18k yellow gold (customs marks), signed Cartier, Aldo Cipullo, circa 1970

Size/Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 cm
Gross weight: 27.4 grams

Aldo Cipullo (1935–1984) was an Italian-American jewelry designer renowned for his modern and bold creations. Trained from a young age in his family's workshop in Italy, he later perfected his craft in Florence before moving to New York in the 1960s. He worked for prestigious houses such as David Webb and Tiffany & Co. before joining Cartier in 1969.

At Cartier, Cipullo made history by creating two of the maison’s most iconic pieces: the Love bracelet (1969) — a symbol of enduring love that locks with a special screwdriver — and the Juste un Clou collection (1971), where he transformed an ordinary nail into a chic and subversive piece of jewelry. His innovative approach, blending contemporary symbols with industrial forms, revolutionized the traditional codes of luxury jewelry.

In 1974, Cipullo founded his own workshop, Aldo Cipullo Ltd., continuing to explore modern themes with creations inspired by currency, tools, and popular iconography. Although he passed away young, at the age of 48, his style remains a major reference in the history of contemporary jewelry.