Cartier Love Bracelet vs Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The Cartier Love Bracelet wins on screw-motif 18k gold bangle fitted with a screwdriver. The Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet answers with nail-shaped 18k gold bangle. Metal: 18k gold on the Cartier Love Bracelet, 18k gold on the Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet. Stones: None on the Cartier Love Bracelet, None on the Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet. Size: 15-21 cm on the Cartier Love Bracelet, 15-19 cm on the Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet. Closure: Screw on the Cartier Love Bracelet, Hinge on the Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet.

Reasons to buy the Cartier Love Bracelet

Iconic, Solid 18k gold, Holds value. What to accept: hard to remove, pricey. Usual price: $7,500–$8,800. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Cartier Love Bracelet review.

Reasons to buy the Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet

Distinctive, Solid gold. What to accept: pricey. Usual price: $7,900–$9,500. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best fine jewelry bracelets has every other piece with its own call. Metal: 18k gold is the standard for fine jewelry; check if a piece is solid gold or gold plated over silver.

Also consider the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet ($5,600–$7,500): five-motif clover bracelet. Buy it if you want a timeless lucky charm.

Also consider the Cartier Love Bracelet White Gold ($7,500–$8,800): white gold Love. Buy it if you want silver tone.

Buyer tip

Fine jewelry houses rarely discount, so price is about the metal content and maker; buy from the brand or an authorized retailer with certificates for diamonds.

Buying in Europe: gold jewelry in the EU and UK is often hallmarked (750 for 18k gold). Ask for the hallmark and, for any diamond over about 0.3 carats, a grading report from GIA, HRD or IGI.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.