You’ve probably seen them on eBay or tucked away in a velvet-lined drawer at an estate sale. They look exactly like the Cartier icon that costs as much as a used car. But when you flip it over, it doesn't say Cartier. It says Charles Revson Inc. and Aldo Cipullo 1970.
Is it a fake? Not even close.
The charles revson love bracelet is one of the weirdest, coolest, and most misunderstood collaborations in the history of luxury jewelry. It’s the "authorized" version of the most famous bracelet in the world, born from a time when high-end brands were actually willing to experiment with accessibility. If you've ever wanted the Cartier look without the $7,000 price tag, this is the rabbit hole you need to go down.
The Secret Handshake Between Revlon and Cartier
In 1969, a designer named Aldo Cipullo changed everything for Cartier. He created the Love Bracelet, a piece of "modern handcuffs" that required a screwdriver to put on or take off. It was a massive hit. But Cartier wanted to reach a broader audience, and Charles Revson—the ruthless, visionary founder of Revlon—wanted a piece of the prestige.
So, they made a deal.
In 1970, Cartier allowed Revson to produce a special-edition version of the Love Bracelet through his "Ultima II" cosmetic line. It wasn't meant to compete with the solid gold Cartier version; it was meant to be a high-end promotional item. Think of it as the ultimate "gift with purchase" or a limited-edition retail luxury for the department store crowd.
Honestly, it was a genius move. It gave Revlon customers a taste of the Fifth Avenue lifestyle while keeping the Cartier brand at the center of the conversation.
How to Tell the Difference (Before You Buy)
If you're hunting for a charles revson love bracelet, you have to know what you’re looking at. These aren't solid gold. While a standard Cartier Love Bracelet is made of 18k solid yellow, white, or rose gold, the Revson version is 18k gold electroplated.
That’s a big deal. Electroplating means there’s a base metal (usually a brass or copper alloy) with a thick layer of gold on top. Over fifty years, that gold can wear down. If you see "silver" or "dull" spots on the edges of a vintage piece, that’s the base metal peeking through.
Here is the quick checklist for spotting a Revson:
- The Hallmarks: It will be stamped "© 1970 Aldo Cipullo Gold Electroplate" and "Charles Revson Inc."
- The Hinge: Unlike the modern Cartier Love, which comes in two separate halves that screw together on both sides, the Revson version is hinged. It has a hinge on one side and a single screw on the other.
- The Shape: It's distinctly oval, designed to hug the wrist closely, just like the original.
- The Screwdriver: The original set came with a small, gold-toned screwdriver. Many of these have been lost to time, but finding a "complete set" with the box and tool significantly bumps up the value.
Why Does a "Plated" Bracelet Cost $800?
You might think that because it’s not solid gold, it’s just "costume jewelry." Collectors disagree.
Prices for a charles revson love bracelet have spiked lately. A decade ago, you could snag one for $150. Today? You’re looking at anywhere from **$400 to $1,500** depending on the condition and whether it has the original box.
Why the price hike? It’s the Aldo Cipullo connection. Cipullo died in 1984, and his work is now legendary. Anything he touched—especially the early Love designs—is treated as a piece of art history. Owning a Revson Love is like owning a signed print by a famous painter instead of the original oil on canvas. It’s still "real" art, just a different medium.
Also, there's the "Friendship Bracelet" variation. In 1976, Cipullo and Revson teamed up again for a slightly different design called the Friendship Bracelet. It’s similar but usually has a different clasp mechanism. The 1970 Love version remains the "holy grail" for Revson collectors.
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Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
I’m going to be real with you—these aren't for everyone. If you’re looking for an investment that holds the value of raw gold, this isn't it. You’re paying for the brand history and the vintage aesthetic.
The Good:
- You get the exact Cipullo proportions.
- It's an incredible conversation piece for jewelry nerds.
- It's a "legal" way to wear the Love design for a fraction of the cost.
The Bad:
- It can tarnish. You can't just wear it in the shower or the pool like you can with solid 18k gold.
- The screws are notoriously easy to lose. Once that tiny screw falls out in the grass, good luck finding a replacement that fits perfectly.
- Resale depends entirely on the "fever" of the vintage market.
Maintenance and Care
If you manage to find a charles revson love bracelet in good condition, don't treat it like a regular bangle. The plating is 50+ years old.
Avoid polishing cloths that have "grit" or chemicals; they will rub the gold right off. A soft microfiber cloth and a gentle touch are all you need. If the screw is tight, don't force it with a heavy-duty screwdriver from your garage. You'll strip the head, and the value will tank instantly. Use the tiny tool it came with, or find a precision jeweler’s driver.
Where to hunt for one
Check the "Sold" listings on eBay and Poshmark to see what people are actually paying. Don't just look at the asking prices, because some sellers think they have a solid gold Cartier and list them for $5,000. They’re dreaming. Look for the $600 to $900 range for a piece with some light wear.
What to Do Next
If you're ready to add a charles revson love bracelet to your collection, your first step is to verify the size. These were produced in specific sizes (Small, Medium, Large), and because they are hinged and oval, the fit is "hit or miss" if you have a larger wrist.
- Measure your wrist tightly with a soft tape measure.
- Ask the seller for the "inside diameter" across the widest part of the oval.
- Check for "pitting." Look at high-resolution photos of the screw holes. If the metal looks bubbly or green, the plating is failing, and it might not be worth the premium price.
This isn't just a piece of jewelry; it’s a weird, wonderful relic from a time when the boundaries between "mass market" and "ultra-luxury" were joyfully blurred. It’s the ultimate "if you know, you know" accessory.