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The Cartier Love Bracelet is undoubtedly one of the most coveted pieces of jewelry out there.
But with its popularity comes a wave of counterfeits, making it all the more important to know what you’re looking for.
One key indicator of authenticity is the material.
Genuine Cartier Love Bracelets are crafted from solid 18k yellow, rose pink gold, and white gold stamped with 750, while platinum models are stamped with PT950.
If you come across a bracelet that is silver, steel, or gold-plated, it’s likely a fake.
And let’s not forget the stones: the real deal will feature only diamonds and precious gems.
Keep these tips in mind when searching for your very own Cartier Love Bracelet and read on to learn more on how to tell if a Cartier bracelet is real.
5 Ways to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
As a lover of all things jewelry, I’ve always had a soft spot for the iconic Cartier Love Bracelet.
The Cartier Love Bracelet, created by Italian designer Aldo Cipullo in 1969, features a unisex design that can be worn by both men and women.
The bracelet was specifically designed as a symbol of commitment between couples, regardless of gender.
Today, the Cartier Love Bracelet is more popular than ever, but with its fame comes an unfortunate consequence: the proliferation of fake Cartier Love Bracelets.
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time researching and collecting jewelry, I’ve learned how to spot a fake Cartier bracelet from a mile away.
In this guide, I’ll share my insights on how to distinguish a real Love Bracelet from a fake one.
First things first, let’s talk about the fake Cartier Love Bracelet.
There are many different types of fake Cartier Love Bracelets on the market, ranging from cheap replicas to high-quality knockoffs.
Some fakes are easy to spot, while others are more difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
1. Metals in a Real Cartier Love Bracelet
One of the easiest ways to tell if a Cartier Love Bracelet is a fake is to check the metal type.
Real Cartier Bracelets come in three precious metals: white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Platinum is also an option, but it’s more rare and expensive.
If you stumble upon a Cartier Love Bracelet that claims to be made of sterling silver, run for the hills!
The real deal is only available in precious metals, not in silver. And if the bracelet claims to be made of “solid gold,” that’s a red flag.
That term is usually associated with fake jewelry, not the genuine article.
One of the reasons why fake Love Bracelets can be found at such low prices is because they are made with cheaper materials like steel, brass, or plated gold.
These materials don’t even compare to the 18K gold or platinum used in authentic Cartier Love Bracelets, and they’re much less expensive to produce.
So if you’re seeing a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
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2. Weight of an Authentic Cartier Love Bracelet
Another detail you should look at is the weight of the bracelet.
The iconic Cartier Love Bracelet comes in a range of sizes. As per the official Cartier website, the bracelet is available in a variety of sizes, with diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches.
To give you an idea of the weight of the bracelet, the smallest size (15) weighs approximately 27 grams, which is equivalent to the weight of four standard household keys (assuming a key weighs 7 grams).
On the other hand, the largest size (21) weighs around 40 grams, which is equivalent to the weight of six standard household keys.
This comparison gives a better idea of how the bracelet might feel on the wrist and helps in choosing the right size.
A fake Cartier Love Bracelet is likely to have a different weight than a genuine one.
This is because counterfeit bracelets are often made using different materials or with less attention to detail, resulting in variations in weight.
In some cases, a fake Cartier Love Bracelet may be noticeably lighter or heavier than a real one.
It’s important to purchase Cartier jewelry from a reputable source and to have it authenticated to ensure that you’re getting a genuine piece.
A trained eye can often spot differences in weight and other details that indicate a bracelet is not authentic.
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3. Check the Love Symbols That are Engraved Around The Bracelet
One of the notable features of the Cartier Love Bracelet is the love symbols that are engraved on the bracelet.
The Love Bracelet, styled as L⊝Ve, was created by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier SA in 1969. The bracelet’s unique design features a locking mechanism represented by a horizontal line inside the letter ‘O’.”
While the exact number of symbols may vary depending on the model and size of the bracelet, you can typically expect to see several love symbols carefully placed around the bracelet.
These symbols should be crisp and clear, and they should be evenly spaced around the bracelet.
4. Look for “Cartier” logo and the serial number inside the bracelet
If you’re still not sure if the Cartier Love Bracelet is real, you should take a close look at the inside of the bracelet.
Inside an authentic Cartier Love bracelet, you may find the following engravings/markings:
- Cartier logo engraved in script font
- Metal quality hallmark (18K, 750, 950)
- Serial number (if produced after 1974)
- Bracelet size (if made after 2006)
- Copyright symbol ©
If these markings are missing or incorrect, it’s a clear sign that the bracelet is a fake.
