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.
18K Yellow Gold Cartier Ring with Rubies Circa 1992
By Cartier
Located in Sewickley, PA
A timeless Cartier 18K yellow gold ruby band ring featuring a sleek, polished rounded profile accented by flush set round rubies spaced evenly around the band. The vivid natural rubi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier ring, crafted in 18k rose gold. Features the iconic Juste un Clou design, embodying personal conviction, with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.13 carats, enhanc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and bold ring featuring a distinctive nail motif, embodying a provocative elegance. The ring is adorned with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.13 carats, thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18ct Gold Love Ring, Polished Band, Italy, Unisex, Size 58
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 Pink Heart Diamond Dinner Engagement Ring 2.02ct
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.02 ct. Color/Clarity: Fancy Purple Pink, SI1 Certifications: GIA Size: 5.75 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 2.90 grams Period: Contemporary Condition:...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 39.0 ct. & approx. 2.80 cts diamonds total Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; E–F color, VVS–VS clarity Certifications: AGL Size: 6 Creator: Cartier Metal: Pla...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier, Solitaire 1895 Yellow Gold Round Cut GIA 0.24 Carat F/VS1 Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire 1895, Yellow Gold setting. Round Brilliant Cut GIA certified 0,24 Carat, F Color and VS1 Clarity Mounted in 18K Yellow Gold. Signed Cartier, and numbered. Size 48...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Reflection Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A truly stunning ring from Cartier's Reflection collection. The ring is crafted in 18ct white gold and set with an alternate pattern of round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds. It ...
Diamond, White Gold
$208,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier GIA Certified 3 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond 1895 Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier 1895 Solitaire ring is a masterpiece of fine jewelry, showcasing a magnificent 3 carat Asscher-cut diamond of except...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Collection: Turtle Motif Condition: Mint Material 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts Ring size 7.75 Ring Weight 5.5gr Width: 9.5mm T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CARTIER Pasha Ring, Multi Stone
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous 18K Yellow Gold Pasha Collection Ring with 9 Multi Colored Semi Precious Stones. Square and Triangle Shaped Gemstones Including Pink and Yellow Tourmalines, Amethysts, Red G...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Small Model Trinity Band Ring in Tri-Tone 18 Karat Gold with Box
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This iconic Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold, featuring three interlocking bands that flow seamlessly around one another. Each band is a diffe...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier vintage 0.50 carat diamond 18k tricolor gold engagement ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage Cartier engagement ring from the 1990’s is a beautiful expression of timeless design, refined craftsmanship, and ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panthere Style Ring Size 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Nestled in the allure of vintage elegance, this Panthere style ring whispers tales of a bygone era. Crafted from 18 Karat yellow gold, its sle...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.01 ct. Color/Clarity: Zambian Minor Certifications: SSEF Size: 7.0 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K White gold Weight: 9.90 grams Period:20th Century Condition: Used - Pre...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier ring, crafted in 18k rose gold. Features the iconic Juste un Clou design, embodying personal conviction, with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.13 carats, enhanc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthère Band Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
A flexible link band ring by Cartier, crafted in 18k yellow gold in the house's signature Maillon Panthère design. The band is built from rows of polished rectangular brick links, ar...
18k Gold
Cartier 'Toi Et Moi' Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave By-Pass 'You and Me' Ring Containing One Pear-Shaped Diamond and One Pear-Shaped Emerald. Size - 5 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$176,000
Cartier 4 Carat Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and exceptionally romantic creation from Cartier, this magnificent engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 4 carat Heart Brilliant diamond of extraordinary quality. Accompan...
