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
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
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 w...
Emerald, 18k Gold
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
Vintage Panthère de Cartier Double Headed Panther Ring, Size 54
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A striking vintage Panthère de Cartier double-headed panther ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is designed as two opposing panther heads wrapping around the finger, s...
Garnet, Onyx, 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 Perruque 18k Yellow Gold Beaded Dome Ring with Paper & Box Size 4.5
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Perruque Era: 1999 Material: 18k yellow gold Measurements: Approximately 32mm across × 19mm high Ring Size: US 4.5 / EU 48 Weight: 36.9 grams Hallmarks: Stamped Cartier 750 M50711 48 Cartier 1999 Includes: Cartier paper and box Only one available! This authentic vintage Cartier Perruque...
18k Gold, Yellow 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 ...
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 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
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 18k Gold Ruby Ellipse Bypass Band Ring, 1995
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier ring in 18k yellow gold, set with two oval rubies in a bypass design. This crossover shape leaves the ring open at the top, a look tied to Cartier's ellipse-style designs from this era. The inside is signed Cartier, numbered, stamped 750 with the French eagle's head hallmark, and dated 1995. It works well as an everyday ring or a small statement piece for anyone drawn to Cartier's vintage catalog. Good fit for collectors of estate Cartier jewelry or anyone searching for an authentic Cartier ruby ring...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Toi et Moi Akoya Pearl Bypass Ring Size 7 EU 54
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Toi et Moi Bypass Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 54 E07207 Pearls: Two Akoya cultured pearls, approximately 7 mm each Design: Bypass ring set with two cultured pearls Measurements: Front approximately 14 mm across × 13 mm wide Band Thickness: Approximately 4 mm Ring Size: US 7 / EU 54 Weight: 15.4 grams Condition: Pre-owned in great original condition. This authentic Cartier Toi et Moi ring...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier French Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Double C Entrelaces Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band with a pierced and grooved double C motif Bead set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.44 carat total - G color with VS2 cla...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Coral Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 5 EU 49
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Coral & Diamond Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 49 128369 Gemstones: Coral and diamonds Diamonds: Approximately 0.06 carats tota...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Elegant Cartier Ring Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Elegant Cartier ring crafted in 18K yellow gold (750‰), weighing 6.8 grams, featuring the Maison's iconic interpretation of the classic link motif. The open rectangular link is pavé-...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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 Amulette de Cartier Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Approximately 0.02 carats Size: EU 53 (US 6.5) Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: 6.02 grams Period: Modern Cartier’s “Amulette de Cartier” ring...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier LOVE Band Ring Classic Model in 18 Karat Rose Gold, Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This timeless band features Cartier's celebrated LOVE design, its clean, rounded silhouette marked by the signature screw motif that has made this collection instantly recognizable. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Puff Dome 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size US 5.75 EU 51
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Puff Dome Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 1992 750 51 B99000 Design: Sculptural puff dome band with a smooth polished fini...
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
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
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 ...
$52,167,637
Cartier 0.46 Carat Diamond Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This platinum piece features a GIA certified clean-cut bright white round b...
Diamond, Platinum
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 Trinity Triple Gold Ring - size 58
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 58cm Cartier Trinity Ring: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Emotion First introduced in 1924 by the legendary French jeweler Louis Cartier, the Cartier Trinity Ring...
White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Platinum 1895 Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: platinum Serial: VE7119 Size: 59 (9.0) Dimensions: the ring measures 3.5mm wide Weight: 6.96 grams
Platinum
Cartier Emerald Stack Band Ring 18k Tri-Color Gold w/Certificate Size US 6 EU 52
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Emerald Stack Band Ring Material: 18k yellow, rose, and white gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 52 1995 D42765 Gemstones: Natural emerald Design: Thre...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, 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 Panthère 18K Gold Tsavorite Garnet & Onyx Ring, Size 51
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
A Panthère de Cartier ring crafted in 18-karat gold and designed as a sculptural panther wrapping around the finger. The panther’s head is accented with vivid tsavorite garnet eyes a...
Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Estate Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring Set with Original Box - VHK#108
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring Set with Original Box - VHK#108 Item Details Brand: Cartier Year: Circa 1947 Serial Number: 06638 Engraving: “Michel - La Verne 3...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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...
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 Agrafe Diamond 18k Pink Gold Ring w/Papers Size 4 EU 47
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Agrafe Material: 18k pink gold Hallmarks: Cartier 47 AYR017 Au 750 Gemstones: Round brilliant diamonds Design: Buckle-inspired Agrafe motif accented with diamonds Ring Size: US 4 / EU 47 Includes: Cartier polishing/service paperwork documenting service performed by Cartier Condition: Pre-owned in excellent condition. This authentic Cartier Agrafe ring...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER Vintage Double C Logo Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous vintage Cartier ring from the iconic C de Cartier collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a double C logo motif set with round diamonds. Made in France ci...
Diamond, 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
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
Cartier 18 Karat Gold Diamond "Panthère Griffe" Ring, 2000s
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
Exquisite 18 karat yellow gold and diamond "Panthère Griffe" ring by Cartier, 2000s. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and diamonds, cross-over ring of geometric design in which overl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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 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 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...
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
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 Love Yellow gold 3 Diamond Love rong 61
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier 3 Diamond Yellow gold 3 Diamond Iconic Love ring Undeniably one of the most Iconic designs of the 70s. Cartier’s Screw motif has become a symbol of external Love. Signed ...
Diamond, 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 Trinity Classic Tri-Color 18k Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 10 EU 64
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Trinity Classic Interlocking Three-Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold Hallmarks: Cartier 64 KRN973 Au750 Design: Thre...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Rose Gold Slim Panther Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Rose Gold Slim Panther Ring, size 52. Purchased in 2023, comes with original box and warranty card. Perfect for personal wear or gifting.
Cartier Beautés Du Monde White Gold Diamond Rubellite Onyx Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
A rare and dramatic creation from Cartier’s Beautés du Monde collection, this exceptional ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and showcases a captivating combination of hig...
Diamond, Onyx, Rubelite, White 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 Juste un Clou Classic Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Cert Size 10 EU 62
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Juste un Clou Diamond Ring Classic Model Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 62 DIT845 Au750 Gemstones: diamonds 0.13 carats Design: I...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1999 Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
A distinctive expression of Cartier's contemporary creativity, this Nouvelle Vague ring dates to 1999 and reflects the Maison's celebrated ability to transform simple forms into time...
18k Gold, Yellow 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 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
$11,060Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Tank Française 18k White Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This sophisticated Cartier Tank Française band ring is an iconic representation of the Maison's architectural aesthetic, drawing direct inspiration from the legendary Tank watch coll...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
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.