Cartier introduces supple Love bracelet

After 56 years, the French jeweller has given the rigid classic a fluid interpretation that can be attached to another, in pairs or infinitely

- Amanda Chai Style Correspondent

The quintessential luxury bracelet stack these days has a few key suspects: a nail-shaped bangle here, a string of four-leaf clovers there.

Mixing brands and even precious with costume jewellery has become the norm, but every aspirational “it” girl knows no stack is complete without a Cartier Love bracelet.

Simple in appearance but instantly recognisable, the hard bangle with visible screws is one of the most-sought-after pieces of jewellery.

Beyond trend-chasing, the French jeweller’s bracelet has a backstory that goes deeper than status signalling. The symbol of romance was created in New York in 1969 by Cartier designer Aldo Cipullo, who made the then radical decision to leave the screws visible - to be fastened using a special screwdriver that comes with the bracelet.

The unisex piece with two rigid arcs was dubbed a precious handcuff, since two people are needed to secure the screws. By wearing it, every couple could proclaim their love for all to see.

Over the decades, it was reimagined as a ring, and in different shades of gold and with coloured stones an ever-evolving expression of love, sealed with a screwdriver.

Now, for the first time in its 56-year history, the hard oval bracelet has been given a new interpretation: a supple, fully flexible take. Ergonomic and more elegant, the Love Unlimited bracelet can be attached to another, in pairs or infinitely, wrapped around the wrist like a second skin.

The fluidity was achieved by multiple gadrooned links punctuated by the characteristic screws, each one spaced evenly apart to preserve the harmony and proportion of the design, across all bracelet sizes. It took more than 100 trials and prototypes to achieve the final product.

The novelty was about three years in the making, but the decision to create it was quick, says Mr Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s image, style and heritage director.