by George Cramer

In Aldo Cipullo Hits The Nail On The Head: From Cult Designer To Cartier’s Cash Cow we described at length the various pieces of jewelry Cipullo had created for Cartier – including the latest re-issue for men, the Juste un Clou cufflinks.

If there is one item missing from that article, though, it was the then just-announced necklace christened the Torque. However, at the time of writing there was so little information if and when the Torque would be launched that I thought it would be better to come back to the topic when the piece reaches retail.

And that time is now!

A Cartier Juste un Clou Torque necklace in its natural habitat

In April 2017, Cartier presented the new Juste un Clou Torque (and Écrou de Cartier) collections in a themed design exhibition called “When the Ordinary Becomes Precious” at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. The the Salone del Mobile is a popup installation designed by Desi Santiago at the Garage Sanremo, a landmark on Via Delle Fosse Ardeatine in the heart of historical Milan. It explored the theme of appropriating everyday hardware elements as jewelry.

Cartier’s Juste un Clou bracelets look equally good on men and women; these larger ones were introduced together with the Torque necklace

The Juste un Clou Torque is the new highlight in Cartier’s eye-catching collection of hardware-inspired jewelry, where a simple nail plays the starring role. The Juste un Clou bracelet has been a great success since its re-launch in 2012, finding its way to both men and women who favor extraordinary objects.

The Cartier Torque goes a step further. Although the design is almost the same as that of the bracelet, it is the way in which it is worn and the fact that it is a large nail enveloping the neck that gives this necklace so much impact.

New, larger Cartier Juste un Clou bracelets

As simple as it is, this is one of those pieces of jewelry that expresses sincere chic, making it a powerful statement of bold attitude.

It is also the one high-priced piece of jewelry that doesn’t scream, “I am expensive.”

And that’s exactly why this necklace is so great: it wearable for any occasion as it’s never over- or underdressed.

Personally, I see the Torque not only as a perfect companion to that silk blouse and those Calvin Klein jeans you bought in Bangkok, it’s also a great match for the Dior Tule dress you wore to Vincenzo’s wedding.

Cartier Juste un Clou Torque set with pavé diamonds

The Torque is a necklace that fits you and your hectic lifestyle, a piece of jewelry that’s always with you wherever you go.

Now let’s pause for a minute to think about affordability since the Torque has its price, one with reasons and advantages.

These necklaces are handmade and produced in very small runs. With the investment comes exclusivity. The chance that you will encounter a second one at the opening of the Jeff Koons exposition at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills (April 27 – June 10, 2017) is nearly zero.

Cartier’s Juste un Clou Torque necklace

The Torque necklace comes in two sizes and is available in yellow, white, or pink gold It is available at select Cartier boutiques.

Make sure to call ahead for a viewing since this is one of those pieces that needs to be seen on the neck to fully appreciate its beauty.

For more information, please visit www.en.cartier.com/collections/jewelry/collections/juste-un-clou/necklaces/juste-un-clou-necklace.

Quick Facts Cartier Juste Un Clou Torque
Size: 33.5 cm in diameter (small size)
Materials: yellow gold, pink gold, white gold; paved with 162 brilliant-cut diamonds (3.17 ct), or with head and point only paved with diamonds
Price: $30,800 (yellow gold small size without diamonds)

You may also enjoy Aldo Cipullo Hits The Nail On The Head: From Cult Designer To Cartier’s Cash Cow.