Brief History Of Cuff Links

Cuff links are most commonly known as small ornamental devices.  They can be a pair of linked buttons (or one button that fastens with a bar or shank), which are. inserted through buttonholes to keep the cuffs of a shirt or blouse closed.  Cuff links appeared around the 1840s usually in the form of gold, silver, or pearl buttons held together by chain links.  Through the years there have been many variations in cuff link design.  They are no longer limited to the button form, and may be made of any number materials.

Reference: The World Book Encyclopedia