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Juste un Clou Bracelet
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92 / 100
ProductScore
Materials: 18K yellow gold
View on Cartier →The Verdict
Cartier's Juste un Clou is the edgier sibling of the Love bracelet — a nail bent into a luxury bracelet, executed in solid 18K gold with impeccable Cartier craftsmanship. It delivers the same investment-grade quality and brand cachet as the Love but with a more rebellious, contemporary spirit that appeals to those who want luxury with attitude.
Score Breakdown
What Customers Say
Based on 6,820 mentions across social media and review platforms
Widely discussed as the cooler, more contemporary alternative to the Love bracelet. Social media users praise its bold design and versatility for stacking. The nail motif generates strong reactions — most love the irony of an expensive nail, while some find the concept too literal.
"The Juste un Clou is everything I wanted in a luxury bracelet — bold, modern, and unmistakably Cartier without being the Love bracelet everyone else has. The weight of the gold is impressive and it stacks beautifully."
Reddit r/jewelry
"I stack my Juste un Clou with my Love bracelet and it's the perfect combination of classic and edgy. The nail head and tip are beautifully finished — you can feel the Cartier quality in every detail."
Trustpilot
"A $4,000 nail bracelet. I understand the irony is the point, but it still feels like Cartier is testing how much they can charge for a concept. The gold quality is undeniable though."
Reddit r/FinancialAdvice
"Very comfortable for daily wear and the hinged closure is much easier than the Love's screwdriver. Great alternative if you want Cartier gold without the commitment symbolism. Design is polarizing but I think that's the point."
Google Reviews
"Got the small model with diamonds and I'm obsessed. It's delicate enough for everyday but the diamond detail makes it special. Cartier's take on punk luxury is genius."
Instagram comment
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- + Bold, instantly recognizable design with strong fashion credibility
- + Solid 18K gold with excellent Cartier craftsmanship
- + Hinged closure is more practical than the Love's screwdriver
- + Strong resale value comparable to other Cartier icons
- + Available in multiple sizes including a slimmer small model
Trade-offs
- − Nail motif may feel too literal or gimmicky for some tastes
- − Pointed tip can occasionally catch on delicate fabrics
- − Significant brand premium over intrinsic gold value
- − Less universally recognized than the Love bracelet
Specifications
| Metal | 18K yellow gold |
| Width | 3.5mm (small model available at 2.5mm) |
| Weight | Approximately 32 grams (regular, size 17) |
| Closure | Hinged with click mechanism |
| Design Feature | Nail head and pointed tip terminals |
| Hallmarks | Cartier, 750, serial number |
| Size Range | 15-21 |
| Packaging | Red Cartier box with certificate of authenticity |
Alternatives to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Juste un Clou bracelet comfortable for everyday wear?
Should I get the Love or Juste un Clou?
Does the Juste un Clou hold its value like the Love bracelet?
Full Review
Design and Concept
The Juste un Clou — French for “just a nail” — is Cartier’s masterclass in ironic luxury. Originally designed by Aldo Cipullo in 1971 (two years after his Love bracelet), the Juste un Clou takes one of the most mundane objects imaginable and renders it in solid 18K gold with the precision and polish of haute joaillerie. The bent nail wraps around the wrist with the head on one side and the pointed tip on the other, creating a visual tension between the industrial and the precious. It is irreverent, confident, and unmistakably Cartier — a piece that says its wearer does not take luxury too seriously while simultaneously demonstrating they can afford to.
Quality and Wearability
The execution of the Juste un Clou matches its ambition. The 18K gold is expertly finished with sharp edges where the nail’s form demands them and polished curves where it contacts the skin. The hinged closure mechanism is a significant practical improvement over the Love bracelet’s screwdriver system, making it easy to put on and remove without assistance. The weight is substantial — approximately 32 grams for a regular size 17 — providing the satisfying heft that confirms genuine luxury gold work. Cartier’s hallmarks and serial number are discreetly placed on the interior surface.
Styling and Versatility
The Juste un Clou has become a stacking favorite, frequently paired with the Love bracelet or other luxury bangles. Its more angular profile creates interesting visual contrast against rounder bracelets, and the nail motif reads as fashion-forward enough to complement contemporary wardrobes while remaining sophisticated enough for formal settings. The design’s genius is its ability to make a strong statement while remaining surprisingly versatile.
Investment Considerations
At $3,950, the Juste un Clou offers a somewhat more accessible entry into Cartier’s gold bracelet universe compared to the Love’s $6,900. Resale performance is strong at 80-90% of current retail, and Cartier’s reliable price increases add an element of value protection over time. For those building a Cartier collection, the Juste un Clou is an excellent first or second piece that holds its own against the maison’s most celebrated designs.
