Mens Attire

Albert chains are named after the style of watch chain worn by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, during the Victorian period. Traditionally, one end featured a T-bar that passed through a waistcoat buttonhole, while the other was fitted with a swivel clasp to secure a pocket watch. The watch would have been kept in a vest pocket with the chain displayed and the chain would have also sometimes suspended a decorative fob.

This article looks at the history of one of the most iconic pieces of men’s jewellery - the cufflink. Shirt-like items of clothing have been worn since the invention of woven fabric. Historically, the shirt was considered an undergarment, concealed beneath layers of waistcoats and jackets. Exposing one’s shirt sleeves in public was deemed improper, and their cuffs were purely functional, typically tied with string, ribbon, or fastened with simple ties.