Love bracelet (Cartier)

The Love Bracelet (styled L⊝Ve, with the horizontal line inside the letter "O" alluding to the bracelet's locking mechanism) is a piece of jewelry designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier SA.[1][2] Early versions of the Love Bracelet featured gold plating, while more recent designs are created from solid gold or platinum.[3] Prices for the bracelets differ depending on the item's materials, and some can exceed $56,000. As of 2019, the Love Bracelet is still in production and Cartier has expanded the line to include products based on the original bracelet's design, including cufflinks, rings, earrings, necklaces, and watches. In 2006 the line was considered to be the "most successful collection in Cartier's history."[4]

A recent edition of the Love bracelet (screwdriver not pictured).

The bracelet has received some criticism over its design, which some have compared to medieval chastity belts.[5]

In the 1990s, Cartier filed a lawsuit against multiple jewelry stores in Manhattan and Puerto Rico, alleging that the stores were selling counterfeit Love Bracelets.[6][7]

The classic version of the love bracelet starts at $6,300 USD for the yellow and pink gold versions, with white gold offered at $6,750.

The locking mechanism

Unlike other more traditional bracelets, which are either wide enough to slip over the hand onto the wrist or can readily be opened in order to put them on, the Love bracelet is designed to be opened only by using a special screwdriver that is supplied with every bracelet.[8] The screwdriver is also available in the form of a necklace, allowing the bracelet to be "locked" onto one person, while the "key" is kept around the neck of another, as a symbol for their commitment to their relationship.

Variations

Cartier has offered the Love bracelet in 18k yellow gold, 18k "pink" (rose) gold, 18k white gold, and in platinum. Platinum has since been discontinued. Some bracelets are offered with diamonds in place of or in rotation with the screw-motif. Ceramic details and special colored precious gems have been offered as well. Pave diamond versions were made available in 2009. Cuff versions that do not close or lock are also available. More recently, a smaller "thin" version of the Love bracelet became available. The locking mechanism on the thin version involves a hinge and only a single screw.

In June 2006, Cartier introduced the Love charity bracelet, a version consisting of a silk cord and a golden ring bearing the word LOVE. Cartier donates $150 from the sale of each bracelet to a variety of charities, each backed by a celebrity. The 2009 version of the charity bracelet was promoted by actress Eva Mendes.[9]

See also

References
  1. "Enduring Love: The Lasting Value of the Cartier Love Bracelet". Vogue. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  2. "Who Wears the Cartier Love Bracelet?". Town & Country Magazine. 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  3. "How To Spot A Fake Cartier Love Bracelet". Retrieved 2019-01-06.
  4. Ballentine, Sandra (2006-08-27). "Prisoner of Love". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  5. "Would you spend £4,000 on a bracelet that you need a SCREWDRIVER to remove?". Daily Express. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  6. "Cartier suing neighbor stores for fake bracelets. (alleged counterfeit Cartier Love Bracelet)". Women's Wear Daily (subscription required). July 26, 1993. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  7. "CARTIER SUES LANDAU HYMAN". Women's Wear Daily (subscription required). July 6, 1998. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  8. "Cartier Love Bracelet". 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  9. "Cartier launches charity bracelet". 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
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