A Quick How To - Part V

The final installment of Backings A Quick How To is upon us.

The Ball Return

A ball return cufflinks have a back that is composed of a ball of silver or gold. Some designers are even getting creative making the ball of colorful fiber optic glass. The upside is that they are very easy to put on. The ball is also more appealing than a bullet or plain fixed back.

The above collection of animal cufflinks by Tateossian London is available at www.cufflinks.com.

In case you missed previous posts

The bullet backing is most common and arguably the easiest to put on. This backing is constructed with bullet shaped capsule that is suspended between two posts. The bullet can be flipped on its axis to manipulate it through the button holes in the cuff, and then flipped horizontal to secure the cufflink on the shirt. Featured here in sterling silver.

The whale post is the best combination of ease of use and elegance. This style involves a straight or curved post extending from the back of the face and a solid "whale tail" that flips flat to insert, and flips back in place to secure the cuff. Whether the cufflinks utilize a straight or curved post, the advantage is in the ease of use and refined sophistication of the whale backing. It is the perfect blend of style and function.


The most traditional form of cufflinks feature a chain link. Chain link cufflinks are the original form of cufflinks and are found most often in items of English production. Chain links characteristically have 2 sides that are joined together by a chain link. Due to the agility required to put them on, these are certainly for the expert level cufflink connoisseur. The benefit of this style is that there is something to look at on both sides of the cuff. Additionally, chain link cufflinks typically allow for a looser cuff.


Fixed backings are an extension of the cufflink face. This means that the post and backing are formed from the same piece of metal as the front side of the cufflink. The backing does not bend or move in any way. May require a bit more work to put on, but you will benefit in the long run from not having moving parts.

And last but not least, Today's feature

A ball return cufflinks have a back that is composed of a ball of silver or gold. Some designers are even getting creative making the ball of colorful fiber optic glass. The upside is that they are very easy to put on. The ball is also more appealing than a bullet or plain fixed back.