Creator of the Love Bracelet: Italy’s Aldo Cipullo

What does 1969 conjure up for you? Pretty girls in flowing skirts, peace demonstrations, rock music—how about love? More specifically, how about Aldo Cipullo’s inventive love bracelets designed while he was at Cartier? This designer’s projects have ranged between everything from stationary to cuff links—but it’s that love bracelet that has even today’s celebrities scrambling to Cartier for a jewel that captures love around the wrist.

Aldo Cipullo was born in Rome in 1936. He died in New York City in January of 1984—heart failure being the cause. Cipullo studied at the University of Rome, but jewelry design must have been in his blood; he hailed from a family that owned a grand jewelry firm that specialized in costume jewelry. In 1959, Cipullo traveled to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts. He then found employment with David Webb, Tiffany and of course, Cartier.

1969 came around and its summer or love. Cartier desired to showcase a piece of jewelry that would signify the binding of love, a permanent commitment. Cipullo, an avid history enthusiast who drew on ancient designs for his inspirations conceived of a bracelet that could not be removed. Based on medieval chastity belts, the love bracelet of 1969 fastens to the wearer’s wrist by a tiny screw turned with a small vermeil screwdriver that is sold with the bracelet. The bracelets were worn by both men and women. Famously, Elizabeth Taylor, Dyan Cannon, Princess Diana, Barbara Streisand and Ali MacGraw all boasted bracelets.

Whether the bracelet’s charm actually strengthened commitments is hard to say—but that little screwdriver has the power to release its wearer (so it is best kept in a safe place). As Cartier still sells the 18-karat yellow gold bracelet (for just under $3000.) and some of today’s celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Foxx and Michelle Williams are sporting the signature love jewel. Vintage examples can even be found at auction sites like eBay for less.

In 1974 Cipullo opened his own studio. His design projects produced rings, cuff links, buttons, studs, bracelets, lapel pins, silverware, textiles, china, stationary, etc…All his designs seemed to exhibit his remarkable good taste—simple elegance matched with stylish functionality. It should also be noted that Cipullo won the Coty American Fashion Critic’s Award for Men’s Wear Jewelry in 1974 all because of his "love bracelet".