In a jewelry-design career spanning just over two decades, Aldo Cipullo created a portfolio of iconic pieces. And decades after his death, his most famous, the Cartier Love bracelet, remains a best seller.
A life devoted to jewelry seemed preordained for Cipullo, who was born in Naples in 1935 and raised in Rome. His father, Giuseppe, manufactured costume jewelry, and Cipullo, the eldest of five siblings, began selling goods for the family business at age 15.
In 1959, Cipullo left postwar Italy for New York City. He had found the right place at the right time to ply his prodigious talent and navigated between some of the most prestigious jewelers situated on the city’s most glittering thoroughfares, 57th Street and Fifth Avenue. Cipullo’s first stop was the workshop of David Webb, a favorite among the mid-century beau monde. Webb, who was one of America’s most influential and best-loved jewelry designers, became a mentor for the new arrival, advising him to call himself a designer despite his bench jeweler job description.
Tiffany & Co. came next. Cipullo alighted at the design studio in 1964, becoming — along with Sonia Younis, Don Berg and Donald Claflin — part of a youthquake that brought fresh ideas to the stately American brand.
At Tiffany, Cipullo came into his own as a designer with an original point of view, developing a facility across a broad swathe of motifs and inspirations that included lifelike florals, stylized African animals and masks, modern geometries — and hardware, expressed in a series of key-shaped brooches that offer the first glimpse of a theme he would return to later. By the end of the 1960s, he was designing some of Tiffany’s crown jewels, pieces in its Blue Book high-jewelry collection, often using lapis, coral or turquoise. These colorful opaque gems were among the materials that would become hallmarks of his work.
According to the designer’s brother Renato Cipullo — a coauthor with jewelry journalist Vivienne Becker on Cipullo: Making Jewelry Modern (Assouline) — when the term of a two-year contract with Tiffany neared its end in 1969, the brand passed on a gold bracelet design Aldo presented to the house. Though Tiffany wasn’t ready to raise Cipullo’s profile, another suitor would soon pick up the piece and give it, and in turn Cipullo, a major public platform. He struck a deal with Michael Thomas, president of Cartier New York, to carry some of his designs — including the new bracelet — exclusively.
Becker recounts the history of the Cartier Love bracelet in the book: Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. The Love bracelet combined hardware with elements of symbolic Victorian jewelry and the chastity belt, plus the ritual of meaningful adornment.
The bracelet, along with its designer, was just the tonic that Cartier needed at the start of the 1970s, a moment when the venerable brand was seeking an injection of youthful jet-set glamour. Cipullo’s winning streak with the brand continued, even as he designed for his own studio, Aldo Cipullo Ltd., which he established in the early part of the decade.
The Love design — which also yielded a ring and a necklace — was not Cipullo’s sole hardware-inspired jewelry for Cartier; his unisex Juste un Clou (“just a nail”) bracelet takes the form of a curved nail. When he died, at the age of 48, from a double heart attack, Cipullo was only getting started. Nevertheless, he left a profound legacy.
Find vintage Aldo Cipullo Cartier jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Vintage 1970 Cartier Aldo Cipullo Love Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Size 16
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Experience the epitome of timeless elegance with the Cartier Love Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, a piece that has transcended the boundaries of jewelry to become a true icon of lu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aldo Cipullo Cartier Gold Heart Diamond Vintage Clip Earrings
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hold only the winning cards with these Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18 karat yellow gold heart and diamond shape vintage clip earrings. Signed A. Cipullo Cartier. Circa 1971. Diamond ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18 Gold Earrings Lapis Lazuli
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier earrings, circa 1972, made of 18k gold and lapis lazuli. The earrings feature a distinctive rectangular shape with layered gold elements ar...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18K Gold and Sodalite "Rounds" Necklace
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1972 by Aldo Cipullo as part of the "Rounds" collection, this Cartier necklace is composed of 18k gold and sodalite . It is designed as trace link chain highlighted by sh...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
CARTIER 1973 By Aldo Cipullo Clips Earrings 18Kt Gold Rock Crystal & Carnelians
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of ear-clips designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. This is a fabulous pair of ears-clips created in New York City by the jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo, back in 1973...
