Metalwear Rocks
You may end up setting off a few metal detectors at the airport, but here are some metallic accessory ideas that are unique and can be made uniquely yours. The idea behind the use of metal (stainless steel, silver, gold, platinum) in making these classic accessories is that these since have been around a while, these should be made to last a while longer.
Dress Up in Style
Having a pair of engraved cufflinks might seem like stepping back in time to the era of swashbucklers and duels at dawn, but you have to admit, there's something intriguing and undeniably elegant about those bygone days. Though you can't wear engraved cufflinks every day, there are still events and occasions that would warrant wearing these, like weddings, gala nights, or even a night at the opera.
Engraved cufflinks are also great gift ideas, and if you're giving it to someone like George Foreman, who named all his sons (six of them) George, have his initials engraved on it, and they can all take turns using it. Along with a pair of engraved cufflinks you can throw in a matching engraved money clip, which is the new trend for fashionistas.
If you want to go the extra mile, might as well put in an engraved flask, because you can never tell when anyone will need to sneak a drink in somewhere. Of course that engraving might just be the proof the CSI needs to prove that they done the deed.
What Metals for What Accessory
That depends entirely on the user or recipient. Gold or gold hued cufflinks add that extra sheen but might seem too gaudy for some people, and silver does have enough bling without being too garish, but it tarnishes easily and can stain your cuffs.
Money clips on the other hand need to be very malleable, because of the wear and tear of opening the ends of it to put the money in and take it out. Again, gold is malleable, but too high in karat, it easily gets bent out of shape, too low, it can get brittle. The same goes for silver. Going for titanium means being careful not to drop it, because titanium shatters and cannot be mended.
Flasks were traditionally made in silver, but the metallic taste it leaves on the liquor leaves quite a bit to be desired. This has been rectified by adding a glass lining in some flasks, but drop the flask hard enough, the glass can break.
The bottom line is, even if these accessories are resilient, these are not unbreakable.
Taking Care of Your Metal Ware
The dizzying amount of products will clean metals will also do the same to your pockets, the truth is for everyday cleaning (you know, the kind that you do in your home when you don't have to show off your stuff in museums and showrooms), everyday products work well enough. Your shampoo will work in removing the proteins from your cufflinks and money clip, vinegar and baking soda will bring the shine back to your flask.