A nail transformed into a piece of jewellery at Cartier
In the 1970s, Cartier New York turned a simple hardware nail into a jewellery bracelet, curved around the wrist, with the head on one side and the tip on the other. The House reissued this design in 2012 under the name Juste un Clou. This pre-owned bracelet is the classic model, reference B6048117, crafted in 18-carat rose gold. At 3.5 mm wide, it sits in the middle of the range, more prominent than the small model and more discreet than the large one. The copper content of the alloy gives the rose gold its warm hue.
Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship
The oval bangle faithfully reproduces every part of the nail. The flat, circular head sits perpendicular to the shank. Just behind it, five regular grooves represent the notches of a forged nail. At the other end, the tip tapers into faceted bevels and sits along the shank, close to the head, without closing the circle. A discreet hinge, integrated into the rounded profile, allows the bracelet to be opened. The clasp remains invisible once the piece is worn, as the grooved end terminates in a tenon that slots into the recess on the reverse of the head. The mirror-polished rose gold reflects light in a continuous line from the heel to the tip.
Why choose this pre-owned bracelet
The Juste un Clou requires precise craftsmanship, from the smooth curve of the band to the facets of the tip, right through to the fitting of the clasp concealed within the head. Choosing this second-hand model gives you access to the Maison’s original creation, signed and hallmarked, in the proportions of the classic model. Its 3.5 mm width can be worn on its own, alongside a Love bracelet or a watch, without weighing down the wrist.
Contents and condition
The inside of the bangle bears the 750 hallmark, size 17, the master’s mark and the individual piece number, whilst the tip is engraved with the Cartier signature. The bracelet has been polished and inspected by our master jeweller, who has restored a uniform shine to the head, the band and the clasp. It is supplied in its original Cartier case, with its presentation cushion.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this bracelet, which is covered by a 12-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Refurbished – The piece has been polished and inspected by our master jeweller, who has restored it to its original lustre.
