How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
The Love is one of the most copied pieces of jewellery in the world. Here's how the genuine article gives itself away — in the screws, the hallmarks, the weight and the finish — and how to get yours checked free before you buy or sell.
Is Your Cartier Love Bracelet Genuine?
Send clear photos of the screws, the inside engraving and the serial number and we'll give you an honest opinion — and a valuation if you'd like to sell. We reply within one working day.
A good fake can fool the eye across a room — but it rarely survives a close look. The genuine Cartier Love is a precisely engineered piece of 18ct gold, and the counterfeiters almost always slip on the small details: the screws, the marks and the weight. This is a buyer's and seller's guide, not a substitute for an expert hand — when in doubt, get it checked.
Seven things that give a fake away
1. The screws
Genuine screw heads are crisp, evenly aligned and the two functional screws actually turn. Fakes show shallow, uneven or purely decorative "screws".
2. The hallmarks
Look for the Cartier signature, 750 for 18ct gold, a serial number and an assay hallmark — cleanly and evenly stamped, never shallow or wonky.
3. The serial number
Genuine pieces carry a serial; a missing, double-struck or implausible number is a red flag (though a serial alone never proves authenticity).
4. Weight & feel
Solid 18ct gold has real heft. A light, hollow or oddly balanced bangle suggests plated or low-grade metal.
5. Colour & finish
Cartier's gold is rich and consistent; tinny colour, casting bubbles or rough edges point to a fake.
6. The screwdriver & fit
The bracelet should close flush and align perfectly; the matching screwdriver should fit the screws exactly.
The strongest single test most owners can do is a careful look at the screws and the inside engraving under good light or a loupe — but the only certain answer comes from an expert examining the piece in hand, ideally with the serial verified.
What We Check
When we authenticate a Cartier Love we examine:
- Engraving — Cartier signature, 750, serial, hallmark.
- Screws — Alignment, depth, function.
- Metal — Gold weight, colour and density.
- Finish — Edges, polish, casting quality.
- Fit — Flush closure and matching screwdriver.
Free, honest opinion — whether you're buying, selling or just unsure.
Buying or selling? Get a free expert check
If you're about to buy privately, or you want to sell and need to prove authenticity, send us photos first. Message clear images of the screws, the inside engraving and the serial number on WhatsApp +44 7494 214652 or our valuation form. We'll give an honest opinion and, if it's genuine and you'd like to sell, a fair price with immediate payment.
Want the value side too? See our Cartier Love bracelet value & resale guide, and our sell your Cartier jewellery page.
Get Your Cartier Love Authenticated
Send photographs of the screws, engraving and serial number — we'll give you an honest, no-obligation opinion.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom. Guidance only — not a formal certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spotting a fake Cartier Love — common questions.
How can I tell if my Cartier Love is real?
Check the screws (crisp, aligned, functional), the engraving (Cartier signature, 750, serial number, hallmark), the weight of the gold and the overall finish. No single point is conclusive — it's the combination, best judged by an expert.
Does a serial number mean it's genuine?
Not on its own. Fakes are often given plausible-looking serials. A genuine serial supports authenticity but must be assessed alongside the marks, screws and the piece itself.
Are all real Love bracelets hallmarked?
Genuine pieces carry the Cartier signature, a gold fineness mark (750) and a serial; UK-assayed examples also carry a hallmark. Stamping is always clean and even.
Can you authenticate from photos?
We can give a strong indication from clear photos of the screws, engraving and serial. A final answer is best given with the piece in hand.
I think mine might be fake — will you still look?
Yes, with no judgement and no charge. We'll tell you honestly, and if it is genuine we can make you an offer.
Is this an official Cartier certification?
No — this is expert trade guidance to help you buy or sell safely. For formal certification, Cartier itself is the authority.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the screws, the inside engraving and the serial number. We'll respond within one working day.