9ct Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Oval Cufflinks

These vintage oval cufflinks are crafted in 9ct yellow gold and will make the perfect accessory to any man’s attire. The inlaid lapis lazuli offers a bold style, which is complemented with a chain link fitting.

Jewellery Odyssey:

Historically, and prior to the seventeenth century, shirt cuffs were secured with ribbons, ties and strings. Influenced during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, “Boutons de Manchette” were fashioned. These “sleeve buttons” were made of silver or gold, stamped with ornamental designs or set with stones, and joined by a small chain.

During the latter half of the seventeenth century, King Charles II was seen in public wearing cufflinks, increasing their popularity across Britain. To commemorate the King’s marriage to Catherine of Braganza, it was believed that silver stamped disc cufflinks consisting of the “crown and hearts” motif, were created. Worn by royalty and aristocrats, cufflinks began to be a staple accessory to the upper-class gentleman, across Europe.

Gem Lore:

Lapis Lazuli - when broken down in medieval latin, translates to ‘sky blue stone’ and is one of the oldest gemstones to be fashioned for adornment. Lapis lazuli has been sourced from Afghanistan for more than 6000 years and is still used as a major locality. The rock is composed of lazurite (which is the sole reason for the gemstones attractive blue colour), white calcite grains and golden coloured pyrite grains. The gemstone is most notable for being Cleopatras favourite eye shadow colour and is also seen on the mask of Tutankhamum. The renaissance period, saw multiple artists ground the rock into powder, forming a paint known as ultramarine, which was famously used on Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring portrait. Today, lapis lazuli is thought to symbolise wisdom and truth.

Currently, there are no standard bespoke alterations, available for this item. However, if you have a question regarding an alteration you wish to make to the item, please let us know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any provisions for your request, or advise you further.

Jewellery Care Precautions:

Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).

Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.

Yellow Gold:

Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.

To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.

Lapis Lazuli:

Hardness: 5.5 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Fair

Extreme Caution, Avoid: