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 ...
c1992 Cartier Ellipse Sapphire Band Sz 6.25 Ring EU 53 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier sapphire 'Ellipse' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Oval faceted sapphire measures approx. 5mm x 4mm (note: few light surface abrasions to the emerald...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 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 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 Double Panthere Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Vintage Panthère Ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Features two panther figures holding an oval rose cut sapphire. Size: 6 1/4 (Resizeable) Brand: Cartier Material: Yello...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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 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...
Cartier French 2.78ct Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k White Gold Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring, epitomizing dynamic elegance and masterful design. Crafted from luxurious 18-karat white gold, this ring features a captivating 1.10-carat round brilliant c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou White Gold Diamond Ring Classic Model Sz 62
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring exemplifying the brand’s commitment to innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship. This ring is crafted from 18K white gold, presenting a sleek and modern...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Platinum Cartier "1985" Band with Certificate Size 5
By Cartier
Located in Conroe, TX
Cartier "1895" Platinum Band with Certificate Excellent Pre-Owned Condition Size 5 Solid Platinum 2.80 Grams A timeless expression of understated luxury, this authentic Cartier 189...
Platinum
Cartier Juliette Diamond & Cultured Pearl Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating ring by Cartier, embodying timeless elegance. This design features a domed band entirely paved with round brilliant diamonds, parting at the center to cradle a luminou...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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 LOVE Solitaire Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold, 0.31 Carat, Size 51
By Cartier
Located in 上海市, CN
A refined Cartier LOVE solitaire ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring a 0.31 carat round brilliant-cut diamond in a clean and eleg...
Diamond, Yellow 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 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 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
Important Cartier Panthere De Cartier diamond emerald 18k white gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sculpted panther curls around the finger in this ring, its head, shoulders and flanks covered edge to edge in round brilliant cut diamonds, with polished claws and pointed ears bre...
Emerald, Onyx, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Cartier Gold Ring with Siamese Ruby & Diamonds, c. 2005
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
Haute Joaillerie Precious Gold Ring with Siamese Ruby & Diamonds by Cartier, c. 2005 The workshops of the Maison Cartier create pieces of jewellery of very different kinds. Ther...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 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
Vintage Cartier Ring with 2.40 ct Coloured 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
Vintage 1990s Cartier Trinity 1.51ct Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Trinity diamond solitaire ring set in 18k yellow, white and rose gold, circa 1990s.
The ring is centrally set with a stunning round brilliant-c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
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...
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
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold Vintage Ellipse Peridot Ring 2.00ct 22.09g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A rare vintage Cartier Ellipse ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring an oval olive-green peridot in a classic, elegant setting. Dating from 1993, this distinctive piece is in e...
Peridot, 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
Vintage 1993 Cartier Mimi Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Mimi ruby and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of an oval cabochon ruby, bezel-set to the centre of a bombe-style band, pa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond And Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Daphne Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Diamond And Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 3.5mm centre diamond with F/G Colour and VVS ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Colisée 18k Gold Pavé Diamond Crossover Ring, 1995
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier Colisée ring, made from 18k gold and set with round diamonds. Two domed bands cross at the center, forming an elongated X shape...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1995 Cartier Pavé Diamond Eternity Ring, Size 52
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier pavé diamond eternity ring crafted in platinum, circa 1995.
The ring is composed of three rows of pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Destinée Wedding Band 3mm Pave in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Model: Cartier Destinée Wedding Band Pave Metal: Platinum Metal Purity: 950 Ring Width: 3mm Rin...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Vintage 18k White Gold Cocktail Bombe Ring Circa 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier Vintage Ring, capturing the essence of 1990s elegance with a bold, sculptural design. Crafted from luminous 18k white gold, this ring features an impressive bombe...
18k Gold, White 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 Juste un Clou Ring with Diamonds, Small Model in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier's iconic nail motif wraps elegantly around the finger in this Juste un Clou ring, its slender shaft curving into a sleek, open spiral. Brilliant-cut diamonds line the nail he...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18ct Tri-Colour Gold Medium Les Must Ring - Size: US 6 3/4
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold and 18ct Rose Gold Medium Les Must de Cartier Ring Product Details Brand: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Ring Product Title: 18ct White...
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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 18K Tri-Color Trinity Band Ring Size 53/6.25 #26762
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Tri-Color Trinity Band Ring Classic Cartier 18K tri-color gold Trinity band featuring three interlocking bands in yellow, white, and rose gold. A timeless, iconic design...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 Tectonic 1.35ct Diamond 18k White Gold Wedding Band, 1999 (with Box)
By Cartier
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Nine round brilliant diamonds, each in its own square housing of 18-karat white gold, nesting edge to edge so the row appears like plates meeting along a fault, hence the name "Tecto...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Double C De Cartier Tri Color Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
Vintage Cartier Tri Color Double C Ring in stunning six-band design. This iconic piece features alternating rows of 18kt rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold, showcasing Cartier's ...
18k 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 Vintage Panthere Walking Panther 18K White Yellow Gold Two-Tone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
A distinctive vintage Cartier Panthere walking panther ring dating to the 1990s, crafted in solid 18K two-tone white and yellow gold. This striking design depicts Cartier's iconic p...
White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Double Head 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size 53
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
This vintage Cartier Panthere double head ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring two sculptural panther heads facing one another in an o...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Perruque Draperie Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Perruque Draperie Ring in 18K Yellow Gold This Cartier Nouvelle Vague ring features an unusual sculptural design in 18K yellow gold. Numerous polished gold be...
Gold, 18k 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 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 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 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 Panthère de Cartier Ring – 18K Yellow Gold Size-51
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Panthère de Cartier ring is a stunning piece crafted from 18K yellow gold. It features the iconic panther motif, adorned with onyx, black lacquer, and vibrant tsavorite g...
18k Gold
1990s Cartier Entrelacés C de Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Openwork Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Cartier Entrelacés ring from the C de Cartier collection, crafted in 18k yellow gold and dating to the 1990s. The wide openwork band features a continuous pattern of interloc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Vintage Emerald Onyx Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 3/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking embodiment of Cartier's sculptural artistry, this vintage Panthere ring showcases the brand's mastery in design with its commanding presence. Crafted in solid 18k yellow ...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Cartier 18K White Gold EU 55 Trinity Diamond Roller Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Cartier Trinity ring crafted in 18K white gold, circa 1999, offering a contemporary interpretation of the Maison's iconic interlocking design. Composed of three intertwine...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 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 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
Cartier 1990's Diamond 18K Tri-Colored Gold Vintage Trinity Rolling Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring is comprised of three interlocking bands of rose, white, and yellow gold Flush set with round brilliant cut diamonds throughout each band Weighing approximately 0.30 carat total...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Menotte Rose Gold Diamond Rhodolite Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
An exceptional expression of Cartier’s bold design aesthetic, this Menotte band ring unites sculptural elegance with striking gemstone contrast. Crafted in luxurious 18k rose gold, t...
Diamond, Rhodolite, Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Trinity 18k Multitone Gold 6 Band Ring Box Certificate
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Cartier ring from the iconic Trinity collection features 6 interconnected bands crafted in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold and set with 30 brilliant-cut round D-E-F VV...
Rose Gold, White Gold, 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.