Cartier Snake Necklace

While what the Cartier Love necklace means is truly up to the wearer, the accessory’s specific construction had deep meaning for its designer. When Italian-born American jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo (1935–84) created the Love bracelet, which was the first piece in the Love collection, he was inspired by chastity belts and the promise of romantic love. Although it’s since been updated to lock and unlock on its own, the original Love bracelet came with a gold-vermeil screwdriver. One lover wore Cipullo’s striking cuff, while the other carried the tool to open and close it. The piece would thus be an immutable symbol of a couple’s love — immutable, that is, until the guardian of the screwdriver agreed to remove it. The mock flathead screws motif that characterizes the original bracelet can also be seen on the Love necklace’s pendant. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Cartier Love necklaces.

To tell if a Cartier necklace is real, first look for the serial number and Cartier logo. On a genuine piece, the stamp will be clear, straight and in the correct Cartier script font. Also, check the clasps. Real Cartier jewelry will have high-quality clasps that are easy to work and free of signs of soldering. Find a selection of Cartier necklaces on 1stDibs.