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.
$6,221Sale Price|25% Off
1994 Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Ring Vintage Size 7.75
By Cartier
Located in Conroe, TX
A striking vintage Cartier ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vibrant geometric arrangement of a square-cut ruby framed by pear-cut emeralds and sapphire accents. The...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER White Gold Stella Diamond Ring - Size 50
By Cartier
Located in Bellevue, WA
Details: Size 50 950 Platinum Stone Count: 3 Stone Shape: Round Brilliant IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned piece. We have made every effort to accurately describe and...
1991 Cartier Carved Aquamarine Diamond Ring Sz 6 EU 52 Band 18k Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier carved aquamarine & diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1991). Carved aquamarines measure 6mm x 3.5mm, accented with three diamonds totaling an esti...
White Diamond, Diamond, Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier 1999 18k Yellow Gold Square Modernist Ring Size 5
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Modernist Ring by Cartier Features Beautifully Sculpted Square Plaque in Sugarloaf Style Hallmarks, Date, and Serial Number Inscribed on Interior of Ring Dimensions ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Tri-Gold Trinity Ring Classic Model 4 mm Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Cartier Trinity Ring Features Three Interlocking 18k Gold Rings - One Rose, One White, One Yellow French Size 52 (US Size 6) Classic Model - Each Band 4 mm Wide Total Mass =...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Monture Cartier Vintage Aquamarine Solitaire Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Size 7.5
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Monture Cartier Ring Features Appx 22.80 ct Aquamarine in 18k Yellow Gold Prong Setting Appx 0.80 ct Diamond and 1.20 ct Sapphire Accents Total Mass = 13.30 grams Featured i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Vivid Ruby Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Ruby 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid red ruby. Looks much brighter and more vivid in per...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Deep Red Ruby Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cut Solitaire Ring 47
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Deep Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a deep red ruby. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use the finest of gems...
Ruby, Gold, 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
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring EU47
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 4mm natural round diamond. E/F colour VVS1 clarit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Pave Diamond Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Iconic pre-loved Cartier love ring, pave set with round brilliant cut Diamonds, crafted in 18ct rose gold, size 56. The Love collection with its iconic screw motif design is one of ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold and approx 2.5 Carat Tanzanite Cocktail Ring, Dated 1993
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This dramatic Cartier ring's design centres around an approximately 2.5 carat oval cut tanzanite. The deep blue of the tanzanite is accentuated by the rich yellow gold. Marked with i...
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cartier Ring with Rubies Circa 1992
By Cartier
Located in Sewickley, PA
A timeless Cartier 18K yellow gold ruby band ring featuring a sleek, polished rounded profile accented by flush set round rubies spaced evenly around the band. The vivid natural rubi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier French Coral Chrysoprase Ring Diamond Accented 18K Yellow Gold 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier French Coral Chrysoprase Ring Diamond Accented 18K Yellow Gold 1990s This Cartier ring is made in 18K yellow gold and centers on an oval coral cabochon displaying a soft sal...
Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Nigeria 18K White Gold 5.50ct Diamond Ring CA23-060426
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier Nigeria ring will continually catch the light. Covered in Diamonds with a total weight of 5.50 carats, it will make a sparkling statement every time its worn. Set in 18K...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1992 Cartier Colisee Sapphire Ring Sz 6.75 EU 54 Band 18k Yellow Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Colisee sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Cabochon cut sapphire measures 05mm x 3.5mm. The delightful ring highlights a cabochon cut sapphir...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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 Le Baiser Du Dragon Falcon's Eye 18k White Gold Men's Ring Size 56 7.5
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Bold and enigmatic, the Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Falcon’s Eye Ring reinterprets masculine elegance through the lens of Cartier’s iconic symbolism. Crafted in luminous 18k white go...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2000s Cartier Trinity Three-Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
A true icon of twentieth-century jewelry design, the Cartier Trinity ring remains one of the Maison's most enduring and recognizable creations. This elegant example from the 2000s fe...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring: Designed as a bypass ring in polished eighteen karat yellow gold featuring two of the maison's iconic panthère heads the eyes set with (4) round tsavorite garnets and decor...
Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Nigeria 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Nigeria 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring This authentic Cartier Nigeria collection ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a stunning array of round brilliant ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Cartier ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, fully assayed, and showcases a refined and timeless design centered around a vivid natural ruby composition. The r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s C de Cartier Pear Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier C de Cartier diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1980-1990.
The ring is composed of an elegant openwork design, set with pear-shaped and rou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Statement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking expression of Cartier’s iconic Panthère aesthetic, this Cartier Panthère ring is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with an exceptional array of natural diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Triple Gold Ring - size 67
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 67 cm Cartier Trinity Ring: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Emotion First introduced in 1924 by the legendary French jeweler Louis Cartier, the Cartier Trinity Rin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Cartier Love Ring Classic Model Paved With 6 Diamonds 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
The LOVE collection began with the iconic bracelet created in New York in 1969. An expression of Cartier's design vision, this oval bracelet can be identified by its radical, innovat...
