Vintage 1970 Cartier Aldo Cipullo Love Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle
View Similar Items
Vintage 1970 Cartier Aldo Cipullo Love Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:Love BraceletLove Collection
- Metal:
- Weight:28.1 g
- Dimensions:Width: 0.23 in (5.85 mm)Length: 6 in (152.4 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Polished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:Seller: B0007451stDibs: LU1799214080002
Love Bracelet
If the robust locking mechanism and miniature screw heads that characterized the Cartier Love bracelet when it first appeared conjured crude, medieval hardware, there’s a good reason. When Italian-born American jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo created the company’s signature bangle, he was inspired by chastity belts. Cipullo believed that the bond and commitment embodied in love deserved their own distinctive symbol.
When he designed the Love bracelet, in 1969, Cipullo (1935–84) hadn't been working long for Cartier, where he was hired only a decade after arriving in the United States. In fact, it was his first piece for the internationally acclaimed French jewelry house, which already counted numerous celebrities among its loyal clientele and had attracted legions of admirers for its brooches and Santos de Cartier wristwatch.
The son of a well-known costume jewelry manufacturer, Cipullo developed an appreciation for design in his youth and gained firsthand experience with manufacturing jewelry during an apprenticeship at his father’s factory in Florence. After arriving in New York City, in 1959, he studied at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, then worked for Tiffany & Co. and David Webb, honing his talent for crafting rich and innovative designs before finally landing at Cartier.
As for the history of the Cartier Love bracelet, its launch created a frenzy, stoked by media buzz and a publicity campaign involving marquee-name couples like Nancy and Frank Sinatra, who happily accepted prototypes of the piece. It wasn’t just the bracelet’s look that generated conversation.
The yellow-gold band, rimmed in mock flathead screws, was intended to be worn all day and all night by both men and women and not matched to specific attire. These attributes were certainly audacious for luxury jewelry of the era, but Cipullo’s now-instantly recognizable piece was also endowed with narrative.
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. By design, Cartier’s Love bracelet is a physical representation of love’s promise — a clean and elegant symbol, wearable by anyone.
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- Cartier 18 Karat Rose Gold Love 6 mm Bangle Bracelet with Screwdriver Size 18By CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZIconic Love bangle bracelet from luxury jeweler, Cartier. This simple, yet effortlessly timeless piece makes a chic statement on the wrist. With its clean lines, perfect symmetry, an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Cartier Love Collection 18 Karat White Gold and 4 Diamond Bangle Bracelet 16By CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZIconic Love Collection bangle bracelet with diamonds from luxury jeweler, Cartier. Includes box, outer box, and screwdriver. This simple, yet effortlessly timeless piece makes a chic statement on the wrist. With its clean lines, perfect symmetry, and flawless elegance, this bracelet will remain one of your jewelry wardrobe staples for years to come. Beautifully polished 18 karat white gold thin bangle bracelet by Cartier features 12 stations of oval screw motifs, 4 of which are embellished with sparkling natural round brilliant diamonds (E-F / VS). It has the “new” screw closure with opening screws that do not come off completely when unscrewed and comes with the original mini screwdriver. This is an estate bracelet in very good condition. It has some minor wear, mainly some light surface scratches and some slight discoloration on the inside near the clasp. The screwdriver also has some wear at the tip, with some finish issues. Comes with the original Cartier bracelet...Category
2010s French Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
- Vintage David Yurman Diamond Twisted Cuff Bangle Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow GoldBy David YurmanLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis stunning David Yurman diamond bangle bracelet, crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold, is a stunning testament to the brand's signatu...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Natural Turquoise Cabochon Bypass Bangle Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow GoldLocated in Scottsdale, AZGorgeous bypass style bracelet features 18 cabochon turquoise stones set in rounded 18 karat yellow gold ends. The stunning natural stones all vary slightly in color, showcasing thei...Category
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsTurquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,160 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Nouvelle Bague Blue Enamel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flex Bangle BraceletBy Nouvelle BagueLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis beautiful La Nouvelle Bague flex bangle is a stunning piece of jewelry that seamlessly combines elegance with contemporary style. Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this bangle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Blue Sapphire and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rectangle Hinged Narrow Bangle BraceletLocated in Scottsdale, AZDelicate yellow gold bangle bracelet accented with a single elegant row of round channel set sapphires in a deep blue hue. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphires: 1.04 ctw Sapphi...Category
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsSapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
- Cartier Aldo Cipullo 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Love Bangle BraceletBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PADesigned as a bangle style bracelet deeply engraved with iconic screw head motif With a high polished finish Opens via two removable screws From the coveted Love collection Numbered ...Category
Vintage 1970s Bangles
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold
- Aldo Cipullo Cartier Modernist Gold Love Bangle BraceletBy Aldo Cipullo for CartierLocated in Greenwich, CTBe the first. This signed Aldo Cipullo by Cartier 18 karat yellow gold 'LOVE' bangle bracelet was one of the first designed and manufactured in 1969. Sta...Category
Vintage 1960s French Modernist Retro Bracelets
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Rare 1970 Rose Gold Aldo Cipullo Love Bracelet 18 Karat Rose GoldBy CartierLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLRare 1970 Aldo Cipullo 18 Karat Rose Gold Rose Gold Love Bracelet Size 16. Metal Type: 18 Karat Rose Gold Metal Weight: 28.2 GramsCategory
Late 20th Century French Modern Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Aldo Cipullo Modernist Gold Wrench Bangle BraceletBy Aldo CipulloLocated in Greenwich, CTThis is no monkey wrench. Just an authentic and very rare Aldo Cipullo modernist gold 'wrench' designed bangle bracelet. Signed A. Cipullo. Stamped with date 1974. 18 karat yello...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Bangles
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Cartier by Cipullo Love BraceletBy Aldo Cipullo for CartierLocated in Beverly Hills, CABeing 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 17 (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...Category
Vintage 1970s Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Size 20 BangleBy CartierLocated in Aventura, FLCartier LOVE bracelet, 18K yellow gold (750/1000). Width: 6.2 mm (for size 20). Details: Brand: Cartier Type: Love Bracelet Material: 18K Yellow Gold Size: 20 Theme: Romantic, Love ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Bangles
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
A Short History of the World’s Most Iconic Designs
Of the million-plus items on 1stdibs, some seem to have transcended time, looking as fresh today as when they were first produced. The pieces highlighted on our new Iconic Designs page stand out for longevity, functionality and quality of design and manufacture — just the tonic for the present unsettled moment.