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 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
Vintage Cartier Paris French 18k Gold Turquoise & Diamond Handmade Swirl Ring
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Turquoise - Round Cabochon - Prong Set - Natural Variation in Color - 5.5mm (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Turquoises - Round Cabochon - Prong Set -...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 18K Tri-Color Gold Trinity Rolling Ring Size 59 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow, White, and Rose Gold Cartier Trinity Rolling Ring Size 59, Medium Model, one of Cartier's most iconic and enduring creations. Originally designed by Louis Cartier in 1924...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier circa 1930 Cocktail Ring w/ GIA 5ct D/VS1 Old European-Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 5.02 Carat D/VS1 Old European-Cut Diamond Ring A magnificent and exceptionally rare diamond ring centered by a 5.02-carat natural old European-cut diamond, graded D color and...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Lanieres 18k White Gold 3mm Wide Band Ring Size 52-US 6
By Cartier
Located in South Pasadena, CA
For your consideration here is Cartier Lanieres 18k White Gold 3mm Wide Band Ring Size 52-US 6. It's in very good condition with box. This ring is ready to wear or gift, size 6, 3mm ...
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
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a top quality natural vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier ...
Sapphire, Blue 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
Cartier Vintage 18k Tri-Gold Trinity Ring Ribbed Size 6 Gorgeous!
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Cartier Trinity Ring Features 3 Interlocked 2 mm Ribbed Gold Bands One White, One Yellow, One Rose Size ~6 Total Mass = 4.4 grams Ring is in Good Vintage Condition. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Destinee PT950 Platinum Cushion 1 Carat Diamond Ring with Halo Setting
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Ring, PT950 platinum with halo setting, size 52. Center stone: 1.11ct, Color F, Clarity VVS1. Purchased in 2018. Complete with original box, warranty...
Cartier 18 Karat Coral Engraved Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
CARTIER 18 carat yellow Gold engraved ring with two Coral cabochons CARTIER Engraved Ring in 18 kt yellow Gold setting two Coral Cabochons. Gross weight: 18.4 g Diameter: 16.25 Fren...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1999 18k Yellow Gold Square Modernist Ring Size 5
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Modernist Ring by Cartier Features Beautifully Sculpted Square Plaque in Sugarloaf Style Hallmarks, Date, and Serial Number Inscribed on Interior of Ring Dimensions ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Monture Cartier Vintage Aquamarine Solitaire Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Size 7.5
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Monture Cartier Ring Features Appx 22.80 ct Aquamarine in 18k Yellow Gold Prong Setting Appx 0.80 ct Diamond and 1.20 ct Sapphire Accents Total Mass = 13.30 grams Featured i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 7 Row Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed by Cartier, from their Trinity collection Each band measures 1.5 mm Size 48 (US 3 1/2)
18k Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthere Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Cartier 2.5mm wide Size 8
18k Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Rainbow Gemstone Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Rose Gold Rainbow Gemstone Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 156901 Listing Title: Cartier Rose Gold Rainbow Gemstone Love Ring Condition Description: Since Louis-François Cart...
Vintage Cartier Vivid Ruby Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Ruby 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid red ruby. Looks much brighter and more vivid in per...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love 6 Pink Sapphire 18k Pink Gold Band Ring w/Paper Size US 6 EU 52
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Love Pink Sapphire Band Ring Material: 18k pink gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 52 OH2148 Gemstones: Six natural pink sapphires approximately 2mm eac...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier vintage 14k yellow gold bombe fluted dome ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier ring showcases the maison's signature bombe silhouette, its domed form rippling with clean, fluted lines that catch the light with quiet sophistication. Crafted ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring EU47
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Cut Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine 4mm natural round diamond. E/F colour VVS1 clarit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1992 Cartier Colisee Sapphire Ring Sz 6.75 EU 54 Band 18k Yellow Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Colisee sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Cabochon cut sapphire measures 05mm x 3.5mm. The delightful ring highlights a cabochon cut sapphir...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold LOVE Ring 6.34g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A timeless Cartier LOVE ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring the Maison’s iconic screw motif that has become an enduring symbol of commitment and enduring love. Elegant and in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Panthère de Onyx Tsavorite Garnet Yellow Gold Ring 53
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 a double panther head design accented with a black onyx...
Tsavorite, Onyx, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Pave Diamond Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Iconic pre-loved Cartier love ring, pave set with round brilliant cut Diamonds, crafted in 18ct rose gold, size 56. The Love collection with its iconic screw motif design is one of ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Dinh Van 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Ankh Wrap Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as double wrapped coiled bypass style ring Terminating as an abstracted spiraling ankh motif With high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully signed Dinh Van...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vtg Meli Melo Platinum and Diamond & Gemstone Ring Size 54 c 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous & Unique Cartier Ring. The Meli Melo design features variously polished and faceted gemstones bezel-set in 950 platinum. The design incorporates aquamarine, pink tourmaline,...
