Steve McQueen sitting next to Ali MacGraw, who wore her Cartier LOVE bracelet during the filming of The Getaway in 1972.
Image courtesy of The Jewellery Editor.
Almost as if it was born to be loved, Cartier's LOVE bracelet has remained a timeless bestseller since its 1969 debut, consistently appearing on the wrists of famous royals and celebrities of all eras (note: whether their love lasted or not is a different story).
A LOVE Story that Actually Lasts
Cartier’s LOVE bracelet.
Image courtesy of Tatler Asia.
It all started in 1969 when the famed Italian designer Aldo Cipullo introduced the now-iconic Cartier LOVE bracelet in New York City. The oval-shaped unisex piece became an instant sensation, quickly winning over the hearts of high-profile ‘lovebirds’ who value both style and symbolism; in fact, the stories of its initial sales have become legends in their own right.
When examining the design, it's easy to see why it was (and still is) a favorite among royals and celebrities. Perfect, clean lines and precise proportions come together in an oval bracelet formed from two rigid arcs secured with a special screwdriver.
Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style, and heritage, admires the LOVE bracelet for its unique design and the forward-thinking idea behind its creation, remarking,
"For me, the Love bracelet is a success worldwide since it was created because of a combination of many different dimensions – first design, and second, symbolism."
The design of Cartier’s LOVE bracelet.
Image courtesy of Cartier.
Rainero continues, “The design is linked to its meaning, because the screw, is the meaning of the object and the symbolic value is immediately visible through the very simple idea. The Love bracelet has become a permanent staple in modern style."
Interestingly, the now-iconic LOVE bracelet was initially presented by Aldo Cipullo to Tiffany & Co., but they turned it down. He then presented his idea to Cartier, where the brilliance of his ultra-modern design was immediately recognized.
At that time, Cartier New York operated independently from its Paris counterpart and was led by Michael Thomas. He quickly saw the immense potential of the LOVE Bracelet to attract the younger generation, ultimately creating a legendary emblem of love.
The Genius Symbolism of the LOVE Bracelet
Cartier’s LOVE bracelet.
Image courtesy of 1stDibs.
Over fifty years since its debut, Aldo Cipullo's LOVE design remains a timeless bestseller in Cartier’s lineup—a success that was no accident but the result of his ability to find inspiration in the often-overlooked.
Something most wouldn’t associate with jewelry—especially luxury—the concept of medieval chastity belts served as Cipullo’s unlikely inspiration for the LOVE bracelet. “What modern people want are love symbols that look semi-permanent – or, at least, require a trick to remove. After all, love symbols should suggest an everlasting quality,” he explained.
Vivienne Becker, the author of Cipullo: Making Jewelry Modern, provides insights into the significant symbolism associated with the LOVE bracelet: “It captured the spirit of the time when sexual liberation and casual luxury were coming to the fore.”
- But don't lose the key! Love, as Cartier sees it, is both beautiful and serious business—much like their LOVE bracelet with its unique locking mechanism, which serves as a cheeky reminder that love is not to be taken lightly.
Celebrities and Their Cartier LOVE Bracelets
Kylie Jenner, Meghan Markle, and Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Cartier’s LOVE bracelet.
Images courtesy of Pinterest and Something About Rocks.
Cipullo’s LOVE bracelet has graced the wrists of Hollywood legends and modern stars alike. Iconic couples like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen famously wore and adored the bracelet.
Even today, it continues to be a beloved accessory among celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Markle, and Sarah Jessica Parker—though not all of them have kept the person who gifted it.
As expected, the remarkable success of the LOVE bracelet inspired the creation of other love-worthy designs like LOVE rings and necklaces, all staying true to Cipullo’s visionary brilliance. The entire collection, loved for its sleek lines and exact proportions, showcases a radical Cartier motif that boldly displays its screws (perhaps relationships, too, should be just as transparent and secure?).
More to Love
Cartier’s jewelry and watches.
Image courtesy of Cartier.
Cartier has long been synonymous with prestige since its inception in Paris in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier. King Edward VII of Great Britain even famously described Cartier as "the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers."
Today, jewelry collectors worldwide covet the luxury house's esteemed classics, including Aldo Cipullo's LOVE bracelet and the equally iconic Juste un Clou bracelet, as well as other timeless pieces like the Trinity ring, the Tank watch, and the exquisite Panthère de Cartier collection.
These luxurious pieces, however, come with a relatively steep price tag that reflects Cartier's renowned quality and craftsmanship This price point can be prohibitive for some, but there's a viable workaround: the second-hand luxury jewelry market.
Online platforms like zenluxe make it remarkably easy to acquire the same iconic Cartier classics at a fraction of the original cost, all in their everlasting pristine condition. Simply shop for the Cartier pieces you've been dreaming of, and zenluxe's team of professionals will ensure your order is neatly packaged and swiftly delivered right to your doorstep (because you deserve a luxurious experience from start to finish!)
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a fashion writer with a geek-level enthusiasm for all things vogue and glamor. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores—it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (because who doesn’t enjoy flipping through a glossy fashion magazine?).
