Spotting an authentic Cartier LOVE bracelet is easy for us…
But if you have one you’re not sure about or want to learn the ins and outs of authenticating Cartier LOVE bracelets, we’re sharing some invaluable authentication tips.
Our brand experts inspect beyond LOVE’s alluring qualities. They check its alloy chemistry to make sure it’s consistent with genuine pieces. They review all engravings to ensure they are in good condition, examine every ridge on every screw and the curve of every motif to ensure only the highest quality pieces are accepted. FASHIONPHILE’s GIA-trained Gemologists also check that all stones are natural – meaning from the Earth – and are consistent with the high standards Cartier uses. They go so far as to inspect for microscopic imperfections not visible to the naked eye; low quality stones can indicate inauthenticity. But microscopic analysis doesn’t stop at the gemstones, they are also a helpful tool to study the craftsmanship of the pieces, and include elements like boxes and certificates to ensure only authentic materials are being shared with our valued clients.
Okay, you get the idea. Our process is a science after all. Every piece that we get in is carefully reviewed and verified before it is listed on our site. But if you don’t have the tools, here’s a helpful breakdown of what to look for – think of it as your checklist – when authenticating Cartier LOVE bracelets.
Watch this YouTube Short that compares an authentic and fake Cartier LOVE bracelet side-by-side.
Hardware runs the show
Because these bracelets are largely composed of metal, hardware really does run the show. When inspecting the hardware, our authenticators verify the metals present, and triple check the engravings, and screws used. These are all important details that should never be overlooked when it comes to these ever-iconic bracelets.
Pro- tip: Use your given senses as a guide to authenticate your item. Feeling the quality, looking at the details, and in some cases even smelling the items can give you an inkling whether or not you’re dealing with a fake. If you’re trying to figure out if your Cartier LOVE bracelet is authentic, here are some hardware basics to help you get started – no tools required.
The Hardware Basics
Metals
Even if you may not be able to actually test the metals (props to you if you can or know how), every Cartier LOVE bracelet is stamped with a hallmark that indicates the purity and the metal type. These two elements are required for legal sale in most countries. Not seeing these should be red flags.
Use your sense of smell! If your bracelet smells like pennies, especially after being handled, it could be a sign of inauthenticity. Another one to watch out for is if your piece is magnetic. All fine metals, like gold, platinum or sterling silver should not be magnetic. If your Cartier LOVE bracelet reacts to a magnet this should be a red flag! Look for discoloration, peeling metal or worn plating. Genuine Cartier LOVE bracelets are made of solid gold, and are never plated.
Engravings
Cartier LOVE bracelets have distinct engravings throughout. These include the iconic screw motifs that wrap around the bracelet as well as the signature logo engravings that are located at the underside of the bracelet.
Screw motifs → These are perfectly stamped throughout the perimeter of the bracelet. These motifs are iconic and you can expect nothing less from Cartier. Even the slightest imperfections should be addressed. The artisans who craft authentic Cartier LOVE bracelets have specialized tools that result in precise results. Counterfeits usually miss the key details when it comes to the screw motifs, and the telltale signs of the tools used reveal a piece’s secrets.
Logo engravings → For a piece to be accepted by FASHIONPHILE, perfection is paramount. Designer signatures should be consistent for the time the piece was manufactured, and look as fresh as the day it hit the sales floor. Most importantly, we expect to see the unique fonts utilized by the maisons, not the standard Times New Roman or Helvetica!
Screws
These bracelets have two working screws. And there are two types: the original screw system and the new screw system.
The original screw system → The original screw system requires careful handling while opening and closing, as the screw gets completely removed. For these bracelets it’s best to have a friend or partner help you put it on, that’s the lore of the Cartier LOVE bracelet after all!
The new screw system → The new screw system features screws that can never get lost! The screws are loosened and tightened in a casing so they will not get misplaced while opening and closing the bracelet. Regardless of the generation, the screws should easily open and close, and should never feel like metal is grinding or being scraped together. Notating these design updates and understanding the evolution of this style can really help you as you’re determining the integrity of your Cartier bracelet. Newer styles will always have the new screw system.
Cartier LOVE Bracelet Serial Numbers
In the twenty plus years FASHIONPHILE has been in business, we have been able to document details from a large number of items. Some serial numbers are known to our team as inauthentic. To protect our clients, we also have an extensive database to ensure that duplicate serial numbers are never accepted in resale. This database has helped FASHIONPHILE identify the patterns associated with Cartier serial numbers.
Authenticating the Cartier LOVE Box
Packaging is part of the experience! A telltale sign of inauthentic packaging is a slight discoloration; inauthentic boxes will have a less vibrant red than the iconic cardinal red used by Cartier. Sometimes the counterfeiters try too hard though! At times, counterfeit packaging will feature padding with a memory foam texture instead of the gentle batting expected from authentic pieces. Lastly, inauthentic packaging may not open all the way, making for a lackluster presentation when the box is opened.
These authentication tips apply for not only LOVE bracelets, but also for the full Cartier LOVE collection which includes rings, earrings and necklaces. Also a fan of Cartier watches? Here are all the Cartier Tank styles! Cartier fine jewelry and watches make up some of the best long term investments. Not only do Cartier LOVE bracelets fall under investment pieces that hold their value, but buying Cartier for the one you love is the way to go.
