. After designing for many prestigious brand names Ian thought it was time to harness his energies and direct them toward developing his own brand. It?s been a long road from Liverpool, now his delightful cufflinks are displayed in some of the most famous department stores around the world, including Selfridges and John Lewis (UK), Nordstroms (USA) David Jones (Australia) plus stores in Japan with un-pronounceable names. The cufflink market is becoming more crowded as designer brands cash in on the growing popularity of men?s jewellery. Plus there is the lure of manufacturing in Asia as a way to increase profits, but not without risk of negative effect on your reputation. Increasing profits at your customer?s expense does not make good long term business sense. Ian?s a big fan of traditional British craftsmanship and prefers the workmanship he gets from his own Battersea studio.

Ian?s designs are hand cast in pure English pewter, because it gives the most accurate result. Each item is double plated in rhodium, a precious metal derived from platinum, and polished before being hand-enamelled or inset with Swarovski crystal. Then polished and inspected again to make sure it?s flawless. Rhodium prevents tarnishing and adds functionality to form making them extremely hard wearing, less likely to be scarred thus adding value. His cufflinks don?t tarnish and neither will his reputation. His customers keep coming back for more precisely because he does not cut corners.

The bespoke market survives amidst a mass manufacturing revolution, delivering products in accordance with an ever growing demand. Other reputable designers are also gaining recognition for their talent, Jo Downs, Babbette Wasserman, Veritas and Tateossian. Their styles differ enough to maintain originality and the majority of their cufflinks are made in England. Ian literally draws his design inspiration from the world around him. He?s always looking at patterns and reflections, sketching things that catch his eye as he walks down the street. His designs have been copied, often blatantly by many big names. He continues his work happily labelled the quiet achiever, carving out a name for himself in the fashion rock face of. The only thing that overshadows Ian?s immense talent is his sincerity; his working class principles remain intact. Having a pair of his cufflinks in your collection is a must; you?ll reveal their unique story each time you bind your links to cuff. Now his cufflinks are available on http://www.patrickmcmurray.com and other quality shops.

If you would like to learn some interesting historic anecdotes about the evolution of style and fashion follow this link http://patrickmcmurraysfashionaccessories.blogspot.com if you would like to see some stunning silk ties, cufflinks, belts and wallets, follow this link http://www.patrickmcmurray.com

Designer Cufflinks

The value of appearance Appearance creates impression and the first impression is always important for success in an endeavor. Believe it or not, the cuff link you use may make a lot of difference to your appearance. It might very well be the lynchpin putting your whole appearance together.

An accessory for the occasion Dress specialists often emphasize that the cuff links should be a must for a suit. They also insist that color of the cuff links should match the belt buckle or the wrist watch or bracelet worn by a person. Matching of apparels make a man well dressed and gives the impression of a coordinated man to the onlooker. Even for occasions not calling for any formal dressing, such as a holiday party, cuff links can be used even for casual dresses.

Dress well and feel confident That apart, there is always the factor of your own self satisfaction and rising self confidence from a feeling that you are well dressed that gives a great psychological advantage to a person. For this you must know exact design of the cuff links that would best suit you and your own unique dressing style. Knowing what suits you will also make your task of choosing the appropriate cuff link easier.

Metal vs. precious metals Ordinarily cuff links are made of steel or such other materials in golden or silver color. Though costlier, real gold and sterling silver cufflinks are also available in the market, ordinarily in the menswear store or online. Disadvantages of higher cost are neutralized by the fact that those made of precious metals will last for a life time.

Fancy cuff links

Designs and components of cuff links vary widely since cuff links made in various designs and divergent metals are available. Fancy cufflinks with jewels embedded on its body are the most popular in the fashion world. Sometimes big companies come up with cufflink as gifts with their emblem on it to promote their business while earning the goodwill of the customer.

Silver cuff links

Among the available types of cuff links, silver cuff links are most popular since they can bring even dark colored attire to life. And when such silver cufflinks are attached with precious metals like Gems or diamonds, it becomes a real captivating combination. At times such silver cufflinks are also engraved with symbols or the initials of the name of the person wearing it.

Crystal cuff links

Crystal cufflinks are no less popular and are considered to be the epitome of style. Metal combined with crystals create a stunning effect especially if the crystals used are color crystals. A pair of crystal or silver plated cufflinks become very prominent when displayed against the background of a dark suit.

Platinum cuff links

Platinum cufflinks are considered the final say in any formal dress. They are available in a variety of styles and prices. Their sizes vary in proportion to their price.

The price front

An average buyer might be concerned with the price of the stylish cufflinks he desires to have. There is nothing to worry for anyone in this regard. While diamond, gold, silver and crystal plated cufflinks may range somewhere from $40 to as high as $300, an ordinary man can have a gold tone or silver tone metal cuff links at even $2 that could be suitably used for different occasions.

You can know more by visiting : How to Wear Cufflinks

Catch the fashion

Some cufflinks are two buttons or knobs linked via a single shackle. Another type is where there is a button close to one strip rotating to a T shape to go through the hole in the sleeve. In any case, a cuff linked shirt looks smarter than a buttoned shirt and can very well turn a boring shirt into a fashionable one.

You can know more by visiting : How to Wear Cuff Links

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