In the 19th century, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their rings as brilliantly as possible, initially sourcing platinum specifically from Russian mines and matching the durable metal with an equally robust precious stone. 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 in Cartier solitaire rings, panthère rings, engagement rings and other exquisite rings offered by the brand.
While platinum had been a part of jewelry making before, it hadn’t been used in the way that Cartier intended. The house's shimmering rings, such as the timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring, gave the impression of delicate lace when they debuted. Platinum was the metal of choice in Cartier engagement rings and other 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.”
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904.
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
Cartier helped define Art Deco, and a few iconic palettes were expressed in gem-set rings and other jewelry and objects in the Art Deco era, most notably in geometric formations. Green/black/white and coral/black/white are as classic Art Deco as it gets, and Cartier had plenty of these two combinations on view at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Cartier designers heightened the impact of these color stories by working in swaths of bright white diamonds that, through innovations in diamond cutting, could now be faceted into carré cuts, baguettes and other elegantly chiseled linear shapes.
Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years. Cartier Tutti Frutti rings — marked by a lush profusion of carved ruby and sapphire berries and blossoms amid emerald leaves offset by bright white diamonds — reflect an absolutely singular vision of how to pair colors and textures in a design as opulent as it is optimistic. Elsewhere, there was the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry. The Cartier Love ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking cuff before it.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces. For its extraordinary range of rings, watches and other adornments, Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Cartier Signature Script 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bellevue, WA
Details: Size 49 750 Platinum Stone Count: 3 Cartier box and certificate IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned piece. We have made every effort to accurately describe and ...
CARTIER White Gold Stella Diamond Ring - Size 50
By Cartier
Located in Bellevue, WA
Details: Size 50 950 Platinum Stone Count: 3 Stone Shape: Round Brilliant IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned piece. We have made every effort to accurately describe and...
$5,806Sale Price|30% Off
1994 Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Ring Vintage Size 7.75
By Cartier
Located in Conroe, TX
A striking vintage Cartier ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vibrant geometric arrangement of a square-cut ruby framed by pear-cut emeralds and sapphire accents. The...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Constellation Trinity Rolling Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Pre-loved Cartier constellation trinity rolling band in size 54 or 7 equivalent. In very good condition. Size: Approx. 7 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Stones: Natural diamonds Dimension...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold "Les Must de Cartier" Trinity Ring Size 55/7.25 #26290
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold "Les Must de Cartier" Trinity Ring Size 55/7.25 The iconic three band rolling ring design symbolizes love, fidelity and friendship - one of Cartier's most ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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 Panthere Double Head Vintage 18K Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Panthère bypass ring in 18k gold, showcasing vintage elegance and intricate design. Crafted in 18k gold, the ring features a coiled band that wraps around the finger, endi...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Double C Vintage Diamond 18k Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Crafted from 18k Multi-Tone Gold Featuring Pavé-Set Diamonds on Interlocking C's Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, 50 Size: US 5.25 / EU 50 Weight: 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love ring Men's 5.5mm 18K Yellow Gold Classic Model size 67 US 12
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A men's Love ring by Cartier, the Classic model, executed in 18 karat yellow gold with the collection's signature screw-motif detailing engraved around the band. Width 5.5mm; Europea...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Diamond 18K White Gold 1895 3.5mm Width, 6 Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Estate Cartier six diamond 18K white gold 3.5mm width 1895 ring 20th Century An iconic, timeless classic 18K white gold six diamond 1895 ring by Cartier. Width: 3.5mm Size: 59 (8.75 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ecrou Ring Sz 56 7 1/2 18k Yellow Gold Estate Jewelry Screw Bolt Band
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Cartier 'Ecrou' ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The current collection ring transforms an everyday item, a nut, into a unique piece of jewelry. Each of the 5 nuts move along...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Ring with 2.40 ct Coulored Diamonds in Gold, Paris 1993 & Later
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
Confetti at the Place Vendôme Vintage Ring with 2.40 ct Coloured Diamonds in Gold, Cartier, Paris 1993 & later This Cartier ring was created in 1993, as revealed by a hallmark o...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gemstone Love Ring 46 3 3/4 18k White Gold Sapphire Spinel Aquamarine
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Cartier gemstone Love ring crafted in 18k white gold. Purple spinel, aquamarine, pink & blue sapphire and amethyst measuring approx. 3mm are set into the band. A v...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Go...
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18k Rose Gold Panther Cuff Ring with Emerald Eyes
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Cartier iconic Panthère de Cartier open cuff statement ring, crafted in polished 18k rose gold (pink gold). Featuring the sculpted panther head motif accented by vibrant...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Red Enamel Gold Modernist Cigar Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cigar bands, a loop of paper or foil wrapped around the body of a cigar, was used to advertise a brand or variety of tobacco. Gustave Bock, a European immigrant to Cuba, is credited ...
