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 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 Maillon Panthère Triple Row Half-Paved Diamond 18K Gold Ring Band 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Maillon Panthère ring band The ring is 18K White Gold This is a triple row half-paved band There are 35 round brilliant-cut white diamonds totaling 0.53Ct E/F VVS The ring is...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and bold ring featuring a distinctive nail motif, embodying a provocative elegance. The ring is adorned with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.13 carats, thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 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 Diamond Knot 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Exude elegance and sophistication with this breathtaking Vintage Cartier Diamond Knot Ring. Crafted meticulously in 18 karat yellow gold, this remarkable piece showcases Cartier's ti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Trinity Tricolor Rolling Band Ring Size 6 #24499
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Trinity Tricolor Gold Trinity Rolling Band Ring Size 6 An iconic Cartier design featuring three interlaced bands in 18K yellow, white and rose gold. This classic rolling...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Sorbet Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 4 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Sorbet Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring, crafted in 18k white gold. Features a pear-shaped rose quartz, accented by rubies, yellow sapphires, pink tourmalines, orange garne...
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 39.0 ct. & approx. 2.80 cts diamonds total Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; E–F color, VVS–VS clarity Certifications: AGL Size: 6 Creator: Cartier Metal: Pla...
Diamond, Sapphire
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 Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and iconic ring inspired by the simplicity of a common nail, elevated to a piece of extraordinary refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold, this design is adorned with twent...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Ballerine Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
The Cartier Ballerine ring features a GIA-certified natural Round Brilliant Cut center diamond weighing 1.52 carats. The diamond is graded G color, VVS2 clarity, with Excellent cut a...
Platinum
CARTIER 5.10 Carats Diamond Nigeria Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the CARTIER approx 5.1ct TW Marked: Cartier 621273 750 52 17 Ring top 12mm. Ring size 5.75 Total Weight with Setting: 10.3 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1980s Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless vintage creation from Cartier, this 1980s ring showcases refined luxury and bold design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features a vivid cabochon-cut emerald weighing appr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$552,000Sale 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 French diamond coral chrysoprase 18k yellow gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier French diamond coral chrysoprase 18k yellow gold ring is a bold and artistic vintage design showcasing the iconic creativity and luxurious craftsmanship of Cartier. Crafted i...
Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Clash De Cartier Medium Model Ring 18K Yellow 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...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 6.60 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and luxurious Cartier ring crafted in platinum and set with an extraordinary combination of brilliant white diamonds and richly colored blue sapphires. Showcasing the refi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$240,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important Cartier 9 carat Panthère 18K Ring Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Make an unforgettable statement with the fierce sophistication of the Panthère de Cartier ring. This exquisite piece brings the Maison’s emblematic animal to life in dazzling fashion...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Clash De Cartier Small Model Paved Diamonds Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 58
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...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 1989 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Braid Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed band displaying a puffy braid motif Deeply grooved with a high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Cartier Circa: 1989 Ring Size: 5 1/2 and s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1960's 1.22 CTW Oval Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Unisex Signet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing approximately 1.22 carats - F color with VS2 clarity Flush set with a sinuous oval-shaped face surround With rounded shoulders and profile Test...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Menotte Ring 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Garnet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring: Designed as bypass ring in polished eighteen karat rose gold featuring (2) pointed cabochon cut rhodolite garnets and set with (20) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing ap...
Diamond, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Rose 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
CARTIER 5 Carats Diamond Nigeria Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the CARTIER 5.00ct diamond ring Marked: Cartier 750 52 18 630753 Ring band 13mm wide. Ring size 5.5 Total Weight : 10.7 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Out of production vintage Cartier ring crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The Cartier "CC" logo in 18k yellow gold adorns the center of the ring, with the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier Pink Heart Diamond Dinner Engagement Ring 2.02 ct.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.02 ct. Color/Clarity: Fancy Purple Pink, SI1 Certifications: GIA Size: 5.75 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 2.90 grams Period: Contemporary This Cart...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring, 4.72g
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This Cartier wedding ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and features a simple band design. It is available in a size "W" with a width of 3.3mm and weighs 4.72 grams. This ring is s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond 18k Tricolor Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Diamond 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Multi tone gold ring set with a natural round brilliant cut diamond. Fine jewellery houses like Cart...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Platinum Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald-Eyed Panther Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An icon of Cartier’s legendary design, this captivating Panther ring embodies both strength and elegance. Fashioned in platinum, the sculptural form is fully set with a dazzling arra...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
CARTIER Yellow and White Diamond, Emerald, and Onyx Panthère Head Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A fierce expression of Cartier’s most iconic emblem, this extraordinary Panthère de Cartier ring is a masterpiece of sculptural artistry and bold design. Fashioned in 18K yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Certified Heart-Shaped Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a truly rare and spectacular expression of love from the legendary House of Cartier. This exquisite "Ballerine" ring is centered around an incredibly scarce find: a GIA Cert...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$68,000
Panthère De Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, emeralds and onyx. Size - 62 / 10 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Italian 18k yellow gold blue and white enamel cigar band
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stylish vintage Cartier Italian cigar band is a bold and refined design from the 1980’s, beautifully crafted in 18k yellow gold with blue and white enamel. The wide cigar band s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
CARTIER Paris Maillon Panthère Cocktail Ring In 18Kts Gold With 2.65 Cwt Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Maillon Panthère ring with diamonds designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent vintage cocktail ring created in Paris by the legendary French jewelry house of Cartier during the l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Ellipse Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier ring from the Ellipse Collection features a rounded band measuring 4 mm wide centering around a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.25 carat. Crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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 18K White Gold and Diamond Panthère Head Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A powerful and iconic expression of Cartier’s most enduring emblem, this Panthère head ring is sculpted in 18k white gold and lavishly pavé-set with brilliant diamonds, creating a su...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Broderie de Cartier Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Broderie de Cartier Band PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152877 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Broderie de Cartier Band Condition Description: Retails f...