Diamond, Gold, White 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 Trinity Tri-Color Gold Diamond Wedding Band Ring 2.50 CTW 18K
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...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier Vintage 18k Tri-Gold Trinity Ring Ribbed Size 6 Gorgeous!
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Vintage Cartier Trinity Ring Features 3 Interlocked 2 mm Ribbed Gold Bands One White, One Yellow, One Rose Size ~6 Total Mass = 4.4 grams Ring is in Good Vintage Condition. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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 Love Ring 18kt Yellow Gold - size 55
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 55 Ring width: 0,5 cm 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
$58,232Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Diamond Trinity Ruban Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier Trinity Ruban solitaire ring is a masterpiece of modern luxury, meticulously crafted from lustrous 950 platinum. At its he...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Pavé Ring in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pure brilliance, sculpted into form. Created by Cartier in the 1990s, this striking ring transforms the classic pavé setting into an exercise in effortless refinement. Crafted in 18K...
Diamond, White Gold
The Cartier 1895 engagement ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
The Cartier 1895 engagement ring is a timeless expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Designed in the iconic solitaire setting, it perfectly showcases a stunning round brilliant-c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Large Size Cartier Blue Aquamarine Square Cushion Cut 18k White Gold Tank Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Fine Blue Aquamarine 18 Karat White Gold Large 8mm Tank Ring. Stunning white gold ring with a large 8mm tension set fine blue aquamarine. These sizes of the tank rin...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Paris Sapphire Diamond Ring French 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Paris Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold This Cartier Paris ring features a 1.4 carat cabochon-cut blue sapphire set within a field of approximately 1.0 carat...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Maillon Panthere Full Diamond White Gold Ring 52
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous authentic Cartier 3-row band from the iconic Maillon Panthere collection is crafted in 18k white gold and fully set with brilliant-cut D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds. Made in...
Diamond, White Gold
$47,732Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 3 Carat Diamond Panthère de Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding the iconic elegance of the Maison, this remarkable Panthère de Cartier ring is masterfully crafted in lustrous 18k yellow gold. The design centers on the signature panther mo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Modernist Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form with concave honeycomb-like sections Featuring a hammered texture throughout With high polish accents and shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully sign...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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 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
$45,252Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 5 Carat Diamond Nigeria Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding opulence and timeless sophistication, this rare Cartier "Nigeria" band ring is a true masterpiece of haute joaillerie. Meticulously crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold, this...
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
$25,152Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Diamond Tricolor Gold Flexible Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Embodying the iconic spirit of the Maison, this authentic Cartier Panthère de Cartier ring is a masterful blend of elegance and flexible engineering. Expertly crafted in a stunning t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,960Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 4 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite vintage statement ring by Cartier is a masterclass in luxury design, showcasing a sophisticated architectural silhouette crafted in radiant 18k yellow gold. The piece ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier C de Cartier Diamond Enamel Ring 18K White Gold Size 55
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302153 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2002 Model Cartier C de Serial Number BA92** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond, Enamel Weight 13.28 g Ring Size 55 Condition Exc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Cartier Pink Heart Diamond Dinner Engagement Ring 2.02ct
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 Condition:...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,596Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Baiser du Dragon Diamond Enamel 18k White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning Cartier Baiser du Dragon ring is a masterclass in luxury jewelry design, showcasing an intricate architectural aesthetic that captures the brand's legendary artistry. C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
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
$30,720Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond C de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exude timeless sophistication with this exquisite, authentic C de Cartier solitaire engagement ring. Meticulously crafted from high-polish platinum, this refined piece features a mag...
Diamond, Platinum
$14,980Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Etincelle Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier Etincelle eternity band ring is a stunning example of timeless luxury, meticulously crafted in radiant 18k yellow gold. The piece is set with a continuous row ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18K Tri-Gold Trinity Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless icon of French jewelry design, this Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in 18K tri-color gold and showcases the Maison’s celebrated interlocking motif. Created in 1924, the Tr...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère Half-Pavé Ring in 18K Gold with 0.68ct Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
The panther, Cartier's iconic symbol since 1914, embodies fierce elegance and timeless sophistication. This small Panthère de Cartier ring captures the legendary spirit that Jeanne T...
Diamond
CARTIER Trinity Ring, 18k Gold with 0.99ct Pavé Diamonds, France
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
CARTIER Trinity ring in 18k three-tone gold with diamonds. Condition: very good. Size: 52. Width of the design: 4 mm. Diamond weight: 0.96 carats. Total weight: 15.85 gr. Hallmarks: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Double Dolphin 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luminous 18-karat yellow gold, two elegantly intertwined dolphins meet in a graceful embrace, creating a dynamic composition that feels both playful and sophisticated. Th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Ruby Daphne 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Domed Ring EU52
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Diamond & Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Daphne Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 4mm centre diamond with F/G Colour and VVS cl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Double Heart Ring 18K White & Rose Gold Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33302145 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2005 Model B4063952 Serial Number FG56** Metal 18k Rose Gold, 18k White Gold Weight 4.9 g Ring Size 52 Condition Excellent Other I...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Diamond Reflection Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A truly stunning ring from Cartier's Reflection collection. The ring is crafted in 18ct white gold and set with an alternate pattern of round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds. It ...
Diamond, 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.