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 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
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, Solitaire 1895 Pink Gold Round Cut GIA 0.27 Carat F/VVS2 Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire 1895, Rare Pink Gold setting. Round Brilliant Cut GIA certified 0,27 Carat, F Color and VVS2 Clarity and Triple X quality. Mounted in 18K Pink Gold. Signed Cartie...
Diamond, 18k 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
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
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 3-Tone Gold Classic Model Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 3-Tone Gold Classic Model Trinity Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152564 Listing Title: Cartier 3-Tone Gold Classic Model Trinity Ring Condition Description: Louis Cartier, the ...
Cartier AGL 5.62 carat Ceylon No Heat sapphire diamond 18k gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A remarkable statement of refinement and rarity, this vintage Cartier masterpiece centers on a breathtaking 5.62 carat cushion cut sapphire of Ceylon origin, certified by AGL as unhe...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier "Corinthe" Emerald Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
A luminous expression of Cartier's design mastery, this "Corinthe" cocktail ring showcases the maison's exceptional ability to balance color, form, and light. Crafted in warm 18k yel...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring CA44-012826
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier Panthere ring is a sleek, sophisticated piece that will continually impress. The 18K Yellow Gold setting beautifully showcases the luxury brands emblematic panther motif...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Ring
By Cartier
Located in Broomall, PA
Crafted with heirloom precision and a playful spirit, this vintage Cartier ring stands apart. It boasts a 18K yellow gold slim band that draws the eye to a sculptural centerpiece whe...
Lapis Lazuli, 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, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Panthere 18k Gold Enamel Bombe Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Panthère ring from the 1980s is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features the unmistakable Panthère pattern in black enamel across its domed surface. The rep...
18k Gold, Enamel
Men’s Cartier Vendome Louis Cartier 18K Tri Color 4.8 MM Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Men’s Metal Type: 18K Tri-Color Gold Ring Size: 11 Width: 4.80 mm Weight: 7.47 grams CARTIER Men's designer made 18K tri-color gold three-row, wedding ba...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 7 54
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine deep blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use th...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier White Gold Small Model Juste Un Clou Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Small Model Juste Un Clou Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152345 Listing Title: Cartier White Gold Small Model Juste Un Clou Ring Condition Description: Translating t...
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring EU46
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
Vintage Cartier 0.30ct Round Diamond VVS Ellipse 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring. Beautiful white gold ring set with a fine 0.30ct round cut natural diamond. The diamond has very white E/F col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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 Platinum Princess Cut Eternity Band Ring 1.60 Ct. (Size 5.50)
By Cartier
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cartier Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Eternity Band Ring 1.60 Ct. - Includes Cartier Box. (Pre-Owned Size 5.50) Pre-Owned SN# 74**** Brand: Cartier. Gender: Ladies. Diamond C...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring Cartier Panthère de Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
The iconic Panthère de Cartier ring is a bold and unmistakable statement piece, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold. This dramatic design features the maison's legendary panther m...
Cartier 18K White Gold and Pave Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Cartier Ring. Crafted in luminous 18K white gold, this ring features pave set round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.50 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rare Vintage Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Band Solo Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Yellow Orange Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring with an 8mm tension set vivid yellow orange citrine. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier on...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Rose Gold Small Love Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Rose Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Width: 3.60 mm Weight: 4.38 grams Cartier, Ladies designer made polished 18K rose gold, anniversary, wed...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Wedding Band Ring Size 63
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
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond 18k Tricolor Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 51
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, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152211 Listing Title: Cartier Yellow Gold Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is the epitome of iconic, fr...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Basier Du Dragon Diamond Enamel and Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in istanbul, TR
Brand : Cartier • Model : Baiser du Dragon • Period : Modern • Ring size : 51 or 5.25 US • Resizing : Impossible • Matierial :enamel ,18k white gold • Gemstone type : Diamond • ...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Cartier Trinity 18kt Gold with Diamonds - size 49
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size: 49 Width: 0,4 cm An enduring icon of Cartier’s heritage, the Trinity ring is exquisitely crafted from three interlaced bands of 18-karat white, yellow, and rose gold, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring Cartier Reflection de Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
The Cartier "Reflection de Cartier" wedding band is a masterful contemporary design, exquisitely crafted in 18k white gold. It features a sophisticated play of light and geometry, se...
Cartier Vintage Trinity Tri Color 3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Vintage Trinity Rolling Ring Tri Color 3.3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring: Finger size 5 #48 Elevate your style with this exquisite Cartier Vintage Trinity Ring...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Ring Yellow Gold - size 63
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring width: 0,5 cm Cartier size 63 The Cartier Love Ring in Yellow Gold is a luxurious and iconic piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and watchmaker, Cartier. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Destinee Wedding Band Platinium 2.94 ct
By Cartier
Located in istanbul, TR
CARTIER DESTINÉE WEDDING BAND PLATINIUM 2.94 CT. This exquisite Cartier Destinée wedding band is crafted from 950 platinum and features ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Love Ring Yellow Gold - size 56
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring width: 0,5 cm Cartier size 56 The Cartier Love Ring in Yellow Gold is a luxurious and iconic piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and watchmaker, Cartier. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1895 Solitaire Brilliant-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum 1.12Carats
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, features a round brilliant cut diamond H color, VS1 clarity weighing 1.12 carats. The diamond has excellent polish and exc...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Trinity Ring Small Model 18K White Yellow Rose Gold Size 47 US 4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Trinity ring, small model. Crafted in 18k white, rose and yellow gold. Each band width is 2.8 mm. Ring size: 47 US 4. Total weight: 4.22 grams. Great pre-owned condition. Ori...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochon 18k Yellow Gold Colize Dome Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Deep Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine deep blue oval cabochon sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,850
Cartier Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in istanbul, TR
TRINITY RING, SMALL MODEL In 1924, Louis Cartier designed a ring formed by three intertwined moving rings. Everything about this ring was daring: the chromatic combination, the fluid...
