It is one of the most sought-after pieces of designer jewelry today, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most counterfeited.
The Cartier Love Bracelet has a romantic, yet somewhat sad history. It started back in 1959 when a young Italian designer, Aldo Cipullo, left his home for New York to work for Tiffany and David Webb. His lover left him in 1969, and in response, the devastated Aldo designed a bracelet with screw heads, making it impossible to remove without tools. “After all,” he said, “people want love symbols that look semi-permanent, suggesting an everlasting quality.”
Tiffany did not produce his design, but he later went to work to Cartier, who adopted it.
The Cartier Love Bracelet was born.
The Love Bracelet comes in a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, and with or without diamonds. Its price starts at around $5,000 but can go up to $62,000 or more depending on the materials used. If the one you are looking to buy seems too cheap – and too good to be true – it is probably a fake.
How can you tell a real one from a counterfeit?
Here is a check list:
- Check the hallmarks and engravings. The spelling and size, shape of the typography needs to be clean and of the correct size, depth and shape according to the year of production. If the wording is too thick or too thin, it is a counterfeit. On original bracelets, the Cartier logo is on one side only. From 1974 onwards, the bracelets are stamped with a unique serial number, which may have five digits and 1 letter (for example 12345 A); two letters and four digits (for example AB 1234); three letters and three digits (for example ABC 123).
- Metal, precious stones and weight. Real Cartier Love Bracelets are made from solid 18k yellow, rose and white gold stamped with 750. Platinum is stamped PT950. If the bracelet is silver, steel or gold-plated, it is fake. The bracelet’s stones must be diamonds and or precious gems. Anything else is fake. Its weight should be between 28-42 grams. Anything significantly lighter or heavier is a forgery.
- Screws and closure. The screws in a real Love Bracelet attach to it and are integrated within the bracelet. They must be evenly aligned and not stand out. They should be clean, without indentations or any unevenness.
- Packaging and certificate of authenticity. A real Love Bracelet comes with a Cartier certificate of authenticity if purchased from a recognized retailer. It will show the materials used in the bracelet together with the place and date of original purchase. Check the packaging too. If it is made of cheap materials, or if there are spelling mistakes, it is counterfeit. Many fake bracelets have the Cartier logo on both the interior and the exterior of the box, and they do not match the genuine Cartier logo.
- Pricing. If the bracelet is well below market value – it is buyer beware.
And most important of all!
- Do not buy from a dubious secondhand source, such as an individual seller or a pawnshop. Counterfeiters can produce excellent replicas. The seller should
1. Be a registered business, with real contact details
2. Be a bonafide member of a recognized trade organization
3. Offer a good return policy
4. Offer verifiable feedback from online reviews, other customers, and have a high BBB rating
Dover Jewelry & Diamonds on Brickell has an enviable 25 + year history as a recognized leader in the U.S. diamond jewelry business. We have outstanding reviews, a BBB A+ rating and second-to-none customer service and return policies.
We currently have several 100 percent authentic Cartier Love Bracelets in stock.
- Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Style Size 19
- Cartier Love Pink Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet Size 19
- Cartier Love Diamond 18K Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
- Cartier Love 18K Yellow Gold 19mm Bangle Bracelet Size 19
They all have the correct paperwork, the correct hallmarks, markings, packaging, precious metals, and precious gemstones – and they are ready for you to purchase.
Visit the Dover Jewelry Brickell Showroom
Our team of experts at Dover Jewelry & Diamonds is available from Monday to Friday during the office hours of 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. to assist you with any questions regarding appointments, buying jewelry, selling jewelry or fine jewelry appraisals. We invite you to contact us with any questions via phone or email.