Explainer / Why Cartier’s Love bangle was the OG must-have stacking bracelet: created in 1969 and inspired by chastity belts, the jewellery piece is still loved by Justin Bieber, Kylie Jenner and Meghan Markle

Jan 22 , 2024

Cartier’s Love bracelets remain as popular as ever, counting celebrity fans like Justin Bieber. Photos: @cartier, @justinbieber/Instagram

The Cartier Love bracelet, designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, is celebrated for its iconic screw motif and unique locking mechanism, symbolising a commitment that can’t be easily undone

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, wore hers during her headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey, while Miley Cyrus donned a yellow gold version in the music video for her song ‘Jaded’

Stacking jewellery pieces, be it rings and necklaces or bangles and bracelets, has become a prevalent way for wearers to put their personal spins on classic designs. Anyone can visit a boutique and acquire a few rings or bangles, but how one mixes and matches these gives the piece personality and energy.

Luxury jewellery is a way to mark special occasions; a milestone or an anniversary. This way, jewellery stacks can reflect noteworthy moments and achievements in life.

Justin Bieber is clearly a fan of stackable jewellery from Cartier. Photo: @justinbieber/Instagram

But more than anything else, wearing a mix of pieces in different gem sets and alloys looks good. It’s an easy way to bring a little bit of luxury and sparkle to everyday life. Bangles and bracelets have emerged as the stackable jewellery of choice for many embracing this trend.

Jewellery powerhouses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget, Chaumet and Tiffany & Co. have all, in recent years, launched designs that reflect this trend and can be integrated into existing arm stacks. For many, however, Cartier’s Love bracelet usually marks the beginning of their stacking journey.

The Cartier Love bracelet was originally designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1969. Photo: @cartier/Instagram

The Cartier Love bracelet’s history dates back to 1969, with a design said to signify love that is permanent and forever. Designer Aldo Cipullo was inspired by chastity belts to create the Love bracelet’s unisex shackle design.

While the idea of restricting a woman’s freedom is archaic in modern times, recreating that screw-on design evokes a feeling of permanence, commitment and purity. The New York designer also injected the contemporary energy and dynamism of the city into his creation.

Instead of a buckle or a clasp, the bangle is secured on the wrist with a screwdriver that comes with the bangle. The piece echoes the Cartier de Santos watch, where the screws are also incorporated into the design rather than kept hidden.