How do I clean gold ones?

Warm water with a mild soap is usually enough to remove surface grease and skin oils. A soft bristle brush helps clear dirt from chased recesses without scratching the metal. Dry them quickly with a microfibre cloth. Leaving moisture on hinged components can encourage tarnish to form in the joints.

I recently inherited a pair of double-faced enamel links from my grandfather and I was wondering how you put them on a shirt properly?

Push one face through the back half of the cuff before putting the shirt on. It saves wrestling with the fabric using one hand. Once the shirt is on, fold the cuffs together. Pinch the buttonholes flat and feed the second panel through from the inside out. The decorative faces should sit smoothly against the outside of your wrist. Neither panel should touch your skin directly.

Can silver tarnish stain my cuffs?

Yes. Heavy silver sulphide tarnish transfers easily onto light cotton fabrics through normal friction. A gentle polish before wearing prevents this. Focus on the posts and chains where the metal makes direct contact with the buttonholes.

The chain between the two panels seems quite long on this Edwardian set and I am worried the cuffs will just flop open all day.

Older antique cufflinks often feature longer chains than modern equivalents. Stiff starched collars and cuffs were the norm. The rigid fabric required extra clearance to sit correctly. Soft modern cotton shirts behave differently. A long chain allows the cuff edges to part slightly rather than clamping them flush. Some wearers prefer this relaxed fit.