Where do you find cuff links?

From http://www.l-w.cc/blog/where-do-you-find-cuff-links.html

A majority of those in the"Collector"category are attracted by the fun they derive from searching for cuff links at flea markets,garage sales,and antique malls.This includes the"high"that they gain from buying a pair of unusual or valuable cuff links for just a fraction of its worth.Most serious collectors have experienced the thrill of finding a$50 pair of 1920s era"Snappers"for only"a couple of bucks".Later they will relive the thrill by showing their"find"to friends and neighbors and explaining that"Snappers" are an extinct type of 2-piece cuff links that became extremely popular at the end of World War I.Perhaps the best example of a real"find"is the Indianapolis woman who bought a box full of buttons at a street bazaar in Madrid,Spain.Hard negotiating enabled her to get the box and its contents for the equivalent of$7.50.Back in her hotel room she noticed that one of the buttons was somehow different.After returning from her vacation,she showed it to a neighbor.A cuff link collector,he immediately recognized it to be a 17th century cabochon cuff fastener.This early version of a contemporary cuff link has an estimated retail value of$350.Considering its modest cost,her profit from attending the bazaar was not a bad day’s work!



Many cuff link collectors buy from"pickers";the term refers to people that scour their local area looking for collectibles for their"customers".Pickers usually live some distance from their customers;this enables them to cover territory that is beyond the geographical reach of the people for whom they shop.Pickers cover the flea markets, estate sales,antique shops,garage sales,and auctions in their area;they are always looking for items to send to their customers.How are Pickers compensated?Although there is rarely any written agreement between the"picker"and the customer,it is understood that the Picker will add a reasonable markup plus shipping or postage fees to the cost of whatever items he buys on behalf of the collector.People often ask how they might locate and establish relationships with"pickers".Unfortunately,there are not any directories of"pickers".Some collectors have located"pickers"through local antique store owners or professional flea market operators.Another method is to run classified ads in publications that cater to buyers of collectibles.Of times,ambitious"pickers"will contact collectors that run ads in"wanted to buy"columns.



Upscale collectors enjoy owning and wearing only custom-made pairs;they buy their cuff links only from manufacturing jewelers.Frequently these firms maintain a large number of casts and molds that can produce animals,fraternal symbols,and other classic designs with amazing detail..Other collectors prefer to deal direct with well-known jewelry or fashion designers;such original pieces can often cost thousands of dollars.Many pairs of cuff links bear the signatures or hallmarks of their manufacturers; this practice dates back to the 17th century.