Who Collects Cuff Links?

From http://www.l-w.cc/blog/who-collects-cuff-links.html

According to The National Cuff Link Society there are two distinct categories of cuff link collectors.One group is comprised of cuff link"Wearers";they simply enjoy wearing cuff links.The other group,the"Collectors",consists of people that save cuff links strictly for the fun and satisfaction of collecting them.Whether"Wearer" or "Collector",both groups are equal in their dedication to cuff links.And,whenever they get together,there is plenty of buying,selling and swapping in progress.As one
"Wearer"recently punned,"The linkage at our swap meets is fantastic".



Although some of the"Wearers"only wear cuff links for dressy,formal or special occasions,most consider their cuff links as important to their appearance as their shoes.Some literally wouldn’t be seen dead without them.Indeed,one lawyer reports that a client recently demanded that his will contain instructions that he be buried with a favorite pair of cuff links.



Polls of the"Wearers"provide an instant profile of the group.Surprisingly, fashion is not the primary motivation for this faction’s interest in cuff links.They are
quick to tell you that their main reason for wearing cuff links is because of the statement of individuality which it conveys.They enjoy the capability of cuff links to express one’s mood,impress a client,or to demonstrate that they care about their appearance. Entrepreneurial"wearers"frequently wear customized cuff links that they use to promote their business;some even seek out cuff links that relate to the business of their customers…and make it a point to wear them on a business call to that account.Some "Wearers"delight in taking off their cuff links and giving them as spontaneous gifts to clients or friends.One well-known CEO of a very prominent Fortune 500 company always carries a spare pair of cuff links in his briefcase.In his own words,"I am always so flattered when someone admires my cuff links that I can’t resist the impulse to instantly remove them from my sleeve and give them to that person as a present.That extra pair in my briefcase often comes in handy!"



Predictably,"Wearers"select cuff links to match their individual personalities. Gregarious types tend toward large and flamboyant pairs.Artists are often biased toward
highly colorful cuff links;their taste also favors pairs made of natural materials such as wood,stone,coral,and silver.Hobbyist"Wearers"are often seen wearing cuff links that relate to their avocation;this explains the large variety of cuff links which depict paperweights,postage stamps,and antique cars.No doubt,coins are the most popular of this category.Cuff link faces made of actual coins or facsimiles have been around for at least 150 years.Manufacturing jewelers often receive orders to fabricate cuff links out of actual coins.However,serious coin collectors frown on the practice;they regard it as a cardinal sin if the coins have to be altered in the process.They insist that any soldering, splitting or hole drilling can really reduce the value of a coin;in some cases the alteration can render the coin worthless.