When you think about top cufflink brands, Swank and Hawson definitely come to mind. Swank, with its roots going back to the 1900s, is known for its classic designs and time-honored craftsmanship. It’s a brand that’s built a reputation for delivering elegant, traditional pieces.
On the other hand, Hawson has a more modern vibe. It’s emerged as a go-to for stylish, contemporary designs that catch the eye of today’s trendsetters.
So, how do these two brands stack up against each other?
In this article, we’ll compare Swank and Hawson, examining their unique strengths and designs and what makes each unique.
Swank Cufflinks Brand: Overview
Swank is a well-known American brand that makes cufflinks for men. The company started in 1897 when Samuel M. Stone opened the Attleboro Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts.
At first, they made women’s jewelry.
As suits and formal wear became more common, the company began focusing on men’s accessories, like cufflinks. In 1940, they changed their name to Swank Inc., and this is when they really became known for men’s jewelry.
Swank cufflinks are known for their simple and elegant designs. Even today, collectors love Swank’s vintage pieces for their classic look and quality.
Hawson Cufflinks Brand: Overview
Hawson is another standout name in cufflinks, and it’s easy to see why. They bring a fresh, modern twist to men’s accessories. Unlike the classic styles you might find from other brands, Hawson goes for a more contemporary look.
Their designs often showcase bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique shapes that really make a statement.
Hawson stands out for its strong commitment to design innovation.
They experiment with various materials, like brass and rhodium plating, to create cufflinks that are not just stylish but also have a distinctive edge. So, Hawson is a brand worth considering if you aim to make a bold impression or add a flair to your outfit.
Swank vs. Hawson: Design and Aesthetic Comparison
Both brands focus on quality and craftsmanship, but they go in different directions when it comes to style.
Let’s start with Swank.
They lean more toward a classic and traditional look. Their cufflinks are usually simple, with clean lines and basic shapes.
Swank’s cufflinks are perfect for formal events or professional settings where you want to keep things classy.
Hawson, however, takes a different route.
Their designs are modern and bold, with eye-catching colors, unique shapes, and intricate details. They like to mix things up by using materials like stainless steel,
If you’re someone who loves making a statement and showing off a bit of personality, Hawson’s cufflinks are the way to go.
See the difference? Both brands offer great quality, but it all comes down to your personal style.
Material Quality: Swank vs. Hawson
Let’s shift gears and talk about materials.
Both Swank and Hawson make high-quality cufflinks, but when it comes to material innovation, Hawson takes the lead. They play around with a broader range of materials, including unique options like pearl stone and rose gold plating.
For instance, check out our Mother of Pearl Stone Cufflinks.
The shimmer adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
And then there are their Rose Golden Plated & Knot Cufflinks and Tie Clip. The rose gold plating gives them a warm, luxurious feel, while the knot design adds a hint of personality.
Hawson’s creativity with materials really makes their cufflinks stand out and gives them a distinctive edge.
Customization and Personalization Options
On the other hand, Hawson provides a more diverse array of cufflinks, offering more options for those who enjoy a touch of creativity.
They might not offer deep customization, but their range of existing designs means you can find something that aligns with nearly any idea you have.
Take a look at some of Hawson’s standout options:
These cufflinks have a bright green cat's eye stone with a simple chain detail, perfect for adding a bit of color and style. The green really stands out, making them a great choice for both formal and semi-formal outfits.
They give any look a touch of elegance and can easily match different styles.
For music lovers, these cufflinks are a great choice. The musical note design adds a playful yet refined element to your attire. Pair them with a classic dress shirt for a subtle nod to your interests.
These are ideal for golf enthusiasts. The swinging golfer design is both fun and stylish, making them a great conversation starter.
They work well with casual or semi-formal outfits, adding a bit of personality to your look.
If you’re a fan of unique, statement pieces, these skull cufflinks with a Halloween twist are a bold choice. They’re perfect for themed events or for those who want to showcase a bit of their edgy side.
For those with a connection to Freemasonry, these button covers are a refined way to display your affiliation. They add a stylish touch to your formal outfits while also representing tradition and pride.
Hawson’s variety and creative designs make it easy to find cufflinks that suit your personal style or interests.
Special Editions and Gifts: Swank vs. Hawson
Customer Experience: Service, Warranty, and Returns
Swank’s products are mainly found with jewelry collectors today, acquired. This means there is no official return or warranty policy in place for Swank items.
If you purchase a Swank piece, whether it’s vintage or collectible, the return or refund process depends entirely on the rules of the seller or collector you’re buying from.
On the other hand, Hawson is a fully operational company and offers a clear and reliable returns and warranty policy.
If you're not satisfied with a product, Hawson provides an easy return process, typically handling refunds within 1-2 working days, with funds reaching customers in about a week.
While Swank items rely on the discretion of individual sellers, Hawson’s structured policies and customer service make the buying experience much smoother and more secure
Price Comparison: Which Brand Offers Better Value?
When it comes to pricing, both Swank and Hawson have options for different budgets.
Swank cufflink prices can vary a lot based on their design, materials, and how rare they are. On Etsy, you can usually find simple vintage Swank cufflinks for $20 to $50. But some rare ones, like those with special designs or from themed collections, worth $100 or more.
Hawson’s prices are more consistent, offering a wide range of cufflinks.
Of course, prices can vary depending on the design, materials, or whether you're looking at a limited edition piece.
In the end, the right choice comes down to your budget and what matters most to you—whether it's affordability or investing in a more high-end, timeless piece.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Swank vs. Hawson Cufflinks
So, how do Swank and Hawson compare when it comes to their cufflinks?
We’ve discussed their design styles, material quality, and customization options extensively. To help you compare Swank and Hawson, we’ve put together a handy comparison table.
This table shows the main differences and similarities between the two brands, making it easier to decide which best suits your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of how Swank and Hawson measure up:
|
Feature |
Swank |
Hawson |
|
Design Style |
Classic, elegant, traditional |
Modern, bold, contemporary |
|
Materials Used |
Stainless steel, Gold plating, Brass |
Stainless steel, Brass, Gold plated, Rhodium plating, Natura stones |
|
Price Range |
Affordable to mid-range |
Budget-friendly to mid-range |
|
Customization Options |
No customization |
Diverse designs; some personalization available |
|
Material Innovation |
Focus on traditional materials |
Experimentation with various materials |
|
Special Editions/Gifts |
Commemorative and limited-edition options |
Exquisite packaging for gifts |
Which Brand is Right for You?
Picking between Swank and Hawson really comes down to your style. If you love classic, elegant designs, Swank is a great choice.
But if you’re into modern, unique styles and want a bit more bang for your buck, Hawson is the way to go. Plus, Hawson’s customer service and packaging make them a solid pick for gifts.
So, if you’re leaning towards timeless sophistication, go with Swank; if you prefer fresh designs and extra value, Hawson’s your brand.