For a lot of us, an Aston Martin DB6 Volante is a car that should be treated with utmost care. But if you’re a member of the Royal Family of Britain, well, cars like that are pretty much expendable.

That wasn’t any more evident when the Prince of Wales decided to melt the aluminum pistons of his DB6 Volante and turn them into - of all things - cufflinks.

In fairness to the Prince of Wales, he didn’t completely lose his mind when he decided to use the DB6 Volante’s pistons because they became disposable after he converted the car’s engine to run on biofuel. So with nothing to do with the aluminum pistons, he asked TMB ArtMetal to turn them into special-edition cufflinks.

In total, 200 cufflinks were created with each having the same DB6-themed design, with matching spinners to boot. TMB ArtMetal also accented each set of cufflinks with 18ct gold, making them extremely pricy at £995 ($1,600) for one set.

For those interested in these cufflinks, it’s worth noting that all proceeds generated by these cufflinks will not go to the Prince of Wales’ pocket, but to his own youth charity, the Prince’s Trust.

Press Release after the jump

PRINCE'S ASTON TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR TRUST

Exclusive cufflinks created from original aluminium engine pistons

All profits from sale to benefit youth charity, The Prince's Trust

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales' prized Aston Martin DB6 Volante is now helping raise funds for The Prince's Trust, thanks to a collaboration with specialist sculptor of provenance metals, TMB ArtMetal.

TMB has created 200 pairs of cufflinks, in two designs, formed from the car's original aluminium engine pistons, which are now available to buy, with all profits going to youth charity, The Prince's Trust.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, said: "With these proceeds, we will be able to help more young people into jobs across the UK. Young people have been hit hardest in the recession, so it's now more important than ever to give them the skills and confidence they need to find work."

The project also strikes a chord with The Prince of Wales' dedication to the environment. The six donor pistons became available when his DB6 was first converted to run on biofuel and their subsequent transformation into exclusive accessories is an unusual example of recycling components that would otherwise have been thrown away.

Christopher Bennett managing director of TMB and originator of the idea, said: "These cufflinks are quintessential conversation pieces, with each pair directly benefiting The Prince's Trust. When I heard about the possibility of creating such future heirlooms from The Prince's Aston, the project was irresistible!"

TMB's two, limited-edition cufflink designs have both been made into 100 pairs, each pair formed from aluminium piston and finished with 18ct gold. One edition is an exact, miniature sculpture of the DB6 Volante, whilst the other replicates the car's iconic wheel ‘spinners' - the quick-release fixing that secures its wheels.

Each is presented in a high-quality presentation case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

The cufflinks are only available direct from TMB ArtMetal, priced £995.00.

Contact +44 (0) 208 810 9997 or info@tmbartmetal.com.