Cartier Solitaire Rings
In the 19th century, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their rings as brilliantly as possible, initially sourcing platinum specifically from Russian mines and matching the durable metal with an equally robust precious stone. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904), pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds in Cartier solitaire rings, panthère rings, engagement rings and other exquisite rings offered by the brand.
While platinum had been a part of jewelry making before, it hadn’t been used in the way that Cartier intended. The house's shimmering rings, such as the timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring, gave the impression of delicate lace when they debuted. Platinum was the metal of choice in Cartier engagement rings and other rings because it was strong enough to handle complex mountings and its hue made the diamonds look exceptionally white, which made the onyx, enamel and colored-gem elements pop.
The house’s offerings were wholly distinct, standing out from the era’s old-fashioned gold or silver pieces and emblematic of what would come to be called the “Cartier style.”
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904.
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
Cartier helped define Art Deco, and a few iconic palettes were expressed in gem-set rings and other jewelry and objects in the Art Deco era, most notably in geometric formations. Green/black/white and coral/black/white are as classic Art Deco as it gets, and Cartier had plenty of these two combinations on view at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Cartier designers heightened the impact of these color stories by working in swaths of bright white diamonds that, through innovations in diamond cutting, could now be faceted into carré cuts, baguettes and other elegantly chiseled linear shapes.
Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years. Cartier Tutti Frutti rings — marked by a lush profusion of carved ruby and sapphire berries and blossoms amid emerald leaves offset by bright white diamonds — reflect an absolutely singular vision of how to pair colors and textures in a design as opulent as it is optimistic. Elsewhere, there was the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry. The Cartier Love ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking cuff before it.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces. For its extraordinary range of rings, watches and other adornments, Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier solitaire rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Late 20th Century French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s American Retro Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1970s French Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Gold
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s European Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Italian Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique and Vintage Solitaire Rings for Sale on 1stDibs
Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a solitaire ring makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Solitaire rings have a single stone setting and a minimalistic band in which pressure, bezel or prongs hold the stone in place. They have a long history in jewelry, such as an example discovered in Israel with a single amethyst that could be as old as the third century A.D.
Simple gold rings with single diamonds were prized possessions in Ancient Rome. However, it was not until the 1940s that engagement rings with a solitaire diamond setting became widely popular. After the turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in diamond prices, De Beers saw an opportunity. The diamond magnate teamed up with the ad agency N.W. Ayer for the “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign. It was a sensation and cemented the diamond solitaire as the leading engagement ring. (Statistics show that diamonds are the most common gemstones for engagement rings, preferred by 87 percent of people.)
Today, the design of solitaire rings takes many forms, and those created by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and other internationally celebrated jewelry houses are particularly sought-after accessories. Though the single stone setting remains the same, bands have become more detailed, with some containing other stones or even multiple diamonds. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other art movements have influenced the design of solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.
Browse 1stDibs for a unique selection of vintage solitaire rings to accent any fashion choice.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier does custom engagement rings through their Set for You program. To take advantage of this service, visit a Cartier boutique. As of December 2021, the service is not available online. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier only uses high-quality diamonds in their jewelry designs. The brand works only with gemstones that rank as Very Good or Excellent for cut and between IF and VS2 for clarity according to GIA standards. On 1stDibs, find a range of Cartier diamond jewelry.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023There are at least a few things that make Cartier so special. Cartier is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world. The French luxury brand has helped to define style trends. Cartier made one of the first modern wristwatches for men� the Santos de Cartier� and its panth�re motif and Love bracelet are internationally renowned. Every piece produced by Cartier is also carefully crafted out of high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Cartier pieces.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
- Is Panthere designed by Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier Panthere is one of the brand's most distinctive and iconic shapes, replicating a panther head adorned with gems and jewels. The first panther pattern to appear in the Cartier line was on a watch for women, created in 1914. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry and watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Is Cartier a British company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Cartier is not a British company. The luxury jewelry maker was founded in Paris in 1847. However, the brand was a jeweler to the British royals, with King Edward VII ordering 27 tiaras for his coronation. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What diamonds does Cartier use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Cartier exclusively uses diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Their high standards contribute to the quality of the luxury jewelry maker's pieces. Shop a collection of Cartier diamonds from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- Does Cartier use platinum?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier uses platinum in the production of their jewelry and other items. In fact, Alfred Cartier and his three sons are credited with mastering this metal and creating a process that made it possible for jewelers to use this metal efficiently. Find vintage and contemporary Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is the Cartier screwdriver gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier website does not state whether the Love bracelet screwdriver is 18k gold like the bracelet. However, according to owners, the screwdriver is not gold but gold-plated. New screwdrivers can be purchased if you lose or break one or they may be replaced by Cartier. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier Love jewelry from top sellers around the world.
- Does Cartier have rings for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier Crash for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Originally, the Cartier Crash was a watch designed for men. However, upon its reintroduction in 2012, the watch was also marketed towards women, with a gorgeous bracelet in either an 18k white gold or rose gold case and diamond crown. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a range of Cartier watches that are highly iconic to the brand. The Cartier Tank watch is one of the classic options. The Panthère de Cartier and Clé de Cartier watches are also popular pieces. Shop a range of authentic Cartier watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What gold is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Most Cartier bracelets are 18-karat gold. Some pieces like the acclaimed Love bracelet come in yellow, rose and white gold. In addition, Cartier makes some of their bracelets out of platinum. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Cartier bracelets.
- Who designed the Cartier Crash?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Rupert Emmerson and Jean-Jacques Cartier designed the Cartier Crash watch. It debuted in 1967. The classic Cartier Oval provided a starting point for the watch, and its crumpled dial reflected the mod fashion trends of the 1960s. Shop a variety of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier panther, or panthère, is a symbol of fierce femininity, luxury and sophistication. Cartier continues to produce high-quality jewelry that features its panthère motif, highlighting the brand's creativity. Find a wide range of Cartier pieces, including panthère, on 1stDibs.