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
$20,760Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER New York 1935 Art Deco Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 5.16 Cwt Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is an exceptionally rare cocktail ring created by the legendary jewelry house of Cartier in New York City during the height of the A...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Ruby and Diamond 'Nigeria' Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Like a jeweled tapestry woven in passion and light, the ‘'Nigeria’ ring is a celebration of intensity and allure. Deep crimson rubies and luminous diamonds are artfully pavé-set in p...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Diamond Ellipse 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 2 fine oval brilliant cut natural diamonds. Fine jewellery houses lik...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold and Diamond Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds. Approximate Diamond Weight 8 CTS, E Color, VVS1 Clarity. 2 emerald eyes. 2 black onyx noses. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
CARTIER 'LOBI' Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A poetic expression of artistry and form, the ring enchants with its sculptural presence and hypnotic play of light. Fashioned in 18K white gold, the bold, curved surface is pavé-set...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Solid 18k Yellow Gold 5.1mm Love Band Ring Size 54 US 6
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.08 Grams Overall Width: 5.1mm (0.20") (top of the ring - north to south) Overall Height: 1.5mm rise off the finger Size: Size 54 Will...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Entrelacés C Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An iconic and sculptural band from Cartier, the Entrelacés C design celebrates the maison’s celebrated “C” motif in an elegant interplay of form, light, and negative space. Crafted i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Classic Three Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Love Classic Three Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 8.52 grams Diamonds: 3 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.23 CTW D-F VVS Width...
Diamond, 18k 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
Vintage Cartier Round 0.25ct Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring
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 0.25ct (hallmarked) natural round diamond. E/F colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love 18K Yellow Gold Love Ring 3-Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring: A Cartier love ring in eighteen karat yellow gold set with (3) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.23 carat. This model is a size 58 it measures 5.50 in w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Marrakech Diamond Bombe Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Circa - 1980's Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds Approximate Diamond Weight - 8.00 CTS Size 6.5 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Rose Gold 1895 Wedding Band 3.5mm
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K rose gold Serial: DLRXXX Size: 60 (9.25) Width: 3.5mm Weight: 5.12 grams
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panthere Maillon Diamond Eternity Band
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: 90 round cut: 1.80cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1 Serial: 866XXX Size: 56 (7.25) Weight: 10.74 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 1.9 Carat Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless icon of elegance and refinement, this authentic Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring showcases a magnificent 1.9 carat Round Brilliant Cut natural diamond set in rich 18...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold Cartier Band Ring with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold band ring with a chain link set with diamonds, signed and numbered: Cartier, NV9891, model Dona. weight: 15.85 g ring size: 17.5 mm / 7 1/4 US / 55 width: 0.8 cm
Diamond, 18k Gold
$73,875Sale Price|25% Off
GIA Certified 1.8 Carat E Internally Flawless Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant diamond engagement ring centered by a beautiful GIA certified 1.83 carat round brilliant cut diamond, graded E color and Internally Flawless clarity. The center diamond h...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CARTIER Le Ying et Le Yang Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking embodiment of harmony and duality, Le Ying et Le Yang ring presents a sculptural interplay of curves, balance, and brilliance. Realized in 18K white gold, this bold design...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 'Toi Et Moi' Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave By-Pass 'You and Me' Ring Containing One Pear-Shaped Diamond and One Pear-Shaped Emerald. Size - 5 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, Emerald, 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.