Creative Cufflinks

Cufflink designs vary widely. The simplest design consists of a short post or chain connecting two disc-shaped parts. The part positioned on the most visible side is usually larger; a variety of designs can connect the smaller piece: It may be small enough to fit through the button hole like a button would; it may be separated and attached from the other side; or it may have a portion that swivels on the central post, aligning with the post while the link is threaded through the button-hole and swiveling into a position at right angles to the post when worn. "Dumbbell" or shank-style cufflinks were popular during the early-1900s, particularly in America. The visible part of a cufflink is often monogrammed or decorated in some way. There are numerous styles including novelty cufflinks, traditional cufflinks, contemporary cufflinks, utility cufflinks, and humorous cufflinks.
An alternative fastener to a cufflink is the cheaper silk knot, which are also known as monkey's fists or turk's head. The Paris shirtmaker Charvet is credited with their introduction in the beginning of the 20th century: "Charvet buttons of twisted braid are quite the style" noted the New York Times in 1908. French cuff shirts are often accompanied with a set of color-coordinated silk knots instead of double-button cufflinks. They are now rarely made from silk; often they are made from elastic.