Cartier Rings
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.
20th Century French Retro Cartier Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1990s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Platinum
2010s French Cartier Rings
Platinum
Late 20th Century French Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Modern Cartier Rings
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Modern Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Modern Vintage Cartier Rings
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modern Cartier Rings
Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
White Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modernist Cartier Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1990s Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s French Modernist Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cartier Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Rings
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold
1990s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s American Artisan Vintage Cartier Rings
18k Gold
1970s French Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Cartier Rings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s European Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Rings
Platinum
1990s French Modernist Cartier Rings
Carnelian, Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century French Cartier Rings
Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s European Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cartier Rings
Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Cartier Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century North American Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian Modern Cartier Rings
Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Cartier Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s French Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
20th Century French Modern Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Art Deco Cartier Rings
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
1970s French Modernist Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shop Antique and Vintage Rings, Cocktail Rings, Art Deco Rings and Other Rings on 1stDibs
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.
Creators Similar to Cartier
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier logo?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Cartier is special for at least a few reasons. The French luxury brand is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world.
Cartier has helped create style trends over the course of its long history, including playing a prominent role in defining Art Deco jewelry. The brand designed one of the first modern wristwatches for men — the Santos de Cartier — and its Panthère motif and Love bracelet are universally renowned among lovers of fine jewelry.
Additionally, it should come as no surprise that Cartier engagement rings are among the most desirable on the jewelry market for those hoping to be betrothed. The house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds.
Find Cartier jewelry for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Cartier the same as Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024Why it is called the Cartier Crash relates to the unique shape of the watch. The case and dial of the timepiece have a smashed, wavy appearance, similar to what a watch might look like if it were smashed or crushed in a crash or collision. There are various stories of how this imaginative design came into being. Some people claim that the designers Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emmerson got the idea for the timepiece after a customer brought in a damaged watch for repair. Another theory is that the prominent melting clock in Salvador Dalí's painting The Persistence of Memory served as the inspiration. Shop a variety of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Cartier worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024How much a Cartier is worth varies. Many Cartier pieces do appreciate in value over time, but their potential selling prices depend on their age, style, type, availability and other factors. The condition also greatly impacts value, and there can be variability between very similar pieces. For example, one 1930 Tutti Frutti fetched $1.34 million at an auction in 2020, but a simpler one sold for $508,000 in 2023. Because it can be difficult to estimate the value of a piece on your own, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Shop a wide variety of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier gold worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Many jewelry lovers believe that Cartier gold is worth it. For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among existing and aspirational clients. Its internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which features colorful carved gemstones inspired by founder Jacques Cartier’s trip to India; 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. Like all of its pieces, Cartier gold jewelry is finely crafted, and you can choose from 18-karat white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Cartier gold jewelry is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Cartier jewelry and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024There is no definitive answer to the question of which is cheaper, Rolex or Cartier. Some entry-level Cartier watches do tend to have lower starting price points than some Rolex watches. However, both makers offer a wide variety of watches, so it's not accurate to say that Cartier is always the cheaper option. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Cartier and Rolex watches.
- What is Pasha de Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Pasha de Cartier is a watch introduced by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier in 1985. Today, the watch features an automatic movement and is available with various leather and bracelet bands. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Pasha de Cartier watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The Cartier Tank is so popular for several reasons. Many people like its unique shape, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. Others appreciate its long history since it was released in 1918. Over the years, some models have featured details that further appeal to collectors. For example, the Tank Divan is notable for its striking rectangular case that is situated horizontally. The Roman numerals on its watch face are elongated, stretching to fit its unusual proportions. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Cartier Tank watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What a Cartier bracelet symbolizes varies from piece to piece. With its screw motif, the Love bracelet represents the enduring nature of true love, while the three types of gold featured in the Trinity bracelet stand for love, fidelity and friendship. Translating to "just a nail" in English, the Juste un Clou bracelet is sometimes associated with simplicity and modernity. Find a large collection of Cartier bracelets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Sometimes, Cartier sunglasses are called buffs. This name comes from the fact that Cartier was the first major eyewear designer to use rare buffalo horn as a material for crafting eyeglass and sunglass frames. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier sunglasses.
- Are Cartier diamonds real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, Cartier diamonds are real. The French luxury jewelry maker follows stringent standards when selecting the diamonds that go into its pieces. For example, the central brilliant cut diamonds in Cartier rings that are over 0.3 carats in weight must be classified as Very Good or Excellent to be used by the brand, and Cartier rarely chooses diamonds with clarity ratings below VS2 or color ratings below H. Shop a selection of Cartier diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs. - Are all Cartier rings gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, not all Cartier rings are gold. Although the luxury jewelry maker produces many white, rose and yellow gold pieces, some rings are platinum. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier rings.