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 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 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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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
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
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
$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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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
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 Brilliant cut Diamond Étincelle Triple Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant cut Diamond Etincelle Triple Band Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1709 Brand: Cartier Model: Etincelle de Cartier Ring Type: Ring RRP: £7,050 Accompanied By: Xupe...
Diamond
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 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 Panthere de Cartier ring medium with diamonds
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Cartier Panthere de Cartier medium ring 18k yellow gold, with diamonds and emeralds. Size 52 Set with 137 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 1.15 carats (for size 52) Comes with box a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Vintage Bow Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized bow motif centering a domed knot form pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.35 carats total - G/H color with VS2 clarity Flanked ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
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
Cartier 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Double C Cartier Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed yellow gold band centering a raised white gold double C motif Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.15 carat total Eye clean and bri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Cartier Art Deco Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Art Deco Cartier ring showcasing a striking AGL certified emerald cut green tourmaline measuring 17.89 x 9.72 x 6.46 mm, and ten sparkling single cut diamonds elegantly set a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
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 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
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 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
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 Tri Gold Wedding Band. Fused 18k Gold Yellow Rose White Each 3.5mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Designer: Cartier Jewelry Type: Trinity Ring / Wedding Band Style: Rolling Ring, Interlocking Band, Triple Band Design Material: 18k Yellow Gold, 18k Rose Gold, 18k ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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 French 2.00 CTW Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a prong set round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.31 carats - G color with VVS2 clarity Flanked by cathedral shoulders bead set with rows of round brilliant cut diamonds W...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Vintage Cartier Trinity de Cartier 18k Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Size 57
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
This iconic Trinity de Cartier ring is a timeless masterpiece of jewelry design. First conceived by Louis Cartier in 1924, the Trinity collection features three interlaced bands that...
18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Star Diamond Tri-Color 18 Karat Gold Rolling Band Ring Size 51
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An exquisite and rare variation of the legendary Cartier Trinity collection, this "Trinity Star" ring elevates the iconic 1924 design with a celestial touch. Crafted in 18-karat yell...
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
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
Cartier 1990's Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a square step-cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.36 carats - transparent deep blue Bezel set and flanked by transitional cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.36 carat t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Pave Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Pave Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154527 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mini Pave Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love coll...
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
Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold 4.9mm Love Band Ring sz 55
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.46 Grams Overall Width: 4.9mm (0.19") (top of the ring - north to south) Overall Height: 2mm rise off the finger Size: Size 55 Will C...
Gold, 18k Gold, 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 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 Panthère de Cartier Diamond Emerald Onyx Platinum Statement Ring Size 54
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A captivating masterpiece from the world-renowned "House of Cartier," this Panthère de Cartier ring is a symbol of power, freedom, and untamed elegance. Since its first appearance in...
Cartier Paris 18k two tone gold woven ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Paris 18k two tone gold woven ring is a striking example of the maison’s iconic craftsmanship and timeless French elegance. Crafted in luxurious 18k yellow and white gold, th...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, 1952, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to center with an octagonal step-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Love 18K White Gold Love Ring Ceramic and Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring: A Cartier love ring in eighteen white gold set with (66) round brilliant cut diamonds throughout. The total diamond weight is approximately 1.50 carats. The ring is a size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.