Deakin & Francis Review: Kings of Cufflinks
Cufflinks can be boring. A silver square. A knot. Or, they can be a solid silver skull with a jaw that drops to reveal diamond eyes when you flick your wrist. Deakin & Francis (founded 1786) makes the latter.
Based in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, they are the oldest manufacturing jeweller in England. Run by brothers Henry and James Deakin (7th generation), they are wildly eccentric.
The Engineering: Moving Parts
Their specialty is Kinetic Cufflinks. They have cufflinks shaped like jet engines that spin. Owls that blink. Steering wheels that turn. The engineering required to make microscopic moving parts in precious metal is staggering. It is watchmaking-level precision.
The Enamel
They are also masters of Vitreous Enamel. This is powdered glass fused to metal at 800°C. It creates a deep, glossy colour that never fades. Most "enamel" cufflinks today are cheap plastic resin. Real vitreous enamel is an art form.
The Verdict
Prices range from £300 (silver) to £5,000+ (gold/diamonds). If you wear a suit every day, cufflinks are the one place you can show personality. Deakin & Francis are the best in the world at this.
Pros:
- Incredible "Kinetic" designs.
- Vitreous enamel mastery.
- 7th generation family owned.
Cons:
- Some designs are very loud (skulls/pirates).
- Expensive.
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