Aldo Cipullo: The Italian-American Genius Behind Cartier Love & Juste un Clou
One designer created two of Cartier's most iconic, most resaleable designs. The story of Aldo Cipullo — and what his Love and Juste un Clou pieces are worth today.
What Is Your Cartier Love or Juste un Clou Worth?
Send a photo — including the signature, serial and any box or papers — for a free, no-obligation valuation. We reply within one working day.
Aldo Cipullo (1935–1984), an Italian-American designer working at Cartier in New York, created the Love bracelet in 1969 — a bangle that locks onto the wrist with a screwdriver — and followed it with the nail-inspired Juste un Clou in 1971.[1] Two designs, both still in production, both among the most liquid pieces in the resale market.
The designs that made Cartier modern
The Love bracelet was conceived as a symbol of locked-in commitment; Cartier famously gifted early examples to celebrity couples — Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton — as a marketing masterstroke.[2] Juste un Clou turned an ordinary nail into 18ct gold. Both are made in 18ct yellow, rose and white gold, plain or diamond-set, and are signed Cartier, marked 750 and serial-numbered.
What drives the value
Model & gold
Love and Juste un Clou in solid 18ct gold — weight sets a strong floor.
Diamonds
Diamond-set versions sit well above plain gold.
Signature & serial
Cartier signature, 750 mark and serial confirm authenticity.
Completeness
Box, papers and the screwdriver help on resale.
What is a Cipullo-designed Cartier worth in the UK?
Resale depends on model, gold, diamonds and completeness — indicative bands:
Indicative only — your piece depends on model, gold weight, diamonds and papers. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
Selling Your Cartier
What we look at:
- Model — Love or Juste un Clou.
- Signature — Cartier, 750, serial number.
- Gold — colour and weight.
- Diamonds — plain or set.
- Completeness — box, papers, screwdriver.
We buy Cartier directly — fair prices, immediate payment, no auction fees.
How to sell Cartier Love & Juste un Clou in the UK
Send clear photos of the piece, the Cartier signature and serial, and any box, papers or screwdriver. We confirm authenticity, weigh the gold, assess any diamonds, and give an honest figure with immediate payment — no auction commission. More on our sell your Cartier jewellery page, our Cartier Love guide and Juste un Clou guide.
More Cartier guides
Value Your Cartier
Send photographs of the piece, the signature, serial and any papers — we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aldo Cipullo & Cartier — common questions.
Who designed the Cartier Love bracelet?
Aldo Cipullo, an Italian-American designer at Cartier in New York, created it in 1969.
When was the Love bracelet first made?
1969. It locks onto the wrist with a small screwdriver — a deliberate symbol of committed love.
What inspired Aldo Cipullo to design the Juste un Clou?
An ordinary nail — Cipullo reimagined it in 18ct gold in 1971, turning a hardware object into fine jewellery.
Did Aldo Cipullo design anything for Cartier besides the Love?
Yes — most famously the Juste un Clou. Both remain in production and resell strongly.
Why did Cartier gift Love bracelets to celebrity couples?
As a marketing strategy — gifting them to famous couples like the Burtons and the McQueens built the design's romantic legend.
Can you value it on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +44 7494 214652 with photos of the piece, signature and serial and we'll reply, usually within a working day.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the piece, the Cartier signature and serial. We'll respond within one working day.
Sources: [1] The History of the Cartier Love Bracelets — Rich Diamonds. [2] Cartier Love Bracelet History — InvestedLuxury. Facts current at time of writing; verify single facts against the linked sources.