History Of The Cartier Love Bracelet: The Story Behind This Iconic Design
Cartier’s Love bracelet is one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry out there, but what is the history of Cartier’s Love bracelet? We’re here to find out!
Cartier is a jewelry brand with a rich history that has grown to become one of the top brands for luxury jewelry, beloved all over the world. The brand was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, but it was his sons, Louis, Pierre, and Jacques who made Cartier into the world-renowned brand we know today.
Fans of Cartier include Kate Middleton Princess of Wales, Princess Grace of Monaco, Steve McQueen, and King Edward VII, who describe Cartier as ‘the jeweller of kings and king of jewelers’.
There are so many gorgeous pieces within the Cartier collection, but one piece stands out in particular – the Cartier Love bracelet. This bracelet is a best-seller for the brand and has been seen on the wrist of countless celebrities, but we’re going to delve a little deeper into the details of the bracelet.
This article on the history of Cartier’s Love bracelets is going to explore the origins of the design and how the bracelet came to be so popular. So if you are thinking of picking up a Love bracelet or already own one, here is the history behind this famous piece of jewelry.
The History of The Cartier Love Bracelet
The Design
The design of the Cartier love bracelet is simple, the 6mm wide band has an oval silhouette and is engraved with round screw-like motifs and then secured with a screw and a mini special screwdriver at the hinge.
The bracelet is now available in a range of precious metals – white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold – it comes in two different thicknesses, and you can even choose diamond-embellished love bracelets too!
The history
The bracelet was created in 1969, designed by the Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo and was intended as a symbol of lasting love. Cartier made the decision to leave the screw motifs visible which gives the bracelet that ‘locked into love’ look.
The oval shape means the bracelet fits neatly around the shape of your wrist to give the love handcuff aesthetic, and the screw requires two people to secure the bracelet to your wrist making the bracelet a symbol of commitment and love between two people. Cipullo wanted the bracelet to be semi-permanent and to really stand the test of time since he beloved that ‘love symbols should suggest an everlasting quality’.
The simple design and the symbolism behind the bracelet have made it into the iconic and incredibly popular piece of jewelry it is today and a staple bracelet in so many people’s jewelry collections. The design also changed the way people viewed their jewelry and instead of solid gold bracelets or necklaces just being worn for special occasions, they became everyday staple pieces.
This bracelet is so ubiquitous in modern life that apparently New York City hospitals keep a mini Love screwdriver on the ward so they can remove any bracelets in an emergency and they have been noted as a problem at airport security since they set off the metal detectors!
Famous Fans of the Cartier Love Bracelet
There are many, many famous faces over the years who have worn, or currently wear the Love bracelet. It was thought that Cartier gifted the bracelets to famous couples when the bracelet was first launched, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Carlo Ponti and Sophia Loren, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen – rapidly increasing the popularity of this Cartier bracelet.
Now, there are lots of celebrities who often wear their Love bracelet, including Meghan Markle, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Anniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sienna Miller to name just a few!
Examples of the Cartier Love Bracelet
There are so many different variations of the Cartier love bracelet available now, so here are just some examples to help you find the one that best suits your style!
1. The original
The Cartier Yellow Gold Love Bracelet is the original, most famous example of the bracelet, with a 6mm wide band engraved with circular screw motifs.
This bracelet is crafted from high-quality 18 karat yellow gold and secures with the new Cartier screw system which means you will not lose any screws when you open the bangle to slip it onto your wrist. The simple, chic design of this bracelet means it looks incredible alone, or included within a bracelet stack.
There is now a smaller, slimmer Love bracelet available, named the small Cartier Love bracelet, which has a 4mm wide band for a more subtle look.
The same screw motifs are engraved into the bracelet, this time at wider intervals, and the bracelet secures at the hinge with a little screw and a special screwdriver. This bracelet is crafted from 18 karat white gold, which is perfect if you often wear a lot of silver-toned jewelry.
2. the Diamond-Encrusted
The cuff edition of the Love bracelet is ideal if you love changing up your jewelry often since this bracelet easily slips on and off the wrist.
This Cartier 18 karat Yellow Gold Love Cuff Bracelet is engraved with the Cartier screw design, but the central engraved screw is instead a round brilliant cut diamond to add a little extra sparkle to your wrist – just gorgeous! This diamond yellow gold Love bracelet cuff is available for $5,495.
If you are after even more glitter and sparkle, then this Cartier Pink Gold and Diamond Small LOVE Bracelet is just perfect for you! This bracelet is in a smaller, 4mm size, crafted from 18 karat pink gold and engraved with Cartier screws.
In between each screw, the bracelet has been set with round brilliant cut pave diamonds, each of which twinkles and glints in the light to add a glamorous finishing touch to your outfit. This bracelet again secures with the screw and mini special screwdriver – which you need to keep safe so you can take the bracelet on and off when you like!
3. the Love Collection
The Cartier Love bracelet became so popular that the brand created a whole Cartier Love collection, including rings, necklaces, and earrings, like the ones pictured below. These earrings are made from 18 karat white gold and have a sophisticated hoop shape.
The earrings, just like the bracelet, have been engraved with the Cartier screw motif – one of the screws has been replaced with a round brilliant cut diamond! The timeless and stylish look of these earrings means they will suit a wide range of outfits, making them a great staple pair of earrings you need in your collection.
Or you can go for the Cartier Love necklace, of which there are many different variations, including this interlocking ring necklace.
The necklace is made from 18 karat white gold and features a delicate chain finished with two interlocking rings. One ring is embellished with round brilliant cut diamonds while the other is engraved with Cartier screw motifs – just beautiful! This simple necklace is a classic piece that will add a touch of luxury to any look.
We hope you found this article on the history of the Cartier Love Bracelet interesting! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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