The following is vary basic overview of terms involved in cufflinks production process. For more info visit:
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Various Types of Metals and Platings use in Cuff Links manufacturing process

Silver Plated - Indicates that the cufflinks are made from a mixture of base metal. Typically, a very thin layer of silver is bonded through an electrical process to a base metal core.

Sterling Silver - Indicates that the compostion of the cufflink is 92.5% pure silver, or .925. Sterling is an alloy, usually a mixture of 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver. This is the highest silver content found in jewelry.

Vermeil - Sterling silver base with gold plating applied. Considerably of higher value than sterling silver alone or regular gold plating.

Nickel Plated - A thin coating nickel on top of a base metal. Nickel plating provides a bright, shiny surface that is corrosion-free, and generally resistant to wear.

Gold Plated - A thin coating of electroplated or mechanically plated gold on top of a base metal.

Rhodium Plated - A metal with a whitish gray appearance. Rhodium is typically applied to sterling silver items to reduce tarnishing through an electroplating process.

Hallmarked Sterling Silver - A hallmark is a small marking stamped onto the back of gold, silver and platinum articles, which guarantees the quality of the metal. They show that the object has been independently tested. This is a predominantly British practice.

Cufflinks Backings and Closures

Whale back closure - The best combination of ease of use and elegance. This style has a straight post combined with a flat, solid whale tail that flips flat to insert, and flips back in place to secure the cuff. Typically requires great workmanship and judicious use of material.

Bullet back closure - The most common of all cufflinks backings and the easiest to put on. This style has a torpedo, or 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.

Fixed Backing - 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 benefit in the long run from not having moving parts.

Chain Link - 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.

Reversible - Fixed back cufflinks that have a design on the back end, rather than a plain fixed disc. Allows an appealing design on both sides of the cuffand enables you to switch what is shown on the main side of the cuff, like having 2 pairs in one.

Ball Return - A chain link cufflinks where the backing is composed of a ball of silver or gold. The upside is that they are very easy to put on and you get the looseness benefit of the chain link backing. The ball is also more appealing than a bullet or plain fixed back.

Semi-Presious and Precious Stones used in Cufflinks settings

Quartz - One of the most common minerals on the earth, quartz comes in a wide array of colors and forms. Its variety of colors and luster has made quartz the most popular gemstone to collect and wear.

Onyx- A banded variety of chalcedony, onyx comes in both white and black. Some onyx is natural, but most is caused by staining the agate.

Mother of Pearl - Also known as Nacre, mother of pearl is a naturally occurring inorganic-organic composite. It has an iridescent appearance due to its thick aragonite palates. Mother of pearl is extremely popular in jewelry for its unique and exquisite look.

Citrine - Any quartz crystal that is yellow or orange in color. Most have been heat treated in order to obtain a more orange color.

Garnet - Forming under extreme pressure and temperature, garnet gemstones are known for their extravagant luster and are one of the most durable minerals in the world. Most garnets come in a reddish color, although as a result of different origins and temperatures, it may come in a wide array of brilliant colors.

Topaz - Typically displaying a golden brown or yellowish color, topaz is a much more valuable and rare version of citrine. Its crystal structure and color radiance makes topaz an incredibly valuable and popular gemstone that many people pass down for generations.

Amethyst - A purple quartz crystal that is an extremely popular gemstone. The Greeks named it such for its wine-like color and unparalleled beauty. It comes in a wide variety of purple shades and sizes.

Turquoise - Possibly the rarest and most valuable mineral, turquoise is known for its stunning blue colors and luminosity. It has been mined for thousands of years and continues to grow in value and popularity.

Abalone - Found in various forms in the sea, abalone is extremely popular for its color fraction and variety. Diving for abalone shells has become a common pastime across the world.

Carnelian - A reddish form of the mineral chalcedony, carnelian has an extremely waxy luster. It was named after being “flesh red.”

Sodilite - An incredibly scarce mineral known for its sodium content, sodilite is one of the purest blue gemstones in the world. In addition to its luminous blue color, it is extremely translucent.

Tiger’s Eye - An overwhelmingly popular gemstone in jewelry, tiger’s eye is know for its yellow and brown colors and silky luster. A common member of the quartz family, its qualities are very similar to that of a single-crystal quartz.

Malachite - With a truly unique banded green color, malachite is one of the worlds most beautiful and recognizable minerals. Many pieces of jewelry pair malachite with other minerals to create a one-of-a-kind color contrast.

Jade - Found in two different mineral forms, jade is well known for its emerald green color and toughness. It is stronger than steel and used to be used in tools and weapons.

Hematite - The mineral form of iron oxide, it has a reddish color caused by powder in the minerals. Hematite minerals are very rare and heavily collected as a result of its unique color.

Chalcedony - Commonly found in a gray or black shade, chalcedony is a form of mineral quartz that has a very waxy luster. Because of its fine grains and solubility, it is popular for its ability to mold to shapes.

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