Gold, Enamel
Cartier Chrochet Knot Diamond Ring 1970s Vintage Cartier Ring.
By Cartier
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An 18k yellow gold Cartier Chrochet Ring pavé set with brilliant cut diamonds. The Ring is hallmarked French for 18k and makers mark with the famous master goldsmith Eduard Blondeau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use t...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Snake Ring Diamond & Emerald eyes 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Paris Snake Ring Diamond & Emerald eyes 18K Yellow Gold This incredibly rare vintage Cartier ring is designed as a coiled serpent in 18K yellow gold, with a heavily tex...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1970's Red Enamel 18K Gold Vintage Corona Habana Unisex Cigar Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cigar-style band intended to replicate vintage cigar band wrappers Depicting a raised portrait of Queen Victoria and text halo surround Text features the popular cigar ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Trinity 18K Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring Size 52 (US 6) Vintage 1990
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Cartier Trinity rolling ring crafted in 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold, featuring three interlocking bands that move fluidly together on the finger. Each band measures...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Me Set of Band Rings 18 Karat White & Yellow Gold Size 56 Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Cartier Love Me Ring Set crafted in 18K yellow and white gold, featuring two sculptural interlocking bands designed with complementary...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Pear Cut And Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Pear Cut Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring. A stunning white gold ring set with a fine pear brilliant cut centre diamond measuring approximat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Ring 18K White Gold Size 71 4.5mm Authentic Jewelry Complete Set
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
This authentic Cartier Love Ring is crafted in 18K white gold and comes as a complete full set, including the original Cartier box and papers—making it highly desirable for collector...
White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier French Maillon Panthère triple row diamond 18k white gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier's Maillon Panthère design is instantly recognizable, and this triple-row diamond ring shows exactly why it remains a house signature. Three parallel rows of hinged, rectangul...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Swiss vintage 2.20 carat pavé diamond 18k yellow gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed by Cartier, this vintage ring is a study in pavé glamour, set with 109 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.40 carats in total. Graded D-E color and VVS clari...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Caresse D’Orchidees Par Cartier Ring Diamond 50 Estate 18k Rose Gold Papers
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Estate Cartier 'Caresse D'Orchidees' ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold. 2 round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.12 carats (estimated at F-G color and VVS2 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier Ellipse 18k Gold Iolite Ring, 1993
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier Ellipse ring in 18k gold, centered with an oval faceted iolite in a violet-blue hue. The gemstone is set into a wide, rounded dome band that tapers slightly toward ...
Iolite, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Nymphea Diamond Buckle 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring EU50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Nymphea Diamond Buckle 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 10 stunning round colourless diamonds. D/E colour VS-VVS clarity, all wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,080
Cartier Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier Love Ring Metal: 18K white gold Size: 9.5 Reference number: 427827
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Ring 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier cocktail ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a cabochon garnet set in a geometric crown. The 14.7mm x 14.9mm buff-top cushion-shaped garnet has dark...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
Estate Cartier Entre Lace 18k White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier called this design Entre Lacé, and the name does the explaining: a band whose lines cross and interlace rather than run straight. In 18K white gold, 2.30mm wide, it sits clos...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Tsavorite and Onyx Panthere Ring Size 55 N4767955
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exemplary 18k yellow gold Cartier dress ring from the Panthere De Cartier collection. The ring comprises of an open-work panther motif with 2 pear-cut tsavorite garnets featured a...
Onyx, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier, Solitaire "Etincelle" Round Cut GIA 0.22 Carat E/VVS2 Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire "Etincelle, Round Brilliant Cut GIA certified 0,22 Carat, E Color and VVS2 Clarity and Triple X quality. Mounted in Platinum 950/1000 and ring also set with a bril...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier White Gold Panthere De Cartier Pavé Diamond Ring Size 54 N4244700
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking 18k white gold ring by Cartier from the Panthere de Cartier collection. The ring features a panther motif pave set with 81 round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.75ct. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rare Vintage Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold 53 Tank Band Solo Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Yellow Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring with an 8mm tension set vivid yellow orange citrine. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier on...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold "Les Must de Cartier" Trinity Ring Size 5.75 #25244
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold "Les Must de Cartier" Trinity Ring Size 5.75 (European 51)- The iconic three band rolling ring design symbolizes love, fidelity and friendship - one of Car...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 158958 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is the epitome of iconic, fro...
