"The quintessential cufflink is an oval in gold joined by a chain. It will be engraved in English script with the wearer's initials. Even better are those with a few generations of wear that reveal the initials of an elegant parent or relative."
"To be avoided at all costs are the never ending array of animals, flowers, footballs, hearts, enamels etc. If your Aunt Agatha has given you a set of these, do wear them at Christmas when invited to her home, but otherwise leave them buried deep in the drawer."
Page1:
Page 2:
"The Anglo Saxons are the consummate and habitual wearers of cufflinks. In Latin climes they are rarely seen. Neapolitan and Roman shirt makers know there customers tastes are for beautiful mother of pearl buttons and not links of any kind. Parisians will only adorn their cuffs with gold when they are trying to appear as English looking as possible, and for "les dandies" that equates to most of the time."
Cheers,
Gruto