Cartier LOVE Bracelet
View Similar Items
Cartier LOVE Bracelet
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:Love BraceletLove Collection
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:0000
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Weston, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU144217327811
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.
- David Webb Diamond and White Enamel Slice CuffBy David WebbLocated in Weston, MADesigned for a double take, the Slice Cuff from David Webb is the ultimate combination of classic chic and full-blown glamour. A grooved line of pavé-set diamonds, highlighted by diamond collet studs, is set on a ground of white enamel. Closing with a hinge, it fits comfortably on the wrist. David Webb is no longer making this iconic design. Internal circumference is 6” Approximately 4.0 carats of diamonds 18k yellow gold Platinum Signed David Webb Designed in 1971 Featured on page 289 of David Webb, The Quintessential American Jeweler by Ruth PeltasonCategory
Vintage 1970s American Modern Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
- Graff Sapphire Love Knot CufflinksBy GraffLocated in Weston, MAAn elegant finishing touch for the well-dressed man, these Graff cufflinks feature deep blue channel-set sapphires mounted in 18k white gold. Approximately 3.90 carats of sapphire ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cufflinks
MaterialsSapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Double-Sided Stickpin, c. 1920By CartierLocated in Weston, MAA statement of quiet sophistication, this double-sided stickpin by Cartier is both stylish and versatile. One side of the decorative element is comprised of two square borders of cir...Category
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Himalia Diamond EarringsBy CartierLocated in Weston, MAInstantly recognizable as Cartier, these Himalia earrings feature an effortlessly modern circular design throughout. Individual 18k yellow gold circle...Category
2010s French Contemporary Dangle Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Stickpin, c. 1920By CartierLocated in Weston, MAAn elegant Art Deco sapphire and diamond stickpin by Cartier depicts symbols of love and devotion. The pin is topped with a ring of calib...Category
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Citrine, Onyx and Diamond Sailboat BroochBy CartierLocated in Weston, MAIt is said that a brooch is the purest expression of the jeweler’s art. In this buoyant Cartier piece the careful cutting of the citrines captures the essence of a boat under full sa...Category
20th Century Unknown Brooches
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 18K Gold Cartier Love Inspired Silver BraceletLocated in Scottsdale, AZIndulge in luxurious sophistication with the 18K Gold Cartier Love Inspired Silver Bracelet. This exquisite piece captures the essence of timeless elegance, featuring a 925 silver cl...Category
1990s Italian Clamper Bracelets
Materials18k Gold, Silver
- Cartier Rose Gold Half Diamond & Pink Sapphire Double Love Bracelet Size 18 N670By CartierLocated in London, GBAn 18k rose gold half diamond and pink sapphire double Cartier bracelet, from the iconic Love collection. Featuring the Cartier screw motif alternating with 6 round brilliant cut dia...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clamper Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$19,762Free Shipping - Cartier Rose Gold Half Diamond & Pink Sapphire Double Love Bracelet Size 17 N670By CartierLocated in London, GBAn 18k rose gold half diamond and pink sapphire double Cartier bracelet, from their signature Love collection. Featuring the iconic Cartier screw motif, alternating with 6 round bril...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clamper Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$20,081Free Shipping - Cartier Love Bracelet Small in 18k Rose Gold Diamonds with box & PapersBy CartierLocated in Bilbao, ESLOVE bracelet, small model, white gold 750/1000, set with 177 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.95 carats. Supplied with a screwdriver. Width: 3.65 mm (for size 17). Now available i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Clamper Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Cartier Love Bracelet Small in 18k White Gold Diamonds with boxBy CartierLocated in Bilbao, ESLOVE bracelet, small model, white gold 750/1000, set with 177 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.95 carats. Supplied with a screwdriver. Width: 3.65 mm (for size 17). Now available i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Clamper Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier LOVE Bracelet in 18k rose gold with pavé of diamonds box and papersBy CartierLocated in Bilbao, ESCARTIER LOVE BRACELET Cartier 'Love' bangle bracelet crafted in 18k rose gold with gold screw tops and pave set round brilliant cut diamonds (D-F in color, VVS clarity) Signed Cartie...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Clamper Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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.