When it comes to incorporating elegance and sophistication into an outfit, cufflinks are undoubtedly the way to go. Despite this, cufflinks require more maintenance and care than you may initially think. This is to ensure that they withstand the test of time and remain looking their best for years on end. To that avail, detailed below are some of the most effective tips and tricks to care for men’s cufflinks.
Preventing Damage
First and foremost, prevention is much easier to achieve than recovery, which is why you should start by simply preventing damage from occurring in the first place. For instance, some cufflinks can be especially delicate, especially if they’re embellished with gemstones or intricate designs. This is why it’s so important to handle them with care, which means holding them by the sides rather than twisting or pulling the decorative features as you take them off. From this, accidental breakage can be prevented, as well as unintentional loosening of the attachments. It’s also worth noting that fragile materials, including enamel and glass, are more prone to damage from pressure or impact.
Storing Cufflinks
Another aspect of preventing damage to cufflinks is storing them correctly. For example, you may wish to invest in a cufflink case or box with individual compartments that separate and protect each pair. As a result, tangles and scratches can be prevented, which might also be achieved by way of a jewelry organizer or soft cloth pouch. Additionally, cufflinks should never be stored in direct sunlight or humid environments, as this may result in deterioration or discoloration.
Cleaning Cufflinks
In order to maintain the luster and shine of cufflinks, regular cleaning is required. When it comes to cleaning, you will need to assess the material that was used in the creation of the cufflinks. For instance, silver, gold, and other metal cufflinks will only usually require a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. They should only require a gentle wipe in which all tarnish and dirt can be removed. It’s important not to use rough materials or abrasive cleaners, as these could result in more harm than good, scratching the surface and resulting in damage.
Alternatively, some cufflinks are crafted from enamel or gemstones, in which case mild soap and a soft brush are required for cleaning. The cleaning process should be rounded off with a thorough rinse and a quick pat dry.
Maintenance for Specific Materials
As previously mentioned, different materials require different maintenance practices to guarantee longevity. For instance, silver can become tarnished with time, and storing silver cufflinks in an airtight container with anti-tarnish strips is one of the most effective modes of maintaining them. Despite this, if tarnishing presents itself anyway, you might polish them with a polishing cloth or a silver-specific cleaner.
Gold, on the other hand, needs to be regularly cleaned with a soft cloth to maintain its shine. This also means that it shouldn’t be exposed to abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
When it comes to caring for gemstones, it’s important to regularly check the settings to guarantee that they’re secure. As with any other material, these also shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals that may loosen the settings or even damage the stones.
Professional Maintenance
Finally, if you’re feeling out of your depth when it comes to cufflinks maintenance or repair, be sure to consult a professional. The last thing you want is for your work to have the opposite effect. This is especially true for expensive materials that may be irreparable after damage, and the risk isn’t worth it.
