Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet Small vs. Regular Size [Side-by-Side Comparison]

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on My First Luxury. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Very few jewelry names stand out, but one such brand that has managed to remain popular through the years is the Cartier name. A known designer of luxury watches and fine jewelry, Cartier is best known for its Love bracelet. Its popularity has resulted in the creation of several variations of this classic design as well as the birth of newer styles. A prime example is the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet.

The Genius That Is Aldo Cipullo

Created by Aldo Cipullo when he joined the New York design department of Cartier, this equally iconic bangle isn’t just an accouterment for the bougie celebs and influencers. This younger sibling of the Love bracelet, Juste un Clou was an homage to the designer’s interest in the aesthetic of nuts, bolts, and screws.

Formerly known as the nail bracelet, the design played around with making the mundane and otherwise utilitarian object into a stylish and wearable statement piece.  More than just pricey arm candy, the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet is an eye-catching morsel of artistry appreciated by many.

Founded in Paris, France, in 1847 this nearly 200-year-old brand with a diverse selection of watches and jewelry. Without a doubt, it is Aldo’s now quintessential masterpieces that have cemented the Cartier name in the minds of fashion and jewelry lovers everywhere.

Like the Love bangle before it, the Juste un Clou was initially introduced in the 70s. Back then it came only in the regular size. It was during the 165th anniversary of Cartier in 2012 when a more extensive collection of the Juste un Clou was introduced. The new collection not only included variations of the nail bangle, but there are also rings, necklaces, and earrings that greeted eager fans.

If like us, the Juste un Clou has caught your fancy, here are some important points to consider which can hopefully help you pick out the right size or convince you to get both!

A Look Into The Juste Un Clou Bracelet Sizes

Modern Cartier Juste un Clou bracelets come in rose gold, white gold, and classic yellow gold. Some added bling in the form of pavé diamonds can also be seen on the head of the nail and on the point. But if that’s not enough rock candy for you, there’s always the full-pavé Juste un Clou, covered entirely in diamonds.

Speaking from an entry-level standpoint, however, we shall be dissecting the rose gold Juste un Clou Cartier bracelet in small and regular size.

At first glance, it does not appear that there is much difference between the small size and the regular, a closer inspection on the other hand tells a different story. For starters, the small Cartier nail bangle in rose gold has a slimmer band with a width measuring only 2.5mm. It carries the same provocative craftsmanship seen in the original Juste un Clou design.

Weighing at only 10 grams, the small version of this bracelet does not have any mechanism whatsoever. In its place, this lighter variation’s band is created to wrap around your wrist almost like a slinky toy or the posh sibling of the spiral bracelet popular in the 80s.

Because a lot of people find themselves wondering how to get the bracelet on and off, Cartier has made it their job to include short video demonstrations on their website. Though many find the bracelet in small a bit tricky to put on, in reality, it simply takes some getting used to.

Now, onto the regular size nail bangle by Cartier. The regular size we have is also in 18k rose gold. The band, when laid side by side or stacked with the small size, is noticeably chunkier at 3.5mm.

Similar to the small bracelet size of the Juste un Clou, the regular size has the Cartier hallmark, serial number, size, and the gold hallmark engraved onto the inner portion of the bracelet.

Upon weighing, it’s also easy to see that OG Juste un Clou regular size bracelet comes at a whopping 31 grams. Easily three times the weight of the smaller counterpart. The Aldo design was also retained when it comes to the closure. This is perhaps the most notable difference between the two. The regular size of the Juste un Clou curves just as nicely on the wrist with the head of the nail hiding the locking mechanism.

A hinge ensures that the bracelet opens and closes the bangle with ease. Of course, this does not come without some drawbacks, but we’ll get to that later. Cartier has also provided jewelry owners and random site visitors with a video illustrating how to properly release the clasp and how to lock it.

Nailed It!

Priced at $6,800 USD, the Cartier Juste un Clou bangle in regular size can be a bit of an investment. This is why many tend to gravitate towards the smaller version which retails at $3,050 – half the price tag of the larger style.

Unlike its big sister, the small Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet comes in only rose gold and yellow gold options. While the big version includes a white gold bangle, diamond-encrusted style, and even a design with the band wrapping around your wrist multiple times. It goes without saying however that these fancier pieces come with a heftier price tag. In fact, you can pay up to $82,000 USD for one of these bejeweled beauties.

Because of its dainty look though, the small Cartier nail bangle appeals to women, whereas the regular robust band interests both men and women jewelry enthusiasts.

Regardless of the size, it is not advisable to be taking this Cartier bracelet on and off repetitively. The hinge as well as the clasps can experience wear over time. The same can be said with the small size that could easily lose its “spring-like” characteristic when removed too frequently. In order to keep the Cartier Juste un Clou small or regular size in tip-top condition, it would be best to leave it on your wrist. After all, it is not just a nail (no matter what the name says), rather, it is wearable art for you to enjoy.

Now that we’ve broken it down, the choice is entirely up to you. We’ve merely given you insights so that you know which one to get for yourself or to gift to that special person.

MENTIONED VIDEOS:

   Cartier LOVE Bracelet Small vs. Regualr Size: Watch The Video

   REAL vs. FAKE CARTIER LOVE Bracelet In-Depth Comparison: Watch The Video

   Ultimate Cartier Bracelets Guide & In-Depth Review: Watch The Video

   What Went Wrong With My Juste Un Clou Bracelet? Watch The Video

My Current Everyday Jewelry Stack:

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Bracelet

   ➤   Cartier Juste Un Clou Bracelet

   ➤   VanCleef&Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace

   ➤   Cartier LOVE Ring