Cartier's Latest Launch - The New Juste Un Clou Necklace

Written by @diamondsindubai

Cartier has just launched its latest variation of the iconic Juste Un Clou necklace! This new collection will have a diamond option and a non-diamond option.

Non-diamond option ($12,500 USD), available in rose gold only. @diamondsindubai

Diamond option ($15,200 USD), available in yellow gold only. @diamondsindubai

The History of the Juste Un Clou, a Cartier Icon

A cult favorite, the Juste Un Clou bracelet was designed in 1971 in New York City by Aldo Cipullo, who also designed the infamous Love bracelet. Cipullo, who was known for being fond of everyday objects such as bolts, nuts, and screws, was inspired by the humble nail when creating this collection.

Photo credit: @Cartier

In 2012, Cartier relaunched the Juste Un Clou design by Cipullo in New York City to commemorate Cartier’s 165^th anniversary at its flagship store on Fifth Avenue. As a nod to Cipullo, Cartier’s anniversary was set against a backdrop of New York City in the 1970’s. Cartier made the evening even more spectacular by releasing an entire collection based off the original Juste Un Clou bracelet. This was when Cartier first exhibited the “original” Juste Un Clou necklace!

Photo credit: @Cartier

Modern, edgy, and provocative, the Juste Un Clou has become a widely recognizable piece thanks to Cipullo’s inspiration from hardware stores, where he spent most of his time. This collection has rightfully transcended through time given its versatility and wearability. While the Juste Un Clou translates to “just a nail”, it will always mean more than that to jewelry fanatics. It’s a personal favorite and a must have if you ask me!

Photo credit: Cartier

The Original Juste Un Clou Necklace

Back in 2012, when Cartier first launched the Juste Un Clou necklace, this “original” design was much thicker and had more diamonds. The initial design included 162 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 3.17 carats, and its width is 6 mm. The original Clou necklace is retailing at $103,000 USD.

The original Juste Un Clou retails at $103,000 USD. @1stdibs

The original Juste Un Clou necklace comes in yellow gold & rose gold. @diamondsindubai

The Second Variation of the Juste Un Clou Necklace

A few years later, Cartier created another variation of the Juste Un Clou necklace. This new variation was meant to be more affordable and easier to wear during the day. It is slightly thinner than the first design and comes with two options: diamonds and no diamonds. The diamond option consists of 65 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.67 carats, and its width is 4.5mm.

Non-diamond option ($30,100 USD), available in yellow gold only. @1stdibs

Diamond option ($38,300 USD), available in rose gold only. Image Credit: Cartier

Cartier's Latest Variation of the Juste Un Clou Necklace

And now… In 2021, Cartier just launched another variation of the Juste Un Clou necklace! This new variation is meant to be even more budget friendly and easier to wear as an everyday piece! It’s much thinner when compared to the previous two Juste Un Clou necklaces. This new variation is set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.20 carats. Cartier has not officially disclosed the new width of this necklace, but we speculate the new width to be around ~3.5mm. This new diamond design is currently retailing at $15,200 USD.

Diamond option ($15,200 USD) @kingofjewelers

Size comparison of original ($103,000USD) & new version ($15,200USD) @diamondsindubai

After trying on three variations, I found the “original” Juste Un Clou necklace, I found the “original” design to be much heavier and a little uncomfortable to wear. However, I think between all three sizes, the second variation of the Juste Un Clou necklace is my favorite. It’s large enough to be recognizable and is more comfortable than the “original” design.