Cuff link 1868 - 1878

This is a pair of cufflinks by Jacob Ulrich Holfeldt Tostrup, who was born in Norway in 1806. These cufflinks were worn during a time when the semiotics of class were literally worn on the body. In the 19th century, clothing and accessories became potent markers of identity and social standing. As industrialization grew, so did the middle class, and with it, the desire to display their new status through fashion. The bourgeoisie followed strict rules to signal their belonging to a privileged and exclusive group. These cufflinks, while small, were part of the performance of distinction. They weren't just functional; they were a statement. They speak volumes about the wearer's place in a rigid social hierarchy. This type of jewelry maintains traditional class distinctions.