Carnelian, Rock Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 1970 by Aldo Cipullo Geometric Sunburst Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier 1970 by Aldo Cipullo Geometric Sunburst Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Aldo Cipullo’s distinctive design language is on display in these sunburst earrings created for Cartier in 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier by Cipullo Love Bracelet
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Being a symbol of commitment, a Love bracelet was designed as a minimalistic piece in 1969 and was bound to become iconic. The Cartier Love bracelet is supposed to be put on by someone who mutually loves you. Two screws on both sides hold the bracelet together to represent locked in feelings. The gold Love bracelet looks very neat. It has a perfect width, it's shiny yet classic and elegant. It's a perfect Cartier bracelet that suits anyone's taste. This particular Love bracelet is signed by Love bracelet designer Aldo Cipullo. It's from 1970s and that's why it has both signatures, the Cartier and Cipullo. This Love bracelet is size 19 (will fit up to 7" wrist). Comes with a screwdriver. About Aldo Cipullo Aldo Cipullo is mostly known as a creator of the famous Cartier Love bracelet. However, he designed several iconic pieces, and his talent was appreciated by David Webb and Tiffany & Co. His father was a costume jewelry maker, and Aldo worked as an apprentice at one of his workshops. But Cipullo’s ambition went further than Italy where he was born. After he turned 23, he moved to New York to study at The School of Visual Arts. In 1969 Aldo Cipullo started to work for Cartier, and his glorious journey began. Very soon after Cipullo came up with the idea of Cartier Love bracelet. The new design made a big splash in the jewelry world. It was a completely new perspective of the classic look. There is a story behind creating Love bracelet. It says Cipullo was heartbroken at that time after a failed love affair. He wanted to lock in his memories as it was all he had left. Being fascinated by industrial features of New York City and all things hardware, he drew his first draft of the bracelet. Another emblematic piece by Cipullo called Juste en Clou (Just a Nail) came up in 1971. The minimalist, wrapped around nail-looking gold bracelet was a great success. Today the yellow gold, rose gold and white gold Cartier Nail...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cipullo for Cartier Fish Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage enamel fish brooch set with sapphires (approx. 2.95cts), diamonds (approx. .20cts), and emerald in 18k yellow gold signed Aldo Cipullo for Cartier. Circa 1970's
White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier A Cipullo Hoops 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
These exquisite 18k gold earrings, created in 1970, embody sophistication and simplicity. Designed by the renowned Aldo Cipullo for Cartier, they feature a minimalist circular shape ...
18k Gold
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18 Karat Enamel Pearl Monkey Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This beautiful and very rare Cartier Monkey brooch is designed by Aldo Cipullo and is signed by both Cartier and Aldo Cipullo. Not only is it signed, bu...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Sapphire, Diamond Fish Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Sapphire, Diamond and colorful fish brooch crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch is designed as a fish with its head and tail encrusted with pave set round brilliant cut diamonds with total weight of approximately 5.65ct, color F-G, clarity VVS. Eyes bezel set with two oval blue sapphires with total weight of approximately 0.50ct. The body inlaid in red, blue and green enamel. Inscribed: Cartier, A. Cipullo, 18k. Equipped with double pin and trombone clasp...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Aldo Cipullo Onyx Earrings
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Onyx. Signed by Aldo Cipullo Circa 1970 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 inches
Onyx, 18k Gold
Cartier White Gold Love Wedding Band
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Princeton, NJ
An 18 karat white gold Cartier Love ring “wedding band” width (3mm). The ring features evenly spaced screw head motifs which is the defining feature of the Love collection, designed ...
White Gold
Rare 1970 Rose Gold Aldo Cipullo Love Bracelet 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Rare 1970 Aldo Cipullo 18 Karat Rose Gold Rose Gold Love Bracelet Size 16. Metal Type: 18 Karat Rose Gold Metal Weight: 28.2 Grams
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet 18K White Gold Size 20
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Comes with Cartier Certificate and inner and outer boxes as pictured. Retails at $7400 Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Style: Cartier Love Bracelet Metal: 18K White Gold S...
18k Gold, White Gold
Andrew Clunn 18kt Gold Clip Earrings Watermelon Classic
By Andrew Clunn
Located in New York, NY
Designer Andrew Clunn Watermelon Textured Clip Earrings Measurements: 26 x 20mm Depth: 13mm Comfortable Omega Clip 30 grams / 18kt. Yellow Gold Earrings are gorgeous made
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier Iconic LOVE Bracelet 16", 18K Yellow Gold Original
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet is crafted from 18K yellow gold. With a width of 16", this timeless piece was first created in New York in 1969. The unique design consists of two rigid arcs and is mea...
Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Fire Opal Bezel Set Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Step back in time with this exquisite vintage Cartier pendant, a true gem from the 1970s. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this pendant features a captivating fire opal, bezel set to perf...
Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Stars Lapis Lazuli Sapphires Stud Earrings
By AVGVSTA
Located in Milano, IT
This charming pair of stud earrings is entirely hand carved and made in lapis lazuli, shaped as stars and adorned in the center with cabochon sapphire. The mounting is in 18 karat y...
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Carnelian Doorknockers 1970's Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Of door knocker design, in articulated 18K yellow gold, with clip backs these are vintage Bvlgari door knockers with hoops made of Carnelian. Because these earrings come to us from ...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold Size 19
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Like-new, pristine condition Brand: Cartier Material: 18K Yellow Gold Type: Love Bracelet Bracelet Size: 19 Bracelet Width: 6.1mm Bracelet Weight: 33.3gr Comes with Screwdriver ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet (Yellow Gold)
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Retails for 13100 USD. In excellent condition and recently polished at Cartier. 16 cm in length. Comes with Pouch;Certificate of Authenticity;Screwdriver;Service Papers. Cartier Lov...
Yellow Gold
Cartier White Gold Clip Earrings Paved with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
CARTIER 18 carats white Gold clip-on Earrings paved with Diamonds Signed Cartier and numbered. Dated 1999 Height: 1.3 cm Width: 1 cm Gross weight: 11,7g Eagje head Hallmark French w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Vintage 1990s Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous authentic vintage Cartier collar necklace features 4 rows of geometric links crafted in 18k yellow gold. Made in France circa 1990s. Measu...
Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Love Bracelet, Size 18
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K yellow gold Serial # B56XXX Size: 18 No box or papers included
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.42 in L 6.75 in
CARTIER 1970 Aldo Cipullo Bracelet In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Lapis & VS Diamonds
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A bracelet designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. This is a extremely rare bracelet created in New York City by the jewelry designer Aldo Cipu...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Aldo Cipullo 18k Gold Choker Necklace
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is a choker necklace designed by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier, crafted in 18k yellow gold and dating back to the 1970s. Measuring 13 inches in length and 7/8 of an inch in width, th...
18k Gold
Cipullo for Cartier Penguin Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier penguin brooch set in 18k yellow gold with diamond (approx. .45cts), ruby and sapphires, Circa 1970's
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Juste Un Clou Thin Model in Yellow Gold
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Princeton, NJ
An 18 karat yellow gold thin Cartier Juste Un Clou in size 16. Designed in 1970s New York, the first Juste un Clou bracelet reflected a wild, freewheeling era. Bold, modern, and inno...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.26 in W 1.18 in D 0.47 in
CARTIER 1973 Aldo Cipullo Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Rock Crystal & Onyx
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of ear-clips designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. This is a fabulous pair of ear-clips created in New York City by the jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo, back in 1973 ...
Onyx, Rock Crystal, Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER 1970 Aldo Cipullo Door Knocker Earrings IN 18Kt Gold With Onyxes
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of door knocker’s earrings designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. This is a very rare pair of door knocker’s clips-earrings created in New York City for the house of...
Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.49 in W 1.18 in
CARTIER 1972 Aldo Cipullo Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Rock Quartz & Onyx
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Extra large ear-clips designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. This is a fabulous pair of ear-clips created in New York City by the jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo, back in 1...
Onyx, Quartz, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.5 in L 1.02 in
CARTIER 1969 Aldo Cipullo Clips Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold, Lapis & Diamonds
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of ear-clips designed by Aldo Cipullo (1936-1984) for Cartier. These are a fabulous flames ear-clips created in New York City by the jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo for the house...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER ALDO CIPULLO 18k Yellow Gold, Lapis & Diamond Brutalist Earrings 1970s d
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier by Aldo Cipullo 18k Yellow Gold, Lapis & Diamond Brutalist Earrings 1970s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible vintage pair of earrings...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Aldo Cipullo 18k Gold Multi Gem Enamel Toucan Clip Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage brooch clip by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and bold design. Made of 18k gold, it depicts a toucan bird adorned with black enamel accen...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse Brooch Gold Enamel Gemstones
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse brooch, made of 18k gold, featuring enamel and gemstones. This charming Cipullo piece, with its textured g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 1971 By Aldo Cipullo Ziggurat Stepped Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Ziggurat cocktail ring designed by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier. This is an extremely rare bold modernist cocktail ring, created in New York city by Aldo Cipullo for the jewelry house o...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold