The short answer: keep cufflink engraving short and legible, with initials, a date or a short mark, and choose a font that stays readable at a small size. Clear spacing and a simple design usually look best on a small surface.
Cufflinks offer a small canvas, so engraving needs to be planned. Here is how to choose well.
What to engrave
- Initials, one or two letters per link.
- A date that matters, such as a wedding day.
- A short symbol, like a star or a small crest.
- Coordinates or a short word, if the face is large enough.
Choosing a font
| Font style | Best for |
|---|---|
| Classic serif | Traditional, readable initials |
| Block capitals | Clear dates and numbers |
| Script | Elegant, but needs a larger face |
Monograms
A monogram interlinks two or three initials into one design. The traditional order for a three letter monogram places the surname initial larger in the centre, with the first and middle initials either side, but many people simply choose the order they like best. A monogram on a round or oval face looks classic, while a single initial on each link of a pair is clean and modern. We draw the monogram for you to approve before engraving.
Placement
Engrave the face of the link, the back of the link or the inside of a toggle bar. The back is a good place for a private message, because it sits against the wrist.
Size and legibility
Most cufflink faces are small. Fewer characters look better. A date written as numerals or a short monogram reads clearly. Letters that are too tightly packed blur into one another, so we leave space around each character.
Engraving methods
Some designs suit a classic engraved finish and others suit a finer, more detailed method. We talk through what suits your design and your wording, and we explain what to expect from the finished result before anything is made.
Date formats
Dates can be written in several ways, such as day, month and year as numerals, or in Roman numerals for a classic look. Roman numerals take more space, so they suit a larger face. We show you the wording in a proof so you can check every digit.
Shape of the face
The face shape changes what fits. A round face suits a monogram or a single symbol in the centre. A rectangular face suits a date or a short word along its length. An oval sits between the two. If you have specific wording in mind, tell us early and we can choose a face shape around it rather than squeezing it in.
Ideas
- His initials on the face and the wedding date inside.
- A father's initials as a gift.
- A graduation year.
- Matching links for groomsmen, each engraved with their own initials and the wedding date.
For wedding parties, see our guide to wedding cufflinks for the groom and groomsmen, and for a family gift, Father's Day cufflinks and signet rings.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See platinum cufflinks, cufflink types and engraving a signet ring.
Frequently asked questions
How many characters fit? It depends on the face, and we can advise.
Can I send my own handwriting? Often yes, and we advise on what will reproduce well at a small size.
Is engraving reversible? Not easily, so check the design first.
What order should a monogram be in? Traditionally the surname initial sits larger in the centre, but you can choose.
Can I order from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.