Most Famous Cartier Bracelet: Cartier LOVE Bracelet
The Cartier LOVE bracelet was created by Aldo Cipullo in 1969. The young Italian designer was working for Cartier during a time when a generation was enthralled with the “make love, not war” ethos. Cipullo also realized that this demographic was open to the idea of a new, contemporary love token that owed little to traditional jewelry expressions of the time. Drawing inspiration from the shackles of a chastity belt, he designed the jewel for both men and women (a unisex bracelet was unheard of at the time), and initially insisted they be sold only as a pair.
Inspired by the industrial elements of the city and a fascination with hardware, Cipullo designed the Cartier LOVE bracelet, which was heralded as the emergence of modern jewelry design. The bracelet challenged the concepts of “day” and “night” jewelry by being worn constantly. The very idea of preciousness and what constitutes a love token was suddenly challenged. Much of the story of Aldo Cipullo’s creation can be traced to rejection and ideals of love. The first sketch for the piece happened after a breakup, driving the jeweler to create something that would signify the eternity of love bonds. At first, Cipullo showed his prototype to Tiffany and Co., and it was after the house passed that he offered it to Cartier.
Cartier at the time was going through changes, with the Cartier family selling the maison to a group of investors. The new owners fully embraced Cipullo’s Cartier LOVE bracelet and allowed him to sign his piece, an honor the Cartier rarely gives to designers. Cartier gifted the LOVE bracelet to famous couples of the moment, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ali Macgraw and Steve McQueen.
The modern Cartier LOVE Bracelet comes in three metals, yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The LOVE Bracelet can be purchased with and without diamonds. The diamond studded LOVE Bracelet was introduced in 1979. Originally the LOVE Bracelet was created as a bangle but today is is also available as a cuff that is easier to take on and off. The Cartier LOVE bracelet comes in 6 sizes and can be engraved. The LOVE Bracelet is oval shaped so it can fit as closely to the wrist as possible.
The Cartier LOVE Bracelet is one of the most popular and iconic bracelets. Today, the LOVE bracelet remains an important product for Cartier. The Cartier LOVE jewelry has also expanded to include rings, necklaces and earrings but the LOVE Bracelet remains the most popular. Its popularity has reportedly forced New York’s maternity units to have their own screwdriver at hand to remove bracelets when needed.
Cartier Trinity Bracelet
The Trinity ring was designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier for French poet and playright Jean Cocteau. The three bands of yellow gold, rose gold and white gold would become one of Cartier's most recognizable designs. Hollywood icons including Grace Kelly and Cary Cooper were photographed wearing the style. The Trinity bracelet was introduced after the ring and in 1981 Cartier officially named the style the "Trinity". Today the Cartier Trinity Bracelet is a favorite bangle style and also available with and without diamonds.
Cartier Panthere Bracelet
The inspiratoin for the Cartier Panthere was first thought to have appeared in a 1913 Ad campaign. The image was called Dame à la Panthère and had a woman with a sleek black cat at her feet. The first Cartier Pantheré jewel was crafted for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallace Simpson in 1948 designed by Jeanne Toussaint. Toussaint's fixation with panthers resulted in the animal becoming a recognizable symbol of Cartier. Modern and vintage Cartier Panthere pieces remain popular with collectors today, especially a Cartier Panthere bracelet.
Diamond Cartier Bracelet Watch
The final Cartier bracelet we want to highlight is a unique Diamond Cartier Bracelet Watch. This unique piece is featured in our March 7 sale: Vault: Exceptional Singed Jewels. There are nine highly collectible and wearable Cartier bracelets featured in this sale. The estimates range from $10,000 to $100,000. Don't miss this opportunity to add to your Cartier Bracelet collection with both classic and rare diamond pieces.
How much is a Cartier Bracelet
Cartier bracelets at Sotheby's can sell for as high as $500,000 for a rare Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet and from $400,000-$300,000 for a diamond Cartier bracelet Panthere. The most popular Cartier LOVE bracelet sells between $35,000-$30,000 with pave diamonds and can range from $4,000-$6,000 without diamonds depending on the condition and size. The number of diamonds and condition of the Cartier LOVE bracelet are the most important contributing factors in the price. For Sotheby's jewelry department the Cartier LOVE bracelet and the Cartier Trinity bracelet are least expensive bracelet styles due to its availability in retail and basic design. Other entry point Cartier bracelets includes the Cartier Panthere gold link bracelet without diamonds and other simple Cartier gold bracelets without diamonds and gemstones.
Buying and Selling Cartier Bracelets At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier bracelets available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier bracelets available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Cartier bracelet, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier bracelets from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling Cartier bracelets.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
Available for Immediate Purchase
Upcoming Auctions
