A Plus Size Person's Guide to Buying a Cartier Love Bracelet

Cartier’s Love Bracelet - you know the one, it’s the gold bangle that gets screwed on your wrist - has been an iconic part of their collection since the 70s. According to legend, when it launched they would only sell it to couples who came in the boutique together. But times have changed (thankfully) and now, if you’ve got the dough, you can get the bracelet. But what if you have big wrists like me?

I’ve been wearing my Love bracelet for seven years, and have, literally, never taken it off. Though I’m not particularly a sentimental person, it’s what my husband used to propose to me, and I don’t want to take it off if I don’t have to.

Below is what I’ve learned shopping for, and wearing, the bracelet for so long:

• It is sold in centimeters. I wear a size 21, which is the largest size Cartier stocks (though I think they are stocked in small quantities - mine had to be retrieved from an off-site “vault” here in NYC). I have a very large wrist, and this size fits me well (I don’t like things to be too tight). Though Cartier has a sizing guide on their site, try going into a store to get fitted if you can. The sales associates are very helpful and non-judgmental and will work to get you the best size. They probably sell dozens of these things a day, so they know what they’re talking about.

• Size 21 too small for you? It’s ok. Cartier can custom-make your size for additional 30% fee (and undoubtedly a bit of a wait). No, it’s not cheap. But it is custom-made Cartier, so there’s that.

• My hands swell, especially in the summer. I made sure to get sized for my bracelet after a day of waddling around the Upper East Side so that I would be sure it would fit comfortably in all seasons.

My husband was PISSED when he found out the screwdriver isn’t solid gold, lol

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cartier Love bracelet:

1. Is it annoying to wear?

   I truly, cross-my-heart, don’t even feel it. Maybe I noticed it the first couple of days I wore it? Maybe.

2. Does it set off metal detectors at the airport?

   Yes, it DOES set off the traditional metal detectors at the airport. I have seen other people say that if you stick your fingers between the bracelet and your wrist as you walk through it won’t beep, but that trick hasn’t ever worked for me. Airport staff are familiar with this bracelet, and if you tell them it doesn’t come off they understand and you’ll get an extra pat down. You can avoid this by going into one of those booth-style scanners instead of the old fashioned ones.

3. Does it scratch?

   Yes. But I don’t mind. I like things that look like they’re loved and have a history. You can get the bracelet polished if you want, but I don’t want to do that because A. You have to take it off to get it polished and B. It actually removes a layer of gold each time you polish it.

4. Does it scratch your other jewelry?

   Yes. I wear it on my left wrist, where I also wear my watch. I haven’t noticed any scratches on my Cartier Tank Solo but I have noticed scratches on the side of my Rolex Datejust where it butts up against the bracelet. It doesn’t bother me, but it might bother you. I’m just reporting the facts.

5. Is it worth the money?

   Only you can answer that question. But you can save some money if you buy one pre-owned. Fashionphile usually has a nice selection.

I know high-end stores can be anxiety-inducing, but don’t be scared or embarrassed to ask to try on a bracelet if you’re a plus-size person. I’ve found the staff at Cartier lovely at every store I’ve ever been to (except for at the shop-in-shop at Saks here in NYC, but that is now gone anyway. I must not have been the only person to feel the service there was lackluster!).