Platinum
26675 Cartier Trinity 18k Rose Gold 1.73 G VVS1 Round Diamond Engagement Ring 5
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Trinity Collection Cartier 18k Yellow Rose White Gold ring weighs 5.9g GIA round diamond weighs 1.73ct Diamond G color VVS1 clarity Shank measures 2.4mm wide Ring size is 5 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and bold ring featuring a distinctive nail motif, embodying a provocative elegance. The ring is adorned with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.13 carats, thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Contessa Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds - Signed & Numbered
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Contessa ring. Crafted in 18k solid gold, this contemporary masterpiece features a stunning alignment of 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, totali...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier, Solitaire 1895 Round Cut GIA 0.23 Carat E/VS1 Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire 1895, Round Brilliant Cut GIA certified 0,23 Carat, E Color and VS1 Clarity Mounted in Platinum 950/1000. Signed Cartier, and numbered. Size 49 (US 5). GIA number ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Ellipse Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier ring from the Ellipse Collection features a rounded band measuring 4 mm wide centering around a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.25 carat. Crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Cartier 18K White Gold LOVE Solitaire 0.92ct Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An absolute icon of romance and modern luxury, this authentic Cartier "LOVE" Solitaire Engagement Ring effortlessly blends the maison's legendary industrial elegance with breathtakin...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.51 Carat Round Diamond G VVS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Sleek sophistication meets timeless elegance in this platinum engagement ring. Crafted with precision, the piece features a ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Yellow White Gold Vintage locking Loop Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two interlocking loops of yellow and white gold Completed by high polish finish and grooved shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Cartier Circa: 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, 1952, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to center with an octagonal step-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Santos 18K White Gold Hawk’s Eye Dumont Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A bold and sophisticated Cartier Santos Dumont ring, expertly crafted in 18k white gold and showcasing the brand’s signature blend of timele...
18k Gold, White 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
GIA Cartier Platinum Destinée Cushion-Cut 1.04ct Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An absolute epitome of romance and high-end luxury by the legendary French maison Cartier, this Destinée engagement ring is a breathtaking masterpiece of light and brilliance. Meticu...
Vintage Monture Cartier Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This beautifully crafted ring showcases a striking central marquise-cut diamond, elegantly framed by a halo of baguette and round-cut diamonds that complement the design and highligh...
Diamond, Platinum
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthere Pave Diamond Ring 18K rose gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Cartier ring, meticulously crafted in 18K rose gold. This sophisticated piece features a striking design accented with vibrant emeralds, s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier White Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.02 Carat Round Diamonds G VS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this vintage Cartier engagement ring, crafted from l...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.64 Carat Round Diamonds F-VVS1 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Elevate life's precious moments with this stunning engagement ring. Crafted by Designer Cartier, this elegant piece features a breathtaking 1....
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 Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold and Diamond Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds. Approximate Diamond Weight 8 CTS, E Color, VVS1 Clarity. 2 emerald eyes. 2 black onyx noses. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,800
Cartier Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1998, 18k, Cartier, France. Set with a superb .28 carat G color, VS clarity diamond, this beautiful diamond ring from Cartier Paris has a visually pristine presentation. The e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 Platinum Engagement Ring 3.41 Carat Heart & Round Diamonds E VVS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: This enchanting vintage Cartier engagement ring is a true symbol of elegance...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou double-diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size 55
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier’s Juste un Clou double-diamond ring is a yellow-gold ring inspired by the shape of a nail. It features 14 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.08 carat and measures 21.8 mm wide...
18k Gold
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring and band 1.06 Carat Round Diamond F VVS1 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Embrace timeless elegance with a vintage Cartier engagement ring crafted in platinum. A stunni...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.47ct Solitaire ‘1895’ Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A phenomenal diamond solitaire ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection. Proudly set within a platinum mount is an exceptional 3.47 carat round brilliant cut diamond. It has been graded...
Diamond, Platinum
$280,000Sale Price|60% 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 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 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
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
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
$26,388Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1.2 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 1895 Solitaire Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite and timeless engagement ring is an authentic Cartier 1895 Solitaire piece, showcasing a stunning round brilliant-cut diamond as its centerpiece. Set in a classic and r...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring Marked: Cartier 1994 750 53 Approximate Dimensions: 6 - 6.25 (Ring Size) 1 cm (Width) Approximately 1.42 (+ / -) carats (Diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Platinum Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: platinum Diamond: 1 cushion cut = 3.02ct Color: Fancy Intense Yellow Clarity: VS1 GIA: 2175140072 Diamond: 52 round brilliant cut = 0.97cttw Color: F Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Love Ring with 0.42 Carat Round F VS Diamonds Size 4.5
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Size 4.5 Style: Love Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 0.42 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 6 Color: F Clarity: VS Shape: Round Brillian...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier GIA Certified 3.40 Carat Radiant-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless Cartier three-stone diamond engagement ring crafted in platinum, showcasing a stunning GIA-certified radiant-cut center diamond weighing 3.40 carats, graded H color and VV...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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
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
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.