Old Meets New: A Close Look at Cartier s Bracelet Lock Evolution

13th Sep 2025

Old Meets New: A Close Look at Cartier
s Bracelet Lock Evolution

Launched in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Maison Cartier in Paris is renowned for its iconic, innovative jewelry design.

One of Cartier’s most renowned styles is the LOVE Bracelet, introduced in 1969. Italian designer Aldo Cipullo created a style to wear permanently. Equipped with two interlocking rings, it can only be undone with an accompanying screwdriver. Not easily removed, it signifies enduring love and commitment.

CARTIER Love Bracelet 

Simple yet refined, the LOVE Bracelet’s smooth, polished band features small oval screw motifs as an almost industrial accent. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and brushed yellow gold and brushed white gold, select versions are adorned with shimmering pavé diamonds for the ultimate in luxury.

CARTIER Love Bracelet with screwdriver

The former Cartier LOVE bracelet included screws that were removable when the bracelet opened, letting the two halves separate from the bracelet. Newer styles feature screws that are permanently attached—they do not come out of the bracelet when it’s opened, which prevents loss. While its aesthetic remains intact, the LOVE Bracelet has progressed with upgrades to its locking mechanism—the result: enhanced security and ease of wear.

By 2011, Cartier joined the screws to the LOVE Bracelet’s halves to reduce the risk of loss. When opening or closing the bracelet, the screws could no longer be completely removed, also making the Bracelet easier to wear and remove.

CARTIER Locking System 2011-2021

Cartier offers a complimentary enhancement service for the 2011-2021 LOVE Bracelets. It requires sending the bracelet to Cartier’s Boutique store to install the new locking device. The process can take two to six weeks, ensuring that each style meets the new standard.

CARTIER Locking System 2011 upgraded to 2022 Locking System

CARTIER Enhanced Locking System 2022-Current

By 2022, Cartier debuted a new locking mechanism to guarantee secure closure while also restricting accidental loosening. With this new system, every turn of the screw is accompanied by a soft clicking sound, indicating that the screw is securely locked in place. At the same time, this enhancement restricts the bracelet from coming undone while worn. The objective: improving the security of the screws while maintaining the convenience and practicality of the 2011 LOVE Bracelet.

CARTIER Locking System 2022 (Top) vs 2021 (Bottom)

CARTIER Locking System Comparison

Top: 2011, Middle: 2011 upgraded to 2022 Locking system, Bottom: 2022-Current

For its Small Bracelet, Cartier offers yet another type of closure. Equipped with a hinge on one side for ease in opening, its opposite side features a screw mechanism that functions as a safety clasp. Opening requires turning the screw a quarter counterclockwise; for closure, line up the two halves of the bracelet and turn the screw clockwise.

CARTIER Locking System Small Love bracelet

In 2024, Cartier unveiled the Medium Love bracelet. Crafted in 18K rose gold, yellow, and white gold and measuring 4.8mm (0.189 inches), it’s designed to stack together with the small and original versions. As with the small style, the medium size’s closure includes one screw and one hinge—making it easier to take on and off by itself. ShopReplica Handbag Online Store’s collection of Cartier styles (including the LOVE Bracelet)