Cartier Rings
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.
1980s Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
Amethyst, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Rose Gold
2010s French Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Vintage Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Cartier Rings
Emerald, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century French Cartier Rings
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
18k Gold
20th Century French Cartier Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Late 20th Century French Cartier Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 2000s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1970s French Modernist Vintage Cartier Rings
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
White Gold
2010s Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Gold
2010s French Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
White Gold
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Cartier Rings
Blue Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Rings
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Rings
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cartier Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cartier Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Rings
White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
2010s French Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
2010s French Cartier Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Rings
Shop Antique and Vintage Rings, Cocktail Rings, Art Deco Rings and Other Rings on 1stDibs
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 Bvlgari 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.
Creators Similar to Cartier
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Sometimes, Cartier sunglasses are called buffs. This name comes from the fact that Cartier was the first major eyewear designer to use rare buffalo horn as a material for crafting eyeglass and sunglass frames. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier sunglasses.
- What is the famous Cartier ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023While the luxury jewelry maker has produced many iconic pieces, the Trinity de Cartier ring is perhaps its most famous. The Trinity debuted in 1924 and features interlocking rings in rose, yellow and white gold. Shop a collection of Cartier rings from top jewelers around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What Cartier watch is the most famous is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some well-known watches produced by the French luxury brand include the Tank Solo, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier, the Tank Anglaise, the Crash and the Clé De Cartier. Find a selection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the Cartier Ecrou?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Unnamed designers working for Cartier designed the Cartier Ecrou bracelet. They based the design for the jewelry released in 2017 on that of the Juste un Clou that Aldo Cipullo created for the brand in 1971. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier Ecrou bracelets.
- How do I wear Cartier earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to wear