Cartier 18K White Gold Size Diamond Walking Panthere Vintage Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Very Rare Cartier Anniversary Panthere ring crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring a sculpted walking panther set throughout with approximately 1.50 carats of round brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Wide Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Wide Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 158834 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Wide Love Ring Condition Description: Since Louis-François Cartier took over his ma...
Vintage Cartier Vivid Red Ruby Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cut Solitaire Ring K
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a vivid red ruby. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use the finest of ge...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tri-Colour Gold Trinity Ring Size 55 B4234200
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k tri-colour Cartier ring from the Trinity De Cartier collection. The ring is made up of three intertwined white, rose and yellow gold 3.2mm bands. The ring is a size 55 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Love Wedding Band Size 51 B4056100
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Cartier diamond wedding band in yellow gold from the Love collection. The ring compromises of the iconic Cartier screws and a single round brilliant cut diamond set in the centre, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Sapphire Diamond Mimi 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Mimi Dome Ring. A very rare 1980's yellow gold Cartier ring set with a top grade natural sapphire with a fine royal blue colour ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Cartier Rose Gold Coloured Stones Love Ring Size 51 B4087800
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold coloured stones ring by Cartier from their Love collection. The ring features 1 pink sapphire, 1 blue sapphire, 1 yellow sapphire, 1 green garnet, 1 orange garnet an...
Amethyst, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 1...
Cartier Rose Gold Clash de Cartier Medium Ring Size 61 B4229900
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold ring from Cartier's Clash de Cartier collection. This medium model of the classic Clash ring features the iconic studded style centre band, which is complemented by ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Panthère De Cartier Period Onyx Lacquer 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous unisex Panthère de Cartier ring features a bold and fierce openwork panther design crafted in 18k yellow gold with black lacquer and accented with green peridot eyes an...
Onyx, Peridot, 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
Vintage Cartier 18k Gold Emerald Three-Row Band Ring, 1995
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier ring crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring a triple-row band design set with three oval emeralds. The band is built from three rounded ribbed rows joined into one wide band, giving it weight and presence on the finger. Three oval emeralds sit in a diagonal line across the center, each flush-set into its own row so the green reads clearly against the polished gold. The ring was made in 1995 and is signed inside the shank with the Cartier mark, 750 purity stamp, and serial number. The design reads as bold but understated, easy to wear daily or dress up for evening. If you're searching for an authentic Cartier emerald ring...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthre Griffe 18K Yellow Gold 1.0ct Diamond Ring CA09-080526
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier Panthre Griffe ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold with an intertwined pav-set diamond design totaling an estimated 1.0 carat. The ring is a size 5.5 and weighs 12.4 gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Panthère de Cartier Paved Diamond Ring SM in White Gold, Size 56
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Panthère de Cartier pavé diamond ring small model set in 18k white gold.
The ring is designed as Cartier's iconic panther, wrapping elegantly aro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier vintage ruby emerald sapphire 18k yellow gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed and dated 1994, this vintage Cartier ring brings together five square and pear shape gemstones totaling approximately 0.80 carat in a bold, graphic arrangement. The interplay ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Tri-Gold Trinity Ring Classic Model 4 mm Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Cartier Trinity Ring Features Three Interlocking 18k Gold Rings - One Rose, One White, One Yellow French Size 52 (US Size 6) Classic Model - Each Band 4 mm Wide Total Mass =...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Panthère Tsavorite and Onyx Geometric Ring, Size 67
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A striking vintage Cartier Panthère ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is designed as a bold geometric interpretation of the iconic panther head, featuring an openwork...
Onyx, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
90s Cartier Tank Francaise Ring EU 50 Sz 5.25 Band 18k White Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Cartier Tank Francaise diamond band crafted in 18k white gold (circa 1990s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.25 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS1-2 clarity). The de...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Plain Love Wedding Band Size 52 B4085200
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k rose gold Cartier wedding band from the Love collection. The ring comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge and is a size 52. The ring measures 3.6mm in wid...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CARTIER Panthere de Double Head Emerald Yellow Gold Ring 7.25 55
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous authentic Cartier ring from the iconic Panthere de Cartier collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an intertwined double panther head design accented with...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Clash de Cartier SM Ring Size 48 B4229800
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold ring from Cartier's Clash de Cartier collection. This smaller model (SM) of the classic Clash ring features the iconic studded style centre band which is complemente...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague Diamond Yellow Gold Fan Ring Box Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Cartier Fan ring from the chic Paris Nouvelle Vague collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with D-F VVS1-VVS2 brilliant-cut round diamonds. Made in France cir...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Claws Black Lacquer 18k Yellow Gold Ring 54
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning authentic Cartier ring from the chic Panthere Claws collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with black lacquer claw marks. Made in France circa 1990s. Mea...
Yellow Gold
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. The most collectible 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.