Mortars and pestles were traditionally used in pharmacies to crush ingredients prior to preparing a prescription. The mortar and pestle is the most common icon associated with pharmacies. These Cufflinks by Ravi Ratan. Mortars and pestles were traditionally used in pharmacies to crush ingredients prior to preparing a prescription. The mortar and pestle is the most common icon associated with pharmacies. These Mortal and Pestles Cufflinks are ideal for the Pharmacist. . Counting pills or pounding chemicals is no longer just ‘counting’ or ‘pounding.’ Its essence is at your sleeves—keeping you in constant company to your work, or even out of work. This pair of mortar and pestle cufflink is perfect whether as a service award token, a gift to a colleague, or your reward to yourself for a job well done.