Cartier Releases A New Medium-Sized Love Bracelet

Few pieces of jewellery manage to balance simplicity and symbolism quite like Cartier’s Love bracelet. First introduced in 1969, this golden marvel isn’t just an accessory – it’s a statement, a status symbol, and a declaration of commitment all rolled into one. From its provocative origins inspired by medieval chastity belts to its rise as a celebrity must-have, the Love bracelet has transcended trends, becoming a timeless piece that continues to captivate.

Romantic jewellery wasn’t new in 1969, but Aldo Cipullo, the Italian-born designer behind the Love bracelet, was never one to follow convention. Instead, he looked back – way back – to the Middle Ages, finding inspiration in the chastity belt, a device meant to ensure fidelity by, well, keeping things locked up tight. While the original chastity belt has a dark, controlling history, Cipullo saw an opportunity to flip the script, transforming a tool of restriction into a modern symbol of willing devotion. The result was a bracelet unlike anything the jewellery world had seen before. With its oval shape designed to closely hug the wrist, the Love bracelet was built in two separate pieces that could only be secured together using a miniature screwdriver. The symbolism was clear: love isn’t something that’s easily broken. It takes effort, commitment, and maybe a touch of patience (especially if you’ve ever fumbled with the screwdriver).

Cipullo’s design was deceptively simple – an unadorned gold band punctuated by screw motifs – but it carried a depth of meaning that resonated deeply. It was at once minimalist and daring, romantic and subversive. Jewellery that made a statement without saying a word.

Of course, even the most ingenious design needs a little help to take off. Enter Cartier’s marketing brilliance. To launch the Love bracelet, the brand tapped into the zeitgeist of the late 1960s, a time when traditional notions of love and relationships were being redefined. Cartier gifted the bracelets to some of the era’s most famous couples, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, and Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen.

This wasn’t just clever branding – it was a masterstroke. The sight of Hollywood royalty wearing these golden love locks turned the bracelet into an instant status symbol. Who wouldn’t want to emulate the glamorous, tumultuous romances of the stars? And the locking mechanism, which required one partner to secure the bracelet on the other, added a layer of intimacy that felt daring yet undeniably romantic.

The Love bracelet quickly became the “it” accessory for couples. Gifting one wasn’t just a gesture of affection – it was a public declaration of love, trust, and exclusivity. And in a world where jewellery was often seen as an afterthought, the Love bracelet demanded to be noticed.

Fast-forward fifty years, and the Love bracelet remains as popular as ever. What makes it so enduring? For one, its design is timeless. Cipullo’s clean lines and unisex appeal mean the bracelet works as well with a tuxedo as it does with a sundress. It’s a piece that fits seamlessly into any wardrobe, whether you’re in a ballgown or a pair of jeans. Then there’s the symbolism. The locking mechanism – still requiring a screwdriver – continues to be a metaphor for commitment and enduring love. It’s a little romantic, a little cheeky, and completely unique.

Over the years, the Love bracelet has evolved to meet the demands of a changing market. The original yellow-gold design was soon joined by versions in white and rose gold, as well as platinum. For those who prefer a bit more sparkle, Cartier introduced diamond-studded options, offering everything from a single stone to a full pavé setting. Today, Cartier introduces the medium-sized Love bracelet – a new take on the classic that offers a refined balance between the bold presence of the original and the delicate charm of the smaller version.

At first glance, it’s everything you’d expect from Cartier: the same unmistakable oval shape, the same screw motif that whispers (never shouts) its exclusivity. But what makes this new size stand out is the way it speaks to versatility. With its more balanced width, it feels just right – substantial enough to catch the light and the eye, yet restrained enough to blend seamlessly into a stack. It’s the bracelet you didn’t know you needed until you saw it, and then suddenly, you can’t imagine your wrist without it.

And the most important part: for years, the Love bracelet’s locking mechanism has been as much a conversation starter as a design hallmark. The medium-sized bracelet introduces a more user-friendly approach too. Now, with its clever hinged mechanism and single functioning screw, you can secure it yourself.

Where the classic version might feel bold and statement-making, the medium-size strikes a chord of quiet confidence. It’s unisex without trying too hard, sophisticated albeit but not intimidating. A rare, sweet spot that’s sure to resonate with a whole new audience while keeping even the most faithful happy.

LOVE DOUBLE EARRINGS IN YELLOW GOLD, CARTIER, SHOP SIMILAR. SEQUIN TOP, BALENCIAGA, SHOP SIMILAR

SHOP THE CARTIER LOVE COLLECTION HERE.

Creative Direction: Dané Stojanovic
Photography: Vladimir Martí
Fashion Stylist: Laura Jane Brown
Hair: Jean Luc Amarin
Makeup: Sonia Abad
Executive Producer: Steff Hawker
Casting Director: Jean Marc Mondelet
Communication Manager: Johana Dana
Production Assistant: Marina Moravenova
Lighting Assistant: Scar Salario
Fashion Assistant: Sara Mahayri
Models: Kentha / The Milk Collective & Bethany / Row Models
Words: Bianca Bonomi

TOP BANNER IMAGE: LOVE EARRINGS IN YELLOW GOLD, SHOP NOW, LOVE RING SMALL MODEL IN WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, SHOP NOW, LOVE BRACELET MEDIUM MODEL IN ROSE GOLD, SHOP NOW, LOVE BRACELET MEDIUM MODEL IN WHITE GOLD, SHOP NOW, LOVE BRACELET SMALL MODEL IN WHITE GOLD, SHOP NOW, LOVE BRACELET SMALL MODEL IN YELLOW GOLD, SHOP NOW, LOVE BRACELET SMALL MODEL IN ROSE GOLD, SHOP NOW, CARTIER. SHIRT, SHOP SIMILAR, BLAZER, SHOP SIMILAR, DOLCE & GABBANA. HAT, CELINE, SHOP SIMILAR

THIS FEATURE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN GRAZIA’S 20TH PRINT EDITION, “BON VOYAGE”. ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.