Published 2 June 2026
Cufflink anatomy and the karat split
A typical British cufflink has three or four parts: the decorative front face, the post or chain that joins front to back, and the T-bar (or torpedo, or solid disc) that holds the cufflink in the shirt cuff. The front face is often solid 9ct or 18ct gold. The post is often the same metal. The T-bar is sometimes a cheaper metal because it is hidden inside the cuff.
We test each part separately, because a "solid gold cufflink" is sometimes 70% solid and 30% steel. The written offer reports the gold weight per part.
Common cufflink styles
Most postal parcels include: chain-link cufflinks (two domes joined by a short chain, classic British style, often 9ct), bullet-back swivel cufflinks (a rigid post with a hinged bullet, often 18ct, sometimes 9ct), torpedo-back cufflinks (a small spinning bar at the back), and dress-stud sets in a velvet case (small studs for a dress shirt, often 9ct front with a base-metal back).
Engraved monograms, school crests and regimental badges do not lower the metal offer, because we are paying for gold by weight. They can however point us to maker or resale value on antique pieces.
Dress studs
Dress studs (the small button-style fasteners for a starched-front dress shirt) are usually 9ct or 18ct on the visible face with a clip-back of a cheaper metal. A complete set of cased dress studs (four or six pieces with matching cufflinks) is a normal estate parcel.
Mother-of-pearl, onyx and enamel inserts are common and have no separate gold value. We remove and return them unless you say otherwise.
Tie pins and tie tacks
Tie pins range from a plain solid-gold straight bar (usually 9ct or 18ct, hallmarked) through to ornamental Edwardian and Victorian pieces with stones, pearls and enamel. Tie tacks (the small clutch-back style) are usually 9ct on the visible disc with a base-metal pin and clutch.
For antique tie pins from named makers (Liberty, Murrle Bennett, Art Nouveau pieces), the intact value sometimes exceeds melt. We flag this on the written offer.
How to post a cufflink parcel
- Place each pair (or set) in its own small zip-bag so backs are not lost.
- Photograph each pair front and back, plus any case or original box.
- WhatsApp 07763 741067 with the photos.
- We email a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Pad the parcel and drop at the Post Office counter.
- On arrival we test each part and email a written per-part offer.
A single pair of cufflinks is a valid parcel on the postal-gold service.
When intact pays more
Boxed sets from a named maker (Tiffany, Cartier, Asprey, Boodles) in original cases often pay more intact than melted. The same is true for cufflinks engraved with a known date or significant initials, where collector interest can exceed metal value. We tell you which applies before testing for scrap.
Common questions
My T-bars are not hallmarked. Are they gold?
XRF reads the actual metal. Many T-bars are a cheaper alloy than the front face, which is normal and expected.
Does an engraved monogram lower the offer?
No. Engraving does not change metal content and does not affect the scrap price.
Can I sell just one cufflink?
Yes. Single cufflinks pay as metal. The other half is not required.
What about mother-of-pearl or onyx inserts?
These are removed and returned to you, or excluded from the gold weight if you would rather not have them back.
How is the parcel insured?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery.
When am I paid?
Same UK working day you accept the written offer, by bank transfer.
Are Victorian and Edwardian sets worth more intact?
Often yes, especially with original cases. We flag intact-resale potential before testing.
Will you handle a single tie pin?
Yes. A single piece is a normal parcel.