“Design has to be part of function. That’s the secret of success. When you have function and design, married together, you always have a successful item.” - Aldo Cipullo
A Very Short History Of: The Cartier Love Bracelet
Over 20,000 people search on Google for a Cartier Love Bracelet every month, but do you know the history of this celebrity favourite piece?
The story of the iconic symbol of love begins over 50 years ago in 1969, following the end of a romantic relationship for 20 year old Aldo Cipullo (ironic!).
He wanted to create a piece of jewellery that could be worn instead of an engagement ring and symbolised commitment. A piece that couldn’t easily be removed or discarded. Using the concept of a chastity belt and New York's industrial elements, Cipullo came up with the bracelet’s infamous screw-on design and sleek, continual look.
The design of the bracelet is really quite simple; the curvature of the oval shape is created to fit the wearer’s wrist; whilst the screw symbolises locking your love in place. Initially Cipullo envisioned a loved one locking the bracelet, and the bracelets being sold only in pairs.
At the time of creating the bracelet, Aldo Cipullo was a designer at Tiffany & Co, who actually rejected the design; leading to Cipullo quitting his job and pitching the bracelet to Cartier New York. Cartier loved the design and gave Cipullo one of their highest honours in allowing his name to be inscribed on the bracelets - he’s only one of two designers to be given this honour. In the original 1970’s 18K version of the bracelet, you will find the name “Aldo Cipullo” next to Cartier on the inside edge.
To help launch the bracelet, Cartier sent a number of pairs of the bracelets to the most influential couples around the world including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. This was the start of the bracelet becoming a pop culture staple and one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in the world; a trend that has long continued to today.
The popularity of the Cartier Love Bracelet is far from waning; resale of the bracelet is exceptionally strong, with non-diamond versions of the bracelet averaging £5,500. When you consider that the bracelet retailed at $250 (around £210) in 1970, this is huge investment growth.
