Your Guide to Cartier Love Bracelets
A guide to Cartier Love bracelet clasp generations, including older removable screws, later captive screws, newer hinge closures and how to find the right size.
Cartier Love Bracelet Clasps
If you are buying a Cartier Love bracelet, especially a pre-owned Cartier jewellery piece, the clasp matters.
Over the years, Cartier has changed the fastening, and those changes affect how the bracelet opens, how easy it is to wear and what it is like to live with day to day.
There are three main clasp generations to know.
Pre-2011: Fully Removable Screws
Earlier Love bracelets use the original fastening system, where the screws come out fully when the bracelet is opened.
This is the earliest version of the clasp and the one most closely associated with the original design. It has its appeal, but it is also the least practical, because the screws can be removed completely and lost if you are not careful.
If you are buying an older pre-owned piece, it is worth checking that the screws are in good condition and that the screwdriver is present.
2011 Onwards: Captive Screws
In 2011, Cartier revised the fastening so the screws no longer came out fully when opened. Instead, they loosen while remaining attached to the bracelet.
This kept the classic two-screw look, but made the bracelet easier to wear and reduced the chance of losing a screw. For many buyers, this is the version they are most likely to come across in the pre-owned market.
Newer Generation: Single Screw with Hinge
Cartier now also offers a newer closure with a functional screw on one side and a hinge on the other.
This is the easiest version to wear day to day. It still has the recognisable Love bracelet look, but it works differently from the earlier two-screw styles.
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How to tell which clasp generation you have:
If the screws come out fully, it is an earlier pre-2011 version.
If the screws loosen but stay attached, it is the later two-screw version introduced in 2011.
If the bracelet opens on a hinge and uses one working screw, it is the newer single-screw style.
How to find the right Cartier Love bracelet size
A Cartier Love bracelet should feel secure and comfortable without feeling tight. Because it is rigid and oval, sizing is different from a soft bracelet.
A good starting point is to measure your wrist and add around 1cm for a closer fit or 2cm for a looser fit. But measurement only tells you so much. Wrist shape, bracelet width and personal preference all make a difference.
Always Best To Try It On
If possible, it is always best to try a Cartier Love bracelet on before buying.
Two sizes may seem right on paper, but one will usually feel better on the wrist. That is especially true when buying pre-owned, where you may also be choosing between different clasp generations.
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Email
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