Cuff Links for Every Occasion

Cuff links may not be a part of the average man's everyday routine, but they're a classy touch for a fellow looking to step it up a notch.

"The majority of them come from the 1950s," explained Justin Roger, who, along with owner Paul Turnberg, runs the Twentieth Century Limited collectibles shop at 73 Charles. "It was a different era when jackets and ties were much more the norm."

The shop's selection boggles the mind, so Roger highlighted a few specialties.

"Paul bought these ancient coins and then had our jeweler make the links. The value of the coin itself is maintained because the links aren't soldered directly onto the back."

Other unusual pieces include the patented "snaplink," an art-deco-style vintage type of cuff link from the 1920s; links made from vintage MTA tokens (pre-MBTA); and watch innards. The latter pieces often have jewels embedded in the machine joints, of which there can be up to 17 depending on the quality of the watch it comes from.

"They make great, affordable gifts and are pleasing to people looking for something very unique," Roger said.