Cartier Love Bracelet

There's an enchanting legend that certain hospitals keep Love bracelet screwdrivers on hand, just in case. Such is the allure of the Cartier Love bracelet, a piece so iconic that it was the most Googled piece of jewellery globally in 2016. This unisex creation, adorned with tiny gold screws, has turned traditional jewellery norms on their head since its launch.

Unlike the convention of reserving one's finest jewellery for special occasions, the Cartier Love bracelet was designed for daily wear, fastened securely on the wearer's wrist with its own golden screwdriver.

Always popular, the Love bracelet has seen a surge in prominence over the last decade. Here are 13 intriguing facts that delve into over half a century of the Cartier Love bracelet's history:

1. The Love bracelet was not born in Cartier's Paris headquarters, but in the New York workshop of Aldo Cipullo in 1969. This designer, who had previously worked with David Webb and Tiffany & Co., presented the prototype to the maison himself.
2. Designed to fit snugly on a loved one's wrist, the oval-shaped bracelet was intended for both men and women, earning the nickname of "modern love handcuff".
3. The Love bracelet was Aldo Cipullo's first creation for Cartier, a stepping stone to his future designs, including the iconic Juste un Clou "nail" bracelets.
4. Cipullo's design revolutionised jewellery wearing. The Love bracelet, worn day or night, was not meant to match an outfit or suit an occasion.
5. There's a rumour that Cartier once prohibited customers from buying Love bracelets for themselves, insisting they could only be purchased by a couple.
6. Initially, it's believed the bracelets were made of silver and gold-plated, but Cartier later transitioned to crafting them in solid gold.
7. The diamond-studded Love bracelet was introduced to the public in 1979, a decade after the original design.
8. The distinctive round screws adorning the Love bracelet were inspired by hardware store visits and mechanical pieces from Cipullo's studio.
9. Originally, the screws were completely removable, but since 2011, they have been joined to the bracelet halves to prevent loss.
10. Upon its launch, Cartier is said to have gifted pairs of Love bracelets to some of the 20th century's most famous couples, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen, and Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti.
11. While adored by many, the Love bracelets are less loved by TSA agents, as their non-removable nature often triggers airport metal detectors.
12. Initially, Love bracelets didn't have serial numbers, but due to a rise in counterfeits, each bracelet is now engraved with a unique number for authenticity.
13. There's a rumour that some New York City hospitals keep Love bracelet screwdrivers on hand for emergencies.

At Dandelion Antiques, we offer a curated selection of designs from leading brands at affordable prices. Our collection includes pre-loved pieces and items from previous collections. The Cartier Love bracelet, a cornerstone of high jewellery, has helped revolutionise the field, and we're proud to offer it to our discerning clientele.