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Finding the Right rings for You
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
- Does Cartier have rings for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- Are all Cartier rings gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, not all Cartier rings are gold. Although the luxury jewelry maker produces many white, rose and yellow gold pieces, some rings are platinum. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, 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. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier rings.
- What is the famous Cartier ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023While the luxury jewelry maker has produced many iconic pieces, the Trinity de Cartier ring is perhaps its most famous. The Trinity debuted in 1924 and features interlocking rings in rose, yellow and white gold. Shop a collection of Cartier rings from top jewelers around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Whether Cartier rings appreciate in value depends on a variety of factors, including how well they're cared for and what demand and supply are like in the future. Because it can be difficult to predict how the value of items will change over time, choose rings that appeal to you. At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Cartier rings.
- Can a Cartier ring get wet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Cartier ring can get wet from handwashing or being caught in the rain. However, it is best to remove the jewelry prior to swimming, bathing or performing tasks that will involve submerging your hand in water, such as dishwashing or cleaning. Find a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier does custom engagement rings through their Set for You program. To take advantage of this service, visit a Cartier boutique. As of December 2021, the service is not available online. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can tell if a Cartier ring is real by checking for a Cartier stamp, metal type, ring size and unique serial number on the back of the ring. In order to confirm the authenticity, ensure that the Cartier stamp is evenly stamped and free of mistakes.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, the Cartier Love ring is timeless. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, a radical and provocative accessory designed for Cartier by Italian-born jeweler Aldo Cipullo in 1969, the French luxury house went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. (The Cartier Love ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking modernist cuff before it.) It’s long been reported that the Love collection is the brand’s most popular and largest series, as Cartier has since augmented the line with cufflinks and watches, too. Shop a selection of vintage Cartier Love rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023What the Cartier Love ring symbolizes is a matter of personal interpretation. The ring is part of Cartier’s Love collection, which started with the Love bracelet in 1969, a piece inspired by the lore of medieval chastity belts. As a result, many people associate the Love ring and other pieces in Cartier's Love collection with protecting or “locking in” love. Others see the ring as a symbol of everlasting love in a relationship. Find a selection of vintage Cartier Love rings on 1sDibs.
- Is a Cartier ring real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023Whether a Cartier ring is real gold depends on the piece. Cartier only uses genuine 18-karat white gold, yellow gold and rose gold for rings labeled as "gold rings." However, Cartier also offers rings crafted out of materials like platinum, so not all pieces produced by the French luxury jewelry maker are gold. Shop a large selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- Does Cartier sell wedding rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, Cartier does sell wedding bands. Due to its simple band design that symbolizes eternal love, the Love Ring is a favorite option for many couples. Other Cartier wedding bands include the Cartier 1895, the Étincelle de Cartier, the Cartier d'Amour, the Cartier Destinée and the Vendôme Louis Cartier. Find a collection of Cartier wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- Is a Cartier ring solid gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, a Cartier ring is not usually solid gold. Typically, the French luxury jewelry maker uses 18-karat gold to craft jewelry. An 18-karat gold ring is 75 percent gold and 25 percent metal alloy. Shop a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Cartier engagement ring can cost between $3,000 and $800,000. The price depends on the diamond's carat weight and quality.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The meaning of the Cartier Love ring is widely understood to be rooted in love and romance. The ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking modernist Love bracelet before it, which not only referenced the Love series’ playful signature characteristic but also prominently underscoring the theme of permanence that designer Aldo Cipullo had in mind when he conceived of the design. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier does indeed use real diamonds for its rings. Cartier chooses only gems with little or no fluorescence, and sources most of its diamonds from RJC-certified companies. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What finger you wear a Cartier Love ring on is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many people wear it on the ring fingers of their right hands. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, which was designed by Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo in 1969, Cartier went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier Love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, the Cartier Love ring is real gold. The French luxury jewelry maker produces its iconic ring out of 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Platinum versions are also available. Shop a wide range of Cartier Love rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Whether a Cartier Love ring will hold its value depends on a variety of factors, including how you care for and store it. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, which was designed by Aldo Cipullo for the brand, Cartier went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. It’s long been reported that the Love collection is the brand’s most popular and largest series, as Cartier has since augmented the line with cufflinks and watches, too. Cartier Love rings are known to hold their value and some can even appreciate over time. However, because it can be difficult to predict how much something will be worth in the future, choose jewelry that appeals to you. Experts recommend that you work with a professional jeweler if you are trying to determine the value of a given accessory. Shop a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024No, the Cartier Love ring is not pure gold. Pure 24-karat gold is incredibly malleable and is vulnerable to scratching and breakage. Because of this, luxury jewelers tend not to use 24-karat gold. Instead, Cartier uses 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The alloy has an attractive appearance and is better able to hold up to the effects of daily wear. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Cartier Love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023How many diamonds a Cartier Love ring has can vary. The French luxury jewelry house has offered different versions of the iconic ring over the years, with some featuring one diamond while some may have three diamonds or no gemstones at all. Shop a collection of Cartier rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
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