Markle rarely takes off her Tank watch–the same timepiece worn by Princess Diana–or her Love bracelet–the ultimate status symbol for a certain kind of aspirational woman–but her Juste Un Clou choker is a more recent addition to her jewelry box that’s saved for certain occasions, such as the Invictus Games. Emulating the look of a nail wrapped around the skin, the Juste Un Clou collection started life as simply “the nail bracelet” in 1971, and demonstrated the jeweler’s dexterity at transforming a simple household object into a precious treasure.
Channelling the rebellious spirit of the decade was remarkable at the time for Cartier designer Aldo Cipullo, who rebuked traditional jewelry processes by stripping things back and practicing a minimalism not yet popularized. The bracelet enjoyed a new surge in popularity in the 2000s, when it was renamed “Juste un Clou” (which translates as “just a nail”) in honor of its punk undertones, and joined by necklaces, rings and brooches. Today, Markle’s choker (hers is the small yellow gold version set with 57 diamonds totalling 0.20 carats) retails for upwards of $16,200, which when coupled with her Tank and Love pieces is not an insignificant sum–particularly on a state visit when every personal effect is scrutinized for its deeper significance.
Eric Charbonneau