Bracelets made of 18K gold are stamped with 18K, 750, or both numbers.
Platinum bracelets, on the other hand, bear the numerals 950.
If these engraving is not present on the bracelet, it’s a definite warning sign of a fake.
It’s worth noting, however, that when Aldo Cipullo initially designed the Cartier Love bracelets in the 1970s, they did not include logo or serial numbers, making it easy for counterfeiters to produce fakes.
As a result, it’s estimated that nearly 50% of Love bracelets from the 1970s are counterfeit.
Starting in 1974, each bracelet is also marked with a unique serial number consisting of a combination of letters and/or numbers.
The serial number may be in one of three formats: five digits and one letter (e.g. 53782 A), two letters and four digits (e.g. HS 6789), or three letters and three digits (e.g. HSE 789).
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5. Price of A Fake vs Real Cartier Love Bracelet
With the popularity of the Cartier Love Bracelet comes the proliferation of counterfeit versions that flood the market.
While some fakes are quite convincing, one of the most obvious red flags is an unreasonably low price.
So how can you tell if a Cartier Love Bracelet is fake based on the price alone?
First things first, what is the typical price of a Cartier Love Bracelet?
The answer varies depending on the material and size, but a new 18K gold Love Bracelet typically costs around $7,350.
Meanwhile, a platinum Love Bracelet can cost upwards of $10,000 (if you can find one).
Of course, vintage and rare versions can fetch much higher prices at auctions.
Now, what are some fake prices you might see on the internet?
Well, if you come across a new Cartier Love Bracelet that is priced significantly lower than the retail prices mentioned above, it is likely a fake.
For example, if you see a look-alike gold Love Bracelet being for under $100 is almost certainly a fake.
What About Pre-owned Cartier Love Bracelet?
When it comes to buying pre-owned Cartier Love Bracelet, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, you’ll want to inspect the bracelet closely to ensure it’s in good condition.
A genuine Cartier Love Bracelet is a high-quality piece that should still look great even after years of use.
If the bracelet looks heavily worn or damaged, it could be a red flag that it’s a fake.
Another thing to watch out for is pre-owned Cartier Love Bracelets that are being sold at a suspiciously low price.
Sure, you may be able to find a pre-owned Cartier product at a discount, but if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The seller could be trying to pass off a fake bracelet as a genuine one, or they could be selling a bracelet that’s been stolen or obtained through fraudulent means.
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How to Verify authenticity of a pre-owned Cartier Love Bracelet?
To determine the authenticity of a pre-owned Cartier Love Bracelet, it’s important to carefully inspect its design features.
Designer Aldo Cipullo intentionally made the bracelet with two halves that are fastened together with a screwdriver, creating a unique and secure locking mechanism.
This design ensures that the bracelet can only be put on and removed with the help of another person, symbolizing the idea of commitment and partnership.
If the bracelet you’re considering does not have this characteristic, it’s a clear indication that it is not an authentic Cartier Love Bracelet.
Conclusion
If you come across a Cartier Love Bracelet that is priced much lower than the typical retail price, it is likely a fake.
Counterfeiters use cheaper materials and do not adhere to the same quality standards as authentic Cartier products, resulting in a product that is of lower quality and value.
When it comes to buying luxury items, remember the old adage: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
While some high-quality Cartier Love Bracelet replicas exist, they can be challenging to differentiate from the real thing.
These knockoffs can feature real diamonds and precious metals and are often sold at a fraction of the cost of a genuine Cartier Love Bracelet.
However, the best replica will never be able to match the quality of the genuine article.
An original piece is produced to the highest standards and made with the finest materials available.
When you wear a genuine Cartier Love Bracelet, you can feel the difference in quality and craftsmanship.
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re buying a genuine Cartier Love Bracelet is to purchase it from a reputable dealer.
An expert jeweler can verify the authenticity of the bracelet and provide a Certificate of Authenticity to prove that it’s a genuine piece of Cartier jewelry.
So, if you’re thinking of adding a Cartier Love Bracelet to your jewelry collection, remember to keep an eye out for these signs of a fake piece.
With a little bit of knowledge and some caution, you’ll be able to avoid getting duped by counterfeiters and enjoy the beauty and quality of a genuine Cartier Love Bracelet.