18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Daphne Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Large Size Vintage Cartier Diamond And Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Signet Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 3.5mm centre diamond with F/G Col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Pavé Pink Sapphire & Diamond 18k Rose Gold Band Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Pavé Pink Sapphire & Diamond 18k Rose Gold Band Ring With Cartier Cert. This beautifully made ring by Cartier features a curved dome design with three rows of b...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$806Sale Price|35% Off
Cartier 1985 Platinum 3.5 Millimeter Wedding Band Size 5.25 Signed Cartier
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
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Trinity Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Cartier Trinity platinum diamond engagement ring, set with a superb 1.00 carat round brilliant-cut diamond certified by GIA. Graded E color and VVS2 clarity, the center sto...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Cartier 2.10 Carat Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic Cartier five row diamond ring in 18 karat white gold. This ring is stamped Cartier, 750 (18 karat), 294798, 53 and with French hallmarks. Siz...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Tsavorite Onyx Yellow Gold Panther Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
This Cartier tsavorite, onyx, and 18k yellow gold panther cocktail ring is an iconic expression of the house’s legendary design and craftsmanship. Featuring Cartier’s signature panth...
Onyx, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$17,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 2.28 Carat Diamond Pavé 18K White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and substantial pavé diamond band by Cartier, crafted in solid 18K white gold. The ring is set with 99 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.28 carats. The...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage CARTIER 18k 750 Tricolor Rolling Ring. Must de Cartier Trinity Band
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier Rolling Ring. Beautiful Rolling 18k Tri band ring. Hallmarked and tests 18k. Cartier made 80s Rose, White and Yellow gold. Condition: Has tiny scratches. Nothing major. Co...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Panthère de Cartier Diamond Ring – Iconic Maison Creation
By Cartier
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
A celebrated symbol of the House of Cartier, this Panthère de Cartier ring captures the spirit of strength, elegance, and sensuality that has defined the maison for over a century. I...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$33,590Sale Price|32% Off
Cartier Platinum Destinée Diamond Ring 2.31ct 5.43g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An exceptional Cartier Destinée solitaire ring crafted in platinum, featuring a magnificent cushion cut centre diamond surrounded by brilliant diamonds along the shank. Elegant and t...
Diamond, Platinum
$16,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Diamond Trinity Rolling Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold 2.50 Carats
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of elegance and symbolism, this Cartier Trinity diamond wedding band ring is masterfully crafted in 18K tri-color gold, blending yellow, white, and rose gold int...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tsavorite Garnet Twin Panther Ring 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
"Radiating iconic French elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, this vintage Cartier Panther ring showcases the unmistakable artistry of ...
Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152015 Listing Title: Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Ring Condition Description: Translating to 'just a na...
Rose Gold
Cartier Nigeria Ring Diamond Pave Eternity Band
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier Nigeria band ring, made of 18k gold, featuring diamonds. The ring features a wide diamond band fully set with pavé diamonds arr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Panthère de Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Lacquer Peridot Ring Size 53 B&P
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An iconic symbol of Cartier’s timeless elegance, this Panthère de Cartier ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features the maison’s signature open-mouth panther design. The feline...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 2.45 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier engagement ring embodies timeless Parisian elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. At its center sits a magnificent round brilliant cut diamond weighing approx...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier, 18K White Gold and Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Cartier Trinity Ring, a modern interpretation of the iconic 1924 Trinity design. Crafted in luminous 18K white gold, this ring features th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
90s Cartier Pave Diamond Heart Ring Sz 5.25 18k Yellow Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier pave diamond heart ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS1-2 clarity). The delight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Massai Panthere Ring Yellow Gold 50
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Massai Panther Ring Stones: Tsavorite Garnet, Onyx Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 50 US SIZE 5.25 UK SIZE J 3/4 Internal Diam...
Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Classic Trinity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow White and Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Representing all three gold hues is the classic Cartier Trinity Ring featuring intertwined bands of 18 karat yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. Cartier celebrates the 100th yea...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Toi & Moi Pearl Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1996
By Cartier
Located in Napoli, NA
Contemporary and nice Band Ring from Timeless Ellipse Collection. Elegant and timeless, this iconic Toi & Moi ring by Cartier features two luminous cultured pearls set in 18 karat y...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Lanieres Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size J (49)
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a meticulously designed band ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This vintage piece features a grid pattern adorned with vibrant pink sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.