The History of Cartier Love Bracelets
Posted by jewelrybrand on December 8th, 2015
Love is expressed many ways –- sometimes via flowers and chocolates. However, some prefer the ultimate gift: fine jewelry. In the world of jewelry, Cartier Love Bracelets have became as famous as the Eiffel tower. The Cartier Love Bracelet is spotted on the arms of movie stars, sports personalities and business barons. To add to the bracelet’s popularity, Cartier has proved itself over the years to be a tasteful and sophisticated brand.
The Love Bracelet was first launched in 1969 by designer Aldo Cipullo. It comes in two equal halves, accompanied by a screwdriver to lock it around your wrist. It is usually presented to show unconditional love.
Cartier started off with just a single design and now they offer 31 variations in this unisex love bracelet. Platinum, yellow, white, and rose gold are the metal variations, while the brand also improved the solid versions by adding colored stones and diamonds studs. Pave diamond and platinum versions are the most expensive of all.
Why and how Cartier Love Bracelets came into fame
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier. The first exclusive store of Cartier was opened in 1899 in the hub of the capital city, Rue de la Paix. Carrying on the legacy, the three Cartier brothers Louis, Pierre, Jacques — grandsons of the master jewelry maker Louis — traveled across the globe to expand their business. Each brother went to different country — Russia, England and New York — to make their mark and deliver their prestigious services. They observed art, lifestyle and jewelry trends around the world and came away with inspired designs.
Soon Cartier became talk of the town, especially Jacques, who designed precious gemstone jewelry for Indian Maharaja. In 1909, Cartier had already started building a reputation with rich industrialists and eventually Hollywood fell for the brand as well. In only a matter of few years, Aldo Cipullo, the Italian jewelry designer, joined Cartier and created the Love Bracelet in 1969.
The Story behind the Love Bracelet’s creation:
The story goes that Cipullo was fascinated by the strange tale of medieval warriors who used to lock up their wives using a metal chastity belt to prove their loyalty. From this unconventional inspiration, he took the element of devoted love and proceeded to create one of the world’s most popular jewelry items.
Magazines and newspapers fill their fashion segments with celebrities flashing Cartier love bracelets. It started in ’70s with Elizabeth Taylor, Ali McGraw, Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra and Dyan Cannon. Today it continues with Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Kanye West, Sarah Jessica Parker, Leighton Meester and even Eva Mendes, who launched the Cartier Charity Love Bracelet.
This charity bracelet, a silk cord edition with a golden ‘Love’ on it, was launched in 2006. Cartier donated 0 from each sale to various charities.
The Real Deal: How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
Let’s face it, in the world of beautiful designer jewelry, there are going to be a lot people that try to sell you an item that is less than 100 percent authentic. This is especially true when it comes to a piece as highly coveted and iconic as the Cartier Love Bracelet. This stylish bracelet is a great addition to any collection and makes an amazing holiday gift.
Here are some ways to help you also determine whether a Cartier Love Bracelet is real or fake.
1. Does it Have a Logo and a Serial Number?
This one is the most important and the easiest to determine. If the bracelet doesn’t have the Cartier logo, copyright, the 18k gold 750 stamp and a hallmark, then you are looking at a knockoff. Fake Cartier Love bracelets will only have part of the stamp, usually only a logo. This is a sure sign that the bracelet is not the real deal. The stamp should be clear, easy to read and well aligned.
2. What Color is the Bracelet?
The next way to determine authenticity is right in the hue of the gold. Cartier Love bracelets are made with high quality yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum. If the Love bracelet you’re looking at is tarnished or discolored then you are looking at a fake. The tone should be consistent throughout.
3. Are the Stamp Screws Aligned?
If the screws or diamonds placed around the outside of the love bracelet look unaligned then it is a fake. A real Love bracelet has screws that are meticulously placed and would never look misshapen or too large for the bracelet.
If the screws or diamond placements look askew, that the item is fake.
