I’ve reallllly been getting into jewelry again and I admit I’ve gone down the window shopping rabbit hole of French fine jewelry brands like Cartier, Chaumet, and Van Cleef & Arpels. One bracelet I love that’s a timeless design is the Cartier Love bracelet, which has been around for decades.
The problem is that it’s not cheap. If you have a soft spot for the Cartier Love bracelet style but aren’t looking to put a dent in your budget, check out my picks for some amazing affordable Cartier Love bracelet alternatives.
Affordable Cartier Love bracelet alternative styles
Credit: Depositphotos.com via AndreaA
Here’s the backstory. I was super into jewelry as a kid and teen thanks to my grandma and great aunt’s influence, but as I got older, I let my early love of jewelry go by the wayside. In fact, if you look at any of my YouTube videos before October 2021, you’ll notice I’m not wearing any jewelry at all.
It wasn’t until my mom passed away in 2021 that I reignited my love of all things bling. As you may recall, my mom was a jewelry lover and my decision to wear jewelry again like her has helped me to feel close to my mom even though she’s passed on.
P.S. If you’re following my cremation diamond process, I’m thrilled to report the diamond is done and will be delivered in early March. Stay tuned for more on that later this spring.
Whether you’re into fine jewelry, fun costume jewelry, or a little bit of both, let’s talk about the iconic Cartier Love bracelet and my favorite more affordable options that are a great alternative. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a similar bangle style that won’t cost anywhere near as much.
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What is a Cartier Love bracelet?
First, some background. Created in New York in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, the Cartier Love bracelet is a gold bangle that has stood the test of time and is worn by both men and women, young and old. Cartier explains that the collection is “a symbol of free-spirited love” and you’ll notice the letter O has a horizontal line through it, which is a nod to the bracelet’s locking mechanism.
Love bracelets come in solid 18k yellow, rose, or white gold. There’s a small model that is 3.65 mm wide as well as the regular width one coming in at 6.1 mm wide. You can also get your Love bracelet with diamonds.
The bracelet’s defining feature over the years is the evenly spaced screw pattern, which is said to be modeled after medieval chastity belts. Love bracelets literally need to be screwed on with a mini screwdriver that comes with your purchase.
The small version is hinged and opens on one side and the regular size has two independent pieces which come together on each side. Cartier also has a cuff version without the screws for those of us who want to easily take it on and off.
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How much is a Cartier Love bracelet?
As of February 2023, here are the prices in 18k yellow gold:
Small model (without diamonds): $4,450
Small model (10 diamonds): $8,900
Regular model (without diamonds): $6,900
Regular model (with 4 diamonds): $11,100
Cuff bracelet (traditional solid gold cuff, no diamonds): $4,950
Take note that Love bracelets come in rose gold, white gold which is silver in color along with the even more expensive platinum as well.
While Cartier Love bracelets are gorgeous on your wrist, they’re not budget friendly for most of us. Cheap quality Cartier Love bracelets don’t exist, as they don’t go on sale and prices only increase. To save a few bucks though, definitely considering buying used from a reputable retailer.
Pro tip: If you are buying Cartier jewelry in France, use the app Wevat to get an even bigger VAT refund than the traditional paper method. You can download the Wevat app here. Enter code OUIINFRANCE after you download it for a 5€ bonus.
Is a Cartier Love bracelet worth it?
Yes, absolutely yes! It’s definitely worth it to buy iconic pieces that you’ll cherish and wear often. But not everyone’s budget is the same and spending over $4,000 on a real Cartier bracelet — and that’s on the lower side — is out of the question. It’s the same with Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaumet Bee My Love, and so many other luxury styles.
If you look at the cost of 18k gold per gram ($44/gram as of 2/23) and multiply that by the weight of a regular Love bracelet (30 grams, ranges depending on size), you’ll see that you’re paying for the bangle and its unique design, luxury factor, and the name Cartier and not “just” a gold bracelet. The gold alone costs about $1,320, so you can see just how much the markup is when you do the math.
A lot of people don’t really care that much about fine jewelry and even if they have the money, they’d rather spend it elsewhere. I get it. But if you’re into French fine jewelry and have the cash, you will not regret buying a Cartier Love bracelet.
Is a Cartier Love bracelet worth it? Yes, but if you’re not in the market for the best Cartier Love bracelet right now or don’t want to spend a lot on jewelry, the next best thing is to check out some alternatives that are similar in style but don’t come with the same price tag.
There are a bunch of brands out there that make similar costume jewelry and plated versions. Let’s get into my picks for bracelets similar to the Cartier love style. These are styles that were inspired by the original and vintage versions and have their own flair.
Go on and treat yourself!
