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.
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
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
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 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 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 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 2.02 ct.
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 This Cartier Pink Heart Diamond...
Diamond, 18k 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
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 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
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
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
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, totaling approximately 0.9 carats. This pi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 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 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 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 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 Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and iconic ring inspired by the simplicity of a common nail, elevated to a piece of extraordinary refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold, this design is adorned with twent...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and iconic ring inspired by the simplicity of a common nail, elevated to a piece of extraordinary refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold, this design is adorned with twent...
Diamond, 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
$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 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 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z148231 Listing Title: Cartier 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring Condition...
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
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 1991 18 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Vintage Colisee Twist Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a puffed twist motif comprised of yellow, rose, and white gold Centering a rose and yellow gold 'X' motif flanked by white gold navettes Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbere...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier stacking rings Oval Emerald & Oval Sapphire.
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite piece of jewelry embodies elegant simplicity and timeless craftsmanship. It features stunning oval emeralds and sapphires, one of which has a very small chip, beautifu...
Emerald, Sapphire, 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
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
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
$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 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 Ballerine Round Brilliant Diamond 0.36 tcw FVVS1 Engagement Ring COA GIA
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Side Stones Ref. number: N4197600 Metal: Platinum Pt950 Size: 3.5 TC...
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 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 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 Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Trinity Ring with 1.40 Carat Diamonds Size 5.75
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: The essence of elegance wrapped in a unique design, this Cartier Trinity ring is crafted from 18 Karat yellow gold. The iconic interlocking ba...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
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
$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 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
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 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 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 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 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
1997 Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold Trinity Ring Size 4.5 with Box #18143
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold Trinity Ring Size 4.5 This elegant triple band ring by Cartier is crafted in beautifully detailed 18K yellow, white and rose gold. Each band measures 3.9 m...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 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
1.15 Carat F VS Diamond 0.06 Carat Emerald 18 Karat Rose Gold Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.15 Carat F VS Diamond 0.06 Carat Emerald 18 Karat Rose Gold Panthere Ring Style: Panthere Metal: 18 Karat Rose Gold Gemstone 1: 1.15 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 137 Colo...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose 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 Arabesque Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A dramatic white gold cocktail ring from Cartier’s Arabesque collection. Three carats of the finest Cartier round brilliant cut diamonds are set in three S-shaped, 18k white gold des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
$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 Brilliant Cut 0.31ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.31ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J553 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.31ct Diamond 1895 Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: R***** Age...
Diamond, 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
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.