BAADE II is a family-owned, artisan jewelry company that is known as a leading manufacturer of men’s jewelry accessories for the past 26 years.  Started in 1988, in Atlantic City, BAADE II has been hailed by many connoisseurs as America’s very finest, artisan-crafted personal jewelry maker.  Their cufflinks have been featured in magazines such as Executive Travel, Aficionado, Forbes Life, and GQ.

 

The Story Begins

The BAADE story began when Mary Ann Paul, after following her military husband around the world, finally opened her own shop in Georgetown specializing in estate jewelry.  After receiving a degree in gemology, she became intrigued by the beauty of the many vitreous enameled pieces she sold and set out to learn the manufacturing process.

 

After spending time in the UK learning the intricacies of crafting these beautiful pieces of jewelry, she started her own jewelry business, naming it BAADE.  Twenty-six years later, her company still produces wearable art, with most of the vitreous enamel work continuing to be hand-crafted in the UK.

Avoiding a large range of “funky and novelty” jewelry, BAADE focuses on quality and classics that never go out of style – something that is different than what is usually found in larger department stores.

Despite the popularity of their products, BAADE remains a small company, and Mary Ann is very hands-on.

 

Vitreous Hand-Enameled Designs

Although BAADE has various styles to choose from, they are best known for their signature vitreous enameled cufflinks (this is not to be confused with the epoxy type “enamel” used by the majority of cufflink manufacturers today). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAADE still uses old-fashioned tools and presses in the creation of their cufflinks, hand-crafting each one to ensure its quality and brilliance.  From the beginning stages in the old-fashioned drop press, to the final stages of hand clipping and soldering, close attention is paid to every detail.

Once the cufflink has been prepared, it’s ready for the vitreous enameling process which uses heat to fuse powdered glass, infused with oxides and minerals, to the sterling silver designed cufflink plate.  This method is sometimes called champleve or cloisonne, depending on the manner in which the enamel is applied.

The process of vitreous enameling goes back to ancient Egypt and produces a vibrantly rich kaleidoscope of colors that is near-legend in the unrivaled depth and intensity.  Creating this beautiful look takes time and attention to detail.

“Vitreous enamels are meticulously handcrafted by layering, then hand-polishing, layer-after-layer of wafer-thin, molten glass, one atop another.  Each added layer renders a quantum leap in color depth and intensity.  Each layer is painstakingly made by first firing powdered glass to 850 degrees Celsius, or 2800 degrees Fahrenheit.  …Once the molten lava has cooled to a wafer thin layer of colorfully transparent enameled glass, it’s fastidiously hand polished.  Then, another molten layer is poured atop it.  And again, diligently hand polished.  Over-and-over, the process is repeated until the vibrantly rich depth and intensity of desired color is achieved.”

This process is repeated an average of six times per color as each layer is painstakingly applied and added to each cufflink plate.  Then, to ensure a product that never tarnishes, each cufflink is electroplated with either rhodium (part of the platinum family of metals) or 18K gold.  The result is a piece of prized jewelry, characterized by a brilliant, non-fading, vibrantly rich color.

 

Our Selections

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Cufflinks Depot, we offer a large selection of BAADE II cufflinks and stud sets that are perfect for every occasion.  Whether you’re looking for a simple, elegant design like these sterling tiled enameled cufflinks, something more fanciful like these red dragon cufflinks, or even something patriotic like this patriotic stud set, Cufflinks Depot can help you look your best and display your impeccable taste in designer cufflinks.  And don’t forget, we offer free shipping and a free gift on all domestic orders over $29.