Cartier Gold Myths
Fact: When Cartier first established themselves as jewelry makers, much of their pieces were gold-plated. But today, Cartier jewelry, including LOVE bracelets, is 18k (or platinum). So, no, not pure gold. 18k means the piece comprises 75% gold and 25% mixed alloys.
No, a Cartier ring is not usually solid gold. Typically, the French luxury jewelry maker uses 18-karat gold to craft jewelry. An 18-karat gold ring is 75 percent gold and 25 percent metal alloy. Shop a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
No, Cartier is known for only using 18k gold in their products, as well as platinum. Their attention to quality in materials and workmanship have contributed to their reputation for luxury.
Cartier rose gold doesn't tarnish but over many years of wearing, rose gold generally is said to become darker. Rose gold allegedly becomes slightly yellower in tone, toward a traditional gold.
For one, the Cartier Love ring is made up of 18k gold, which means it can scratch more easily than 14k gold. 18k gold is softer due to the percentage of pure gold. Yes, like all jewelry this is true, the Cartier Love Ring does scratch.
They are made exclusively in 18 carat yellow, white, or rose gold and 950 platinum, some with precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires. If you see an apparent Cartier LOVE bangle in silver, steel, or any different material other than those listed, it is a fake.
Every Cartier Love bracelet is stamped with a “hallmark” that indicates the metal quality. Love Bracelets made out of 18K gold are stamped with 18K, 750 or sometimes both numbers. Platinum Love Bracelets, meanwhile, are marked with the numerals 950.
They are certainly worth the investment due to the models' collectability, craftsmanship and rich heritage, holding value with some rising versus retail over time, notably the Cartier Tank and Santos gold models.
As one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world, Cartier only uses top-notch materials in their products. Love bracelets are exclusively made in 18k yellow, white, or pink gold, as well as 950 platinum.
Today, Cartier is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and elegant designs and is considered one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world.
Cartier products are made of high-quality precious metals like 18k gold and platinum. The valuable precious metals used in Cartier products are timeless and gain more value over time, significantly driving up the prices of Cartier products.
“Large metal bracelets and necklaces will set off the metal detector,” Pruitt says. “The biggest problem item is the Cartier Love bracelet. These bracelets can only be removed with a screwdriver, so they become an issue when going through security.
Scratch Test
If the metal doesn't change throughout the cut, the jewelry is more than likely solid gold. Gold plated jewelry will typically have a line of demarcation in the scratched area where the gold plating ends, and the base metal begins.
One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce.
A genuine Cartier timepiece has the serial number engraved and not just etched on the case back. The serial number is 8 characters long and consists of 6 numbers and 2 letters. Modern Cartier timepieces also come with a 4-digit case reference number.
Although those first bracelets were made of gold-plated silver (and only cost about $250), Cartier soon switched to solid 18K gold. Designed to withstand constant wear, classic Cartier Love Bracelets are sturdy pieces that weigh between 30 and 38 grams—enough to set off oversensitive metal detectors.
Cartier bracelets do scratch and they scratch very easily. Looking at a pre-owned piece, it's impossible to tell how many times the piece has been polished. If it's been polished too many times, it will thin out your bracelet and that's not what you want.
According to their website, many of Cartier's frames are made with “noble materials such as wood and horn” or precious metals, such as platinum, gold and titanium, though some of their less expensive glasses feature acetate frames.
Historically, Cartier watches tend to hold their value long-term. However, several factors determine exactly how well timepieces from the legendary Maison hold their value or even appreciate, including demand, materials used, and current fashion trends.
The short answer is Yes, Cartier is cheaper in Europe!! The Cartier Love Bracelet is cheaper in Europe by $267!! Meaning, if you travel to Paris and you buy the same Cartier bracelet you would buy in the USA you'll save $267! Cartier isn't a brand I'd recommend booking a flight to Europe just for a Cartier bracelet.
Initially, the Love bracelets were plated in gold, whereas current styles are made from luxury materials, namely 18-karat gold (available in yellow, white and pink) or 950 platinum.
It sounds obvious, but you should avoid wearing your bracelet anywhere it may get wet or scratched, such as at the beach, the pool or while you're playing sport. It's also wise to avoid wearing it in intense heat, as well as close to sources of radioactivity, like an X-ray.
You could definitely wear the Cartier Love ring every day. It does get some little scratches from wear and tear, but it still looks great and it does wear well over time. Cartier also offers complimentary cleaning with jewellery purchases from the Cartier boutiques.