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, Tourmaline, Mandarin Garnet, Platinum
Cartier C De Cartier Limited edition 150 anniversary rose gold and diamond ring
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier C De Cartier rose gold Limited edition 150th Anniversary diamond ring For every Cartier Lover, this iconic ring is a classic and must have for every jewellery wearer. The...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Interlocking Double Band Ring Sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating Cartier Vintage Double Band Ring, embodying timeless elegance. Crafted in France circa 1994, this ring features two substantial interlocking bands, one in 18k yellow g...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Contessa 18k 750 Yellow Gold Ring. Cartier Diamond and Emerald Band
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier Contessa Collection Eternity Band 18k Yellow Gold with 3p Diamond Center set with Princess Cut Emeralds on the side. Condition: Excellent. Has not been Polished Details: 4...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2000s Cartier Trinity Three-Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
A true icon of twentieth-century jewelry design, the Cartier Trinity ring remains one of the Maison's most enduring and recognizable creations. This elegant example from the 2000s fe...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Medium Model Clash de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Rose Gold Medium Model Clash de Cartier Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 155870 Listing Title: Cartier Rose Gold Medium Model Clash de Cartier Ring Condition Description: Since L...
Rose Gold
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
18k White Gold GIA 15.79ct Tourmaline Ring and 108.75ctw Aquamarine Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold GIA 15.79ct Tourmaline Ring and 108.75ctw Aquamarine Geometric Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Style: 18k White Gold GIA Certified Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Ring a...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 3-Tone Gold Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 3-Tone Gold Diamond Trinity Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z156294 Listing Title: Cartier 3-Tone Gold Diamond Trinity Ring Condition Description: Louis Cartier, the founder's gra...
Gold
Cartier 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Modernist Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form with concave honeycomb-like sections Featuring a hammered texture throughout With high polish accents and shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully sign...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Snake Ring Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Accents
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier 18K Snake Ring Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Accents This Cartier snake ring is made in 18K yellow gold and designed as a coiled serpen...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Cartier French Coral Chrysoprase Ring Diamond Accented 18K Yellow Gold 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier French Coral Chrysoprase Ring Diamond Accented 18K Yellow Gold 1990s This Cartier ring is made in 18K yellow gold and centers on an oval coral cabochon displaying a soft sal...
Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s C de Cartier Pear Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier C de Cartier diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1980-1990.
The ring is composed of an elegant openwork design, set with pear-shaped and rou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold and approx 2.5 Carat Tanzanite Cocktail Ring, Dated 1993
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This dramatic Cartier ring's design centres around an approximately 2.5 carat oval cut tanzanite. The deep blue of the tanzanite is accentuated by the rich yellow gold. Marked with i...
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Triple Gold Ring - size 67
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 67 cm Cartier Trinity Ring: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Emotion First introduced in 1924 by the legendary French jeweler Louis Cartier, the Cartier Trinity Rin...
Gold, 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: 156172 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is the epitome of iconic, f...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring 18kt Yellow Gold - size 55
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 55 Ring width: 0,5 cm The Cartier Love Ring in Yellow Gold is a luxurious and iconic piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and watchmaker, Cartier. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Tri-Tone Round Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K yellow, White, and rose gold Serial: XNP181 Diamonds: 106 round cut= 0.46cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Dimensions: each ring measures 2.5mm wide Size: 53...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Size Cartier Blue Aquamarine Square Cushion Cut 18k White Gold Tank Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Fine Blue Aquamarine 18 Karat White Gold Large 8mm Tank Ring. Stunning white gold ring with a large 8mm tension set fine blue aquamarine. These sizes of the tank rin...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Cartier Tri-Color Gold Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed by Cartier Circa 1988 Size 6 1/4 Comes with its Certificate of Authenticity
18k Gold
$441,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 7.5 Carat Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Cartier diamond ring crafted in platinum (PT950) and centered with a magnificent 7.5 carat natural cushion brilliant cut diamond. The diamond is GIA certified, graded...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Onyx and Tsavorite Small Model Panthere de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Onyx and Tsavorite Small Model Panthere de Cartier Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 156917 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Onyx and Tsavorite Small Model Panthere de...
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Falcon's Eye 18k White Gold Men's Ring Size 56 7.5
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Bold and enigmatic, the Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Falcon’s Eye Ring reinterprets masculine elegance through the lens of Cartier’s iconic symbolism. Crafted in luminous 18k white go...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$14,080Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 2.28 Carat Diamond Pavé 18K White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and substantial pavé diamond band by Cartier, crafted in solid 18K white gold. The ring is set with 99 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.28 carats. The...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,768Sale Price|24% Off
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Diamond Wedding Band Ring 2.50 CTW 18K
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of elegance and symbolism, this Cartier Trinity diamond wedding band ring is masterfully crafted in 18K tri-color gold, blending yellow, white, and rose gold int...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier yellow gold full diamond set Love ring 4mm wide
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier diamond Love ring in 18ct yellow gold. The band diamond set throughout with 88 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.31ct punctuated by screw motifs, Cartie...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring Classic Model Paved With 6 Diamonds 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
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, innovat...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold 1.15ct Diamond Ring CA05-060326
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The luxury brands iconic panther makes a statement on this exquisite Cartier Panthere ring. An alluring symbol of strength, this pieces 18K Yellow Gold setting beautifully showcases ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Nigeria 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Nigeria 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring This authentic Cartier Nigeria collection ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a stunning array of round brilliant ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Clash De Cartier Medium Model Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 60
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Clash de Cartier reinvigorates the Maison’s aesthetic heritage. Studs, beads, and clous carrés create the singular geometric moving mesh of this signature jewelry piece. Details: Br...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$140,800Sale 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 Panthere Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold Tsavorite Panther Head Band
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Wild, untamed, and eternally elegant, the panther has been the sacred icon of the House of Cartier since 1914. This breathtaking 'Panthère de Cartier' Diamond Ring is a mesmerizing w...
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An elegant and timeless jewel by the legendary house of Cartier. This classic eternity band ring is beautifully mastercrafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold, hosting a seamless, unbro...
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.