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 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 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
$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 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
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
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
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 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 Caresse d’Orchidées 18K White Gold Diamond Flower Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
From Cartier’s poetic Caresse d’Orchidées collection, this exquisite ring captures the sensual grace of orchids in full bloom. Crafted in 18K white gold, the sculptural petals are pa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 Juste Un Clou Nail Ring Small Model 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Juste Un Clou Nail Ring Small Model 18 Karat Yellow Gold Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 3.72 grams Size: 60 (9 US) Width: 1.8mm Retail: $1,480 USD TDD F35001961
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Platinum, Cushion-Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A study in balance and radiance, this exceptional ring by CARTIER is centered on a magnificent 5.11-carat cushion-cut fancy yellow diamond, its soft, sunlit hue glowing with remarkab...
Diamond, Platinum
Panthère de Cartier Black Lacquer Tsavorite Garnet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and iconic design from Cartier, this Panthère de Cartier ring is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and showcases the maison’s legendary panther motif. The sculptural panthe...
Garnet, Tsavorite, 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 Platinum Three Row Shared Prong Round Brilliant Diamond Eternity Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking Cartier platinum eternity band set with approximately 10.00 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds arranged in three continuous rows. The diamonds are mounted in a shared ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Iconic Mahango Walking Panther 18K Yellow & White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow & White Gold Ring Size: 5 Width: 11.75 mm Weight: 12.06 grams Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18k two-tone gold (yellow and...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Cartier Diamond Demi Bombe Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 5.50 cts. total Size: 7.0 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 18.30 grams Period: Contemporary Cartier Vintage Diamond Demi Bombe Ring is an iconic piece cr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
CARTIER Double C Diamond Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Cartier open ring features a 3-band design crafted in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold and completed with the iconic Double C ends set with brilliant-cut round diamonds....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1970's Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Corona Unisex Cigar Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cigar-style band intended to replicate vintage cigar band wrappers Depicting a raised portrait of Queen Victoria and text halo surround Text features the popular cigar ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
CARTIER Paris Tutti Frutti St Petersburg Ring In Platinum With Carved Gems &
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Tutti Frutti cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is an exceptional and very rare cocktail ring, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier. The fabulous colorful ri...
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
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 18ct White, Yellow and Rose Gold Small Les Must de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Cartier 18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold and 18ct Rose Gold Small Les Must de Cartier Small Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1686 Brand: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Small R...
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panther Twist Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant reinterpretation of Cartier’s iconic Panther motif, this 18K yellow gold ring features a sinuous design reminiscent of the feline’s fluid grace. Pavé-set diamonds form a r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring EU51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Cut Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Large size ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine 4mm natural round diamond. E/F co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18ct Gold Love Ring By Cartier
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 High Jewelry Panthère Sapphire Ring, Size 49 Emerald Sapphire Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier High Jewelry Panthère Sapphire Ring, Size 49
Cartier Panthère de White Gold Full Pave Diamond Sapphires Panther Ring Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier Panthère de Cartier High Jewelry White Gold Full Pave Diamond Sapphires Panther Ring Size 52
c1992 Cartier Ellipse Ruby Band Sz 6.25 Ring EU 53 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier ruby 'Ellipse' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Oval faceted ruby measures 5mm x 4mm (note: small chip to the edge of the ruby - visible under a 10x l...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Gold Diamond Triple Row Maillon Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier Maillon Panthère ring is a signature piece from the French luxury house, featuring the distinctive triple-row link design that simulates the fluid movement of the panthe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Vivid Emerald Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Emerald 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Jewellery houses like Cartier onl...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
The Ultimate Romantic Gesture: 2.00tcw Cartier Heart Diamond 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
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 153716 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is the epitome of iconic, f...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Panther Ring in 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Band
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic CARTIER Panther Ring 18k White & Yellow Gold Size 49. This stunning ring is an 18 karat white gold band and features a relief pattern a 18 karat yellow gold ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Yellow White Gold Vintage locking Loop Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two interlocking loops of yellow and white gold Completed by high polish finish and grooved shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Cartier Circa: 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Délices de Goa 18k Rose Gold Diamond Turquoise Amethyst Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier ring, circa 2007, is apart of a matching necklace set - being sold separately. The ring, size 6.25, features 18k rose gold and a cluster design of amethyst and turquoise...
