This page identifies the main external sources used to check regulatory, care, and historical claims. A source can support a general statement without authenticating a particular pair.
United States: jewellery descriptions
- Federal Trade Commission: Jewelry Guides — consumer-oriented overview of accurate information and marketing claims for precious metals, gemstones, pearls, and related products.
- Federal Trade Commission legal library: Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries — primary regulatory materials and Federal Register notices.
United Kingdom: hallmarking
- GOV.UK: Hallmarking—how businesses can comply with the law — overview of why precious-metal articles are hallmarked and the official system.
- GOV.UK: Hallmarking guidance notes — detailed guidance and official symbols.
Gem and jewellery care
- Gemological Institute of America: How should I care for my pearls?
- Gemological Institute of America: Tips on caring for jewellery
- Gemological Institute of America: Pearl care and cleaning guide
Museum collection examples
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Tiffany & Co. pair of cufflinks
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Victorian cufflinks with Assyrian motifs
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: American or European cuff links
How sources are used
Official materials are checked for jurisdiction-specific claims. Museum records illustrate documented objects but do not prove that a visually similar item has the same date, maker, or material. Care sources are applied conservatively because a cufflink may combine several materials and unknown repairs.
Last reviewed
Source links and the related guide language were reviewed on August 6, 2026. Readers should use the most current version of the applicable official guidance.