Buying a Cartier Love bracelet in Japan raises three questions: where to buy it, what it costs today, and, for a pre-owned piece, how to be confident in what you are getting. This guide takes them in turn.
A note on prices: we publish price figures only when we have confirmed them on the brand’s Japanese site on the day of review. We were not able to load Cartier Japan’s product pages when preparing this guide on 2 October 2026, so no yen figures appear here. The section below shows how to check the price yourself.
The bracelet in brief
The Love bracelet was designed for Cartier by Aldo Cipullo in 1969. It is a rigid oval bangle in two halves, fastened with screws and supplied with a small screwdriver. The main choices are:
- Model: the classic width, or the slimmer small model.
- Metal: yellow, rose or white gold.
- Stones: plain, or set with diamonds in four, ten or full-pave versions.
- Size: numbered by inner circumference in centimetres.
Each combination has its own reference and price.
Where to buy in Tokyo
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cartier boutique, Ginza | The main Tokyo boutique, on Ginza’s central avenue. |
| Cartier, Azabudai Hills | Garden Plaza C, first floor. A quieter setting. |
| Department store boutiques | In the major stores in Ginza, Shinjuku and Nihonbashi. |
| Haneda Airport Terminal 3 | After security; the airport lists hours of 07:30 to 22:00. |
Sizing matters with a rigid bracelet, so buy in person where you can try several sizes. The airport store is suitable only if you already know your size and reference.
How to check today’s Japanese price
- Open Cartier’s Japanese website and find the exact model, metal and size.
- Note the reference number.
- Read the yen price. Japanese consumer prices are normally shown including 10 percent tax; divide by 1.1 for the pre-tax figure.
- Look up the same reference on your home country’s site.
Then apply the full comparison in Is Luxury Cheaper in Japan?, including card fees and duty at home. Cartier revises prices periodically, so a figure from an old article or forum post should not be relied on.
Getting the size right
- The bracelet should move a little on the wrist without sliding over the hand.
- Try the size above and below the one that seems right.
- Wrists change through the day and with temperature. If in doubt, try again later.
- A rigid gold bracelet cannot simply be resized. Choose carefully, especially when buying pre-owned.
Buying pre-owned in Tokyo
The Love bracelet is one of the most frequently seen jewellery pieces in Tokyo’s resale stores, which makes comparison easy. It is also widely counterfeited. Check:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Engravings | Brand signature, metal hallmark, size and serial number inside the band, cleanly and evenly cut |
| Screws | Both present, turning smoothly, slots not chewed. Ask whether the screwdriver is included |
| Fit of the two halves | They should close flush with no gap or twist |
| Surface | Scratches are normal; heavy polishing rounds the edges and softens the screw motifs |
| Weight | Solid gold has a distinct heft. A dealer can weigh it for you |
| Papers | Certificate and box add confidence and resale appeal, but do not prove authenticity alone |
Ask the seller for its written authenticity guarantee and the remedy if the piece is later disputed. A serial number is not proof by itself.
New or pre-owned?
- New gives you the exact size, the current specification, Cartier’s service and a dated certificate.
- Pre-owned costs less and is available immediately, but you take what size and condition is on offer.
For how to compare resale stores, see Best Pre-Owned Luxury Stores in Tokyo.
Tax-free and customs
Bring your passport for tax-free shopping. From 1 November 2026 you pay the full price and reclaim the tax after customs confirmation at departure; for an item priced at ¥1,000,000 or more before tax, the store must record identifying details such as the serial number. See our tax-free guide. Jewellery is also subject to your home country’s import rules; wearing it through customs does not change what must be declared.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Cartier boutique check a pre-owned bracelet for me?
Do not assume so. Brands may accept a piece for service, but they do not generally offer authentication of second-hand purchases as a public service.
Does the screw system mean it cannot be taken off?
It can be removed with the screwdriver. Some newer versions use a hinged closure; ask which mechanism the piece has.
For other houses, see Luxury Brands in Japan.
Sources: Mori Building, Azabudai Hills tenant announcement; Haneda Airport shop listings; Cartier, Love bracelets. Last reviewed: 2 October 2026. TokyoLuxuryHub.com is an independent publication; this guide cannot authenticate an individual item.
