Why This $9000 Bracelet Is Worth the Investment

August 17, 2016 | 10:00am

Time to open a new savings account.

Why This $9000 Bracelet Is Worth the Investment

The Cartier LOVE Bracelet has been one of fashion’s most-coveted items since its release in 1969. Designed by Aldo Cipullo, the bracelet has gone on to become one of the best-selling pieces of jewellery of all time, but with such a high price tag (in Australia it retails from $8800), we have to ask how did this happen?

Once only seen on the wrists of the mega-wealthy and major celebs—everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Kylie Jenner to Lara Worthington—the bracelet is now regularly snapped on fashion bloggers and influencers—making it appear much more attainable.

As crazy as it may seem to drop the price of a second-hand car on a bracelet, we think it’s worth the investment. It’s a symbol of history, art, and sentimentality. And, really, can you put a price on sentimentality? Whatever way the bracelet finds its way onto your arm, it’s no doubt come from a place of love. No purchase at this price is entered into lightly—we’ve heard stories of girls receiving the bracelet as a graduation gift, a wedding gift (to lock in that love forever), or even as a present to themselves for achieving a major work or life milestone. All reasons that will make you smile whenever you look down at your wrist, making it worth the investment.

WHO: Chiara Ferragni wears the Cartier LOVE Bracelet ($8800).

The only way to slip the Cartier LOVE bracelet on or off, is with a specially designed screwdriver supplied with the bracelet (an airport customs officer told Who What Wear that it has been known to cause major issues for passengers at security when there isn’t a specialised screwdriver on hand). So once it’s on your wrist, it’s a real commitment (and virtually impossible to lose).

Whatever way a Cartier LOVE bracelet comes into your live, it’s going to be special, and something you treasure forever—potentially becoming that family heirloom that gets handed down for generations. Worth the investment? We think so.

If you’re convinced you need this special bracelet in your life, we’ve tracked down different versions at different price points (new, vintage, and second hand). Keep scrolling to find yours!