How the nail became a jewelry sensation thanks to Cartier: quite a story!
A nail as inspiration for jewelry design? Most people from another planet wouldn't be blamed for thinking it a far-fetched idea. But for us Earthlings familiar with Cartier's Juste un Clou jewelry , we know the truth. Undeniably, fashion can take unexpected turns. The Juste un Clou bracelets are a perfect example.
History of jewelry Just a Nail
In 1971, Roman jeweler Aldo Cipullo , then living in New York, conceived a nail-shaped bracelet. Created in the United States, this product was named the Nail bracelet . At the time, it didn't achieve extraordinary success. In fact, this piece of jewelry lived in the shadow of another of his creations: the mega-popular Love bracelet by Cartier , launched in 1969.
Cipullo was a well-known figure in New York nightlife . He could regularly be seen dancing the night away in the Big Apple alongside Andy Warhol or Liza Minnelli. Initially employed by Tiffany and other houses, Aldo Cipullo joined Cartier in the 1960s to enjoy greater creative freedom. For the French fashion house, this signing proved to be a masterstroke.
Juste un Clou jewelry rose from the ashes in 2012
Until about ten years ago, the pieces in Cartier's Juste un Clou collection were primarily vintage jewelry. But to mark Cartier's 165th anniversary, the French house decided to release a new collection. That was in 2012. The launch of these 21st-century Juste un Clou jewels coincided with an exhibition dedicated to the work of Cipullo and New York fashion of the 1970s.
For these new nail-inspired jewelry pieces, Cartier remains true to Cipullo's vision while also innovating. The Juste un Clou bracelets and rings are now available in yellow, rose, and white gold . Some designs can also be set with diamonds , either on the sides of the nail head or in the notches at the tip.
Cartier's Juste un Clou earrings and necklaces made their debut in 2017.
The second iteration of the collection was more successful than the original. So much so that in 2017, Cartier further developed the concept by offering earrings and necklaces inspired by this hardware item. Almost 50 years later, Juste un Clou jewelry has reached the same level of popularity as the Love collection, a testament to Cipullo's pioneering role.
Aldo Cipullo, a designer ahead of his time
Cipullo may not be as famous as fashion's most illustrious surrealist, Elsa Schiaparelli. But in terms of timelessness, he has nothing to envy her for, quite the contrary. How was he able to anticipate the fashion trends of the 1970s by several decades? Probably because he was able to combine surrealism and minimalism . Just a nail could have been created in the 18th century, yesterday, or 100 years from now: it is the quintessential timeless piece of jewelry . In this respect, Cipullo's work is reminiscent of that of Meret Oppenheimer.
