Gold Naval lace used for officers uniforms, produced by “Hand & Lock” of London, sitting side by side, Onyx semi precious stones, as black as night and framed by pure sterling silver, mirroring black and gold: Made in Thailand, a country rich in the ancient craft of fine jewellery making, befitting jewellers like “Veritas” and “Links of London” who demand the highest quality finish for their customers--cufflinks so rich in history and textural influences, a rare combination of materials to be sure and not to be found in bargain basements, but also not of reach, at £95.00, a must for any avid collector.
About Naval lace and Hand & Lock; A London Company that still makes gold lace, a fascinating story, here is a taste. In 1767 Goldlacemen called Hand, originally Huguenot Weavers from Flanders, added embroidery to their range of laces, cords and braids. Their skills came from the entourage of Catherine de Medicis, when she married into the French court in the 16th century. They learnt the ancient Italian secrets of gold lace and made them their own. It was at this time that heraldic art was used to provide a sign of distinction and to recognise the wearer’s achievement. Garments trimmed with gold lace and embroidery set the wearer apart. The measure of their rank and status was the quality of their apparel.
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