It should come as no surprise that Cartier engagement rings are among the most desirable on the jewelry market for those hoping to be betrothed. 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. While platinum had been a part of jewelry making before, it hadn’t been used in the way that Cartier intended.
Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, initially sourcing platinum specifically from Russian mines and matching the durable metal with an equally robust precious stone. These shimmering rings, such as the timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring, gave the impression of delicate lace. Platinum was the metal of choice in Cartier engagement 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.”
While founder Louis-François’s work was very well respected from the start, it was Cartier’s grandsons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, who catapulted the family name into international stardom when they took over the business at the turn of the 20th century. The work of the three brothers and their eventual successors would captivate an elite clientele. In fact, we are still discussing the stunning platinum Cartier engagement ring given to actress Grace Kelly by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955 — a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by two baguettes. It was featured in the final film Kelly made in 1956.
The Cartier grandsons found early success with wristwatches and created some of the most iconic jewelry of the Art Deco era. Eventually the brand’s name became inseparable from the decadent symbols of romance and coveted wearable art its notoriously anonymous designers produced with regularity, such as the Love bracelet.
Today, while tastes for this particular accessory span all corners of the jewelry world — see our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement rings, Art Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings — part of Cartier’s lasting legacy owes to its alluring engagement rings, a variety of which can be found on 1stDibs.
An 18ct Gold Love Ring By Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Firenze, IT
The polished band with screw-head motif intervals, European Convention mark. Finger size 58 Signed Cartier, no. BVR993
Gold, 18k Gold
$132,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Art Deco 5 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant antique diamond ring by Cartier, crafted in platinum and dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. The ring is centered by a 5 carat diamond, graded K–L color and VS2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.62ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A sparkling round brilliant cut diamond takes centre stage in this classic Cartier ‘1895’ solitaire ring. The diamond is of F colour and VS...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1895 Solitaire Brilliant-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum 1.12Carats
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, features a round brilliant cut diamond H color, VS1 clarity weighing 1.12 carats. The diamond has excellent polish and exc...
Diamond, Platinum
$33,590Sale Price|32% Off
Cartier Platinum Destinée Diamond Ring 2.31ct 5.43g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An exceptional Cartier Destinée solitaire ring crafted in platinum, featuring a magnificent cushion cut centre diamond surrounded by brilliant diamonds along the shank. Elegant and t...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate DINH VAN Cartier 18k Gold ICONIC Swirl Ring - VHK#140b
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate DINH VAN Cartier 18k Gold ICONIC Swirl Ring - VHK#140b Item Details: Year: 1970 Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.7 grams Condition:...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mimi Ring Size 54
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 18k yellow gold diamond ring by Cartier from the Mimi collection. The bombe style ring is set to the centre with an oval cut diamond in a bezel mount, weighing approximate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 2.45 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier engagement ring embodies timeless Parisian elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. At its center sits a magnificent round brilliant cut diamond weighing approx...
Diamond, Platinum
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Trinity Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Cartier Trinity platinum diamond engagement ring, set with a superb 1.00 carat round brilliant-cut diamond certified by GIA. Graded E color and VVS2 clarity, the center sto...
Diamond, Platinum
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 2.10 CTW Round Brilliant
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier engagement ring exemplifies the maison’s timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Finely crafted in platinum, the ring features a superb round bril...
Diamond, Platinum
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
The Cartier 1895 engagement ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
The Cartier 1895 engagement ring is a timeless expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Designed in the iconic solitaire setting, it perf...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 2.27 Carat Princess Cut F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 2.27 Carat Princess Cut F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.27 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 18k Diamond Ring Engagement Solid White Gold Signed US Size 6
By Cartier
Located in Greer, SC
Vintage 18k solid white gold Cartier ring featuring dazzling diamonds, signed on the interior of the band. Best measures for a US size 6 finger, measures .2 inch at its tallest point...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold #54 US7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Turtle Motif Mind Condition 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts Ring size 6.75 Ring Weight 5.5gr Cartier ring box included
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Ring Small 1 Diamond 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The LOVE collection began with the iconic bracelet created in New York in 1969. An expression of Cartier's design vision, this oval bracelet can be identified by its radical, innova...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier French 2.60 CTW Diamond Platinum Destinée Halo Engagement Ring GIA
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.20 carat - D color with VVS2 clarity Set with talon prongs with a halo an cathedral shoulder prong set with diamonds Round brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier, Solitaire 1895 Round GIA 0.36 Carat G/VVS2 Diamond Ring, Discontinued
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire 1895, Diamond pavé, Discontinued by Cartier. Set with a brilliant-cut diamond and further enhanced with brilliant-cut diamond pavé. GIA certified 0,36 Carat, G Col...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, White Gold 18k .53ct GIA
By Cartier
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 3/4 Brand: Cartier Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat: .53ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Diameter: 5.2mm GIA Report Numb...