10 More Cartier Love bracelet alternatives
Credit: Depositphotos.com via AndreaA
Now let’s take a look at some of my favorite Cartier Love bracelet alternatives from other retailers that are a little higher end, with their own unique details and flair. Bangle bracelets are so fun and such a nice addition to any jewelry collection.
Cartier Love bracelet alternatives
Kate Spade Idiom Bangle Stop and Smell The Roses
For the minimalists out there, snatch up one of these Kate Spade bangles and don't be afraid to stack it with your other faves. The squared off edges add interest and the tiny price makes me want to buy two!
Fossil Sutton Dainty Dot Stainless Steel Bangle Bracelet
This rose-tone stainless steel bangle is 4mm wide and features glittering dot accents. Dress it up for a night on the town or keep it casual.
Tory Burch Logo Stud Hinge Bracelet
This stainless steel bracelet features the Tory Burch logo and has hinged construction with a push-lock clasp, making it a perfect Cartier Love bracelet alternative. It screams industrial-luxe style and can be worn on its own or stacked with other arm candy.
Quince Sparkle Topaz Line Bangle Bracelet
This thin, sparkly bangle bracelet from Quince is a beautiful option to add to your wrist stack. It's 18k gold vermeil and will be a favorite for years to come. I also love that it's under $100.
Ross-Simons 18kt Gold Over Sterling Polished Bangle Bracelet
For a polished look that makes a superb Cartier Love dupe, pick up one of these Ross Simons beauties and you'll be glad you did. It's clasp free and 1/4-inch wide making it the perfect if you're a minimalist or just want to add to your arm candy.
North Star Diamond Bracelet
Does it get any more gorgeous than this?! Etsy seller AntEvaCrafts has made a gorgeous 14k Cartier Love bracelet alternative featuring three small diamonds and a hinged closure. While this is the most expensive option on my list, it's a stunning piece that you'll be sure to cherish.
Plain Gold Hinged Bracelet 14k Real Gold Bangle
If you'd like to go the 14k option, this piece of fine jewelry from AntEvaCrafts is minimalist, modern, and fashion forward. It's 6 mm wide and is perfect to stack!
COACH Kissing C HINGED Bangle
This gold plated bangle from Coach has high reviews and shows off that Coach logo. The two "kissing" C's are evenly spaced around the bangle and the lock is sturdy.
Michael Kors Rose Gold-Plated Lock Bangle
For my fellow sparkle lovers, this one is for you. This Michael Kors hinged bangle is chock full-o-bling and has a logo charm to boot. That polished logo charm has a crystal halo dangling from the sleek pavé bangle.
Amazon Cartier love bracelet for cheap: Under $40
Let’s get into some affordable bracelets in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold inspired by the Cartier Love style that you can grab on Amazon. They’re all under $40 each (most under $20!) and have reviews that are 4+ stars.
They’re bestsellers for a reason! If you’re looking for a similar style to the Cartier Love bracelet for cheap, these are the links you need to check out.
1 // A D. ALLEN & DANMI 18K Gold Plated Love Bangle Bracelet
2 // YCSLYW Women’s Stainless Steel Bracelet Cross Pattern
3 // YCSLYW Women’s Stainless Steel Bracelet Heart Pattern
4 // Cubic Zirconia Stainless Steel Bangle
5 // PDWZNBA 18K Gold Plated Love Friendship Bracelet with Cubic Zirconia Stones
6 // 555Jewelry Women’s Sparkling Cubic Zirconia Secure Hinge Lock Bangle Bracelet
7 // Pave Cubic Zironia Simulate Stackable Oval Hinged Bangle Bracelet
8 // Bazel 18K Gold Plated Crystal Belt Bangle
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What are your favorite Cartier bracelet styles? Do you like the Cartier Love bracelet alternatives or will you splurge on an authentic 18k bracelet?
This Cartier Love bracelet alternatives post contains affiliate links.
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Or, ypu could go to the Marche aux Puces in Paris, where you’ll find scores of the Love bracelet knock-offs. I got mine on Canal Street in NYC, where I live. The $40 version comes with the screwdriver, doesn’t tarnish ( though I don’t wear it in the pool!), and is a dead ringer. I’m treating myself to the real one for my birthday in July this year. I too love good jewelry, and inherited my mom’s Chanel watch ( bought in Paris in 1990), and her Rolex Datejust watch, among many other items I treasure.
Oooh, the watches sound amazing!
Oh, this was so much fun to peruse!! I LOVE bracelets.
Side note: If misspellings bother you, here is one to fix: “So is a Cartier Love bracelet wroth it? “
Thanks for the heads up, Karen. Fixed!