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose 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, Platinum
Cartier Paris vintage dome 18k yellow gold band ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless and sophisticated creation from the legendary French jewelry house Cartier Paris, this vintage dome band ring showcases the brand’s signature balance of elegance and refin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
c2008 Cartier Inde Mysterieuse Ring Smoky Quartz Diamond 18k Gold COA Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Cartier Inde Mysterieuse ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 2008). Checkerboard faceted smoky quartz measures 9mm diamet...
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Les Must de Cartier Trinity 18k Tri-Color Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Cartier Les Must de Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow, white, and rose gold. The iconic interlocking bands symbolize love, fidelity, and friendship—one...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond 18k Tricolor Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 52
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 Vintage Vivid Yellow Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Band Solo Ring EU53
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Cartier Vivid Yellow Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring with a 6mm tension set vivid yellow orange citrine. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only ...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Emerald Vivid Green Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 47
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only us...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Emerald Shelly Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 5 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a natural round cut emerald, vivid bright green colour withsome small natural in...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Red Ruby Ellipse Oval Cut 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 2 fine deep red oval cut rubies. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Panthère de Cartier Ring 18K Yellow Gold Medium Model
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring: Designed as the iconic panther in highly polished eighteen karat yellow gold featuring (2) pear cut tsavorite garnet eyes and (1) cabochon cut onyx nose. The ring is a size...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold Ring CA01-031826
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier Panthere ring offers obvious elegance. Bold and incredibly impressive, the luxury brands symbolic animal is elevated by the 18K Yellow Gold openwork setting. A 10mm wide...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Pavé Diamond Mimi 950 Platinum Band Dome Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Pavé Diamond 950 Platinum Mimi Band Ring. This stunning ring by Cartier features a curved dome design with three rows of beautifully set Pavé diamonds going hal...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Paris Baiser Du Dragon Band Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Baiser Du Dragon ring designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful ring created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 2003. This model is part of the desirable ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Deep Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Ellipse 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring EU52
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Deep Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 2 top quality deep blue oval cut sapphires. Fine jewellery houses like Carti...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond And Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Daphne Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Diamond And Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 3.5mm centre diamond with F/G Colour and VVS ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald & Diamond Mimi 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Mimi Dome Ring. A very rare yellow gold Cartier ring set with a top grade emerald with a deep green colour and excellent ova...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Tri-tone Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: Tri-tone Serial: EOFXXX Size: 4 (46) Width: 6.40mm Weight: 3.8 grams Includes box and papers.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,898Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold Love Ring Classic Model 6.62g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An iconic Cartier Love ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring the instantly recognisable screw motif that symbolises enduring love and commitment. A timeless piece from Cartier’s most celebrated collection, in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Carat: N/A Colour: N/A Clarity: N/A Cut: N/A Weight: 6.62g Engravings/Markings: Signed Cartier 59...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Gypsy Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage Cartier gypsy ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and bezel-set with a round brilliant E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamond and a pair of round rubies. Made in France circa 1980...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1985 Platinum Wedding Band, Size 5.25, PT950, 3.5mm Width
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier 1985 Platinum Wedding Band is a beautiful and timeless piece of jewelry that features a classic design and high-quality materials. The band is made from platinum, which is one of the most durable and precious metals used in jewelry...
Platinum
CARTIER Pasha Ring, Multi Stone
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous 18K Yellow Gold Pasha Collection Ring with 9 Multi Colored Semi Precious Stones. Square and Triangle Shaped Gemstones Including Pink and Yellow Tourmalines, Amethysts, Red G...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Wedding Band Size 54
By Cartier
Located in istanbul, TR
This is a beautiful 18k yellow gold Cartier love wedding band that features the traditional Cartier screw engravings. The ring is stamped Cartier 750 with serial numbers. The band me...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage Diamond Bombé Dress Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1990
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Vintage Diamond Bombé Dress Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold Description: A vintage diamond dress ring by Cartier, 1990. Designed in bold bombé form, the sculptural surface is pavé s...
White Diamond, 18k 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.