Diamond, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Platinum and Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Platinum and Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring A timeless and sophisticated Cartier creation featuring an elegant combination of platinum and vibrant yellow diamond* brilliance...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 1.09ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing platinum solitaire engagement ring by Cartier. The ring is centered with sparkling GIA certified round cut diamond that weighs 1.09ct. The color of the diamond is ...
Diamond, Platinum
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold Diamonds, Emeralds Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold – Diamonds, Emeralds & Onyx – Size 54 / US 6.75 This iconic Panthère de Cartier ring is exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier French 2.00 CTW Brilliant Diamond Platinum Contemporary Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a prong set round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.31 carats - G color with VVS2 clarity Flanked by cathedral shoulders bead set with rows of round brilliant cut diamonds W...
Diamond, Platinum
$30,080Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified 1 Carat Cartier 1895 Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Cartier 1895 engagement ring features a stunning 1-carat Round Brilliant diamond, certified by the Gemological Institute ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 5.36 Carats Total Square Emerald Cut 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This stunning Art Deco-era Cartier engagement ring features a striking 4.64 carat square emerald cut diamond at its center, set in a crisp, high-polish platinum sett...
Diamond, Platinum
$59,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier engagement ring showcases a beautifully proportioned round brilliant diamond set in platinum, embodying the timeless sophistication for which the Maison is renow...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.12 Carat Diamond Number of Stones:...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Destinée Solitaire GIA Certified Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Destinée solitaire engagement diamond ring crafted in platinum center stone is GIA certified in H color / VVS1 clarity GIA certificate # 7212499393 The Destinée setting is c...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Tank Francaise Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Ring Width: 6 mm Ring Thickness: 1.8 mm Ring Size: US 3.75 or EU 46 Total Weight: 8.5 Grams Stamped: "Ca...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 1895 Wedding Band Ring Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Authentic Cartier 1895 wedding band. This band is beautifully crafted in platinum 950 with a high polish finish. The band is 2.5 mm wide and 1.32 ...
Platinum
Cartier 1980s Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless vintage creation from Cartier, this 1980s ring showcases refined luxury and bold design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features a vivid cabochon-cut emerald weighing appr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, G VS2
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, features a round brilliant cut diamond G color, VS2 clarity weighing 0.70 carats. The diamond has very good polish and good symmetry. An enduring emblem of commitment and love, Cartier engagement rings...
Diamond, Platinum
$385,000Sale Price|44% Off
1895 Cartier 5.10 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Cartier engagement ring, featuring a 5.10 carats round brilliant cut diamond, set on a classic four prong setting. Finely made with a platinum mounting. Diamond is certifi...
Diamond, Platinum
$57,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold 1.92 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier 1895 Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold 1.92 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring An iconic design from the Cartier 1895 collection, this timeless solitaire features a brilliant round...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 3.41 Carat GIA No Heat Burma Ruby Ring Mounted by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A ravishing natural ruby and diamond Cartier Art Deco engagement ring. An impressive 3.41 carat gem of a deeply saturated red bursting with luster along with a GIA pedigree stating n...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J993 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.32ct Diamond Ballerine Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Love Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Love Band Ring Details: Ring size: 5 (US size) Hallmarked: Cartier, 49, OXG204 Au 750, Maker's mark Weight 3.2 grams In excellent condition
18k Gold
Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Engagement ring centers a prong set emerald cut diamond weighing 5.00 carats - D color with VS1 clarity Flanked by two bar set and well matched tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and displays five glistening rows ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$112,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 4 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Pave Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
4.03 ct Cartier 1895 Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Pave Engagement Ring Rtl $150K The ring weighs 6.2 grams, size 4.75 (French 49), the center stone is a 3.51 ct Natural Cushion Bri...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Round Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Destinée, a gorgeous Diamond Engagement Ring designed by Cartier holding a 1.03 carat round Diamond that is enhanced by a halo of diamonds which bestow an exceptional radiance. This...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.28 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. Crafted from a polished 18ct white gold, the ring exudes a sleek and modern aesthet...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity GIA Certified 1.23 Carat E/VVS1 Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted with the utmost precision, the Cartier Trinity Round Diamond Engagement ring exudes elegance and sophistication. This ring features a high-quality 1.23 carat round brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Destinee Cushion 1.15 cts H VS1 Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Halo with Diamond Halfway on Shank Ref. number: N4746100 Certification: GIA 2215029799 Metal: Pt 950 Platinum Size: 6.25 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Galanterie collection Diamond White Gold 18K Ring
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Galanterie collection. Diamond White Gold 18K Ring. Central diamond round cut, 0.57 carat, H color, Vs1 clarity, Ex, Ex, Ex, Faint fluorescence. Signed Cartier, numbered. C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity Paved Diamond Ring 1.93ct 18k Rose White Yellow Gold sz 52 US 6
By Cartier
Located in Northbrook, IL
The Cartier Trinity Ring Set showcases an intertwined band design crafted from 18k gold, rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Adorned with pave set white diamonds totaling 1.93 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier, 3.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This absolutely stunning three stone diamond ring by Cartier features a 3.00 carat emerald cut diamond with F color and VS1 clarity, flanked by two trillion cut diamonds weighing app...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.09 Carat Diamond Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This platinum piece features an impressive 1.09ct round brilliant cut dia...
Diamond, Platinum
$128,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set, a perfect symbol of love and elegance. This stunning set features a brill...
Platinum
C De Cartier Wedding Band in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Model: C De Wedding Band Metal: Platinum Metal Purity: 950 Ring Width: 3 mm Ring Thickness: 1.5 mm Ring Size: US 9.5 or EU 61 Total Weight...
Platinum
Cartier 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Shape F-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Shape F-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.52 Carat Diamond Number of St...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Round Diamond 0.88 tcw Engagement Ring in Platinum GIA COA Box
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier 1895 Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Accents Ref. number: QF**** Metal: Platinum PT950 GIA: 2106981161 Size: 6.25 TCW: 0.88 tcw Main Diamond: Rou...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Yellow Square Emerald Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring in PLAT/18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Golden Glow: Embrace the brilliance of this Cartier 3 stone diamond ring featuring a Fancy Intense Yellow square emerald cut diamond at its heart. Made in platinum and 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$304,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 4.99 Carats No-Heat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous engagement ring, featuring a very rare 4.99 carats cushion cut blue sapphire certified by both AGL and Gubelin as Sri Lankan origin (Ceylon), set on a four prong setting. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 1.03 Carats Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous engagement ring by Cartier from the 1895 collection, showcasing a 1.03 carats radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as G color and VVS1 clarity. Accented by a diamond encru...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste Un Clou Ring with Diamonds 18k White Gold size 57/ US 8
By Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
Cartier Juste Un Clou Ring with Diamonds 18k White Gold size 57/ US 8 18k White Gold - 8.3 Grams Diamonds - 22 Stones = 0.13 carats Size - 57 / US 8
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 0.55 Car...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum 1895 Solitaire 0.19ct VVS2/D Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 1895 solitaire ring in 950 thousandths platinum, set with a round brilliant-cut diamond. Includes GIA diamond certificate appraisal...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 'C de Cartier' 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Stunning in its simplicity, this Cartier engagement ring from the 'C de Cartier' Collection is expertly crafted from 18 carat yellow gold. A beautiful round brilliant cut solitaire d...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exquisite Cartier Destinée Platinum & Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite Cartier Solitaire The 1.21 ct center diamond is flanked by a luminous halo of round brilliant diamonds that enhance brilliance and presence, creating a classic yet modern s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, an antique Edwardian period engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary alternative, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond. In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.