Love bracelet (Cartier)

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

The Love Bracelet (styled L⊝Ve, with the horizontal line inside the letter "O" alluding to the bracelet's locking mechanism) is a famous piece of jewelry for Cartier designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo. The bracelet quickly became popular for its intentional[1] resemblance in function to medieval chastity belts. The earlier bracelets were gold plated, while more recent examples are solid gold.

Cartier (as of 2014) continues to make the bracelets, and has since created other products based on the original bracelet's design, including cufflinks, rings, necklaces and watches, expanding the design into a jewelry line.

The locking mechanism

Unlike traditional bracelets, which are either wide enough to slip them 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.[2] 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.

The screwdriver does not act as a secure key, however. The Love bracelet can actually be opened with any standard slotted screwdriver.

Cost

As of the end of June 2014 the retail price for the yellow gold or pink gold Love bracelets are $6600 and with the 10 diamonds they are $15,400. The white gold version is $7,100, climbing to $15,900 with the 10 diamonds. An iconic luxury classic, the Cartier Love bracelet has a high entry price. Some of Cartier's Love bracelets with diamonds or ceramic can exceed $35,000.

Variations

Cartier has offered the Love bracelet in 18k yellow gold, 18k "pink" (rose) gold, 18k white gold and in platinum. 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.

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.[3]


See also

References

  1. ↑ "The story of the Cartier Love Bracelet". 2007-11-17. Archived from the original on 2007-11-17. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  2. ↑ "Cartier Love Bracelet". 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  3. ↑ "Cartier launches charity bracelet". 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2009-11-22.

External links