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
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
$33,600Sale 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
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
$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
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
18K White Gold Panthère de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
18K White Gold Panthère de Cartier Ring White gold 750/1000 and black lacquer Tsavorite garnets Onyx Marked: 750 Cartier 50 Approximate Dimensions: 5.5 (50) (Ring Size) 1.6 cm (Wid...
Garnet, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Platinum 4 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional engagement ring by Cartier is crafted in platinum and set with a magnificent 4.30-carat diamond, graded D color and SI1 clarity, accompanied by GIA certification. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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
$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 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 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
$63,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1.50 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier engagement ring is a refined expression of timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in platinum, the ring features a classic and p...
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
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
$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
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
$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 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
$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 GIA 4.77cts Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Classic Three-Stone Platinum Engagement Ring – 4.77 Carats Total, GIA Certified An enduring symbol of love and elegance, this Cartier three-stone engagement ring is a masterp...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$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
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
1960's Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring with Tapered Baguette Side Stones
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier 4.33 Carat D/SI1 Diamond Engagement Ring with Tapered Baguette Side Stones in Platinum A rare and timeless creation from Cartier, this exquisite engagement ring showcases a ...
Diamond, White 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
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 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 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
$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
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1.20 Carat H VS1 Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless engagement ring by Cartier, crafted in luxurious platinum and set with a superb round brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats. The center sto...
Diamond, Platinum
$17,899Sale Price|21% Off
Cartier Platinum 1895 Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.83ct 4.63g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This luxurious Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring is crafted in platinum and features a stunning GIA-certified 1.23ct round ...
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
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
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
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 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 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 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
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 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
$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 4 Ct. Round Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cartier 4 ct. Round Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18K Gold. The total weight is 29.54 grams. The ring size is US 5.50. SKU: 509-AAEQJSJM
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 1.15 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.15 Carat Round Brilliant G VS Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panthere Ring Style: Panthere Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 1.15 Carat Diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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
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
$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
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 Trinity Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Gold Pink Gold Cartier size 61
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Trinity Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Gold Pink Gold Cartier size 61 18K Gold: Yellow, Pink, White Ring size: 61 / 9.5 Wide :3.1 mm Weight: 8.6 gm Come with Box & Papers
18k Gold
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
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 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 1.09 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
Cartier 3.10 Carat Old European and Triangular Diamond 18K WG Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 3.10 Carat Old European Cut I VVS2 and Triangular Shape G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: 18 Karat White Gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
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 Diamond Crossover Ring, French, circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond crossover ring. Set with two drop shape brilliant cut diamonds, one D colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 1.17 carats...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier 1.63 Carat Radiant Shape F-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.63 Carat Radiant Shape F-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.63 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.16ct Old European Cut D VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: This exquisite Cartier platinum engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 2.04-carat Old European cut diamond, graded D color and VS2 clarity by GIA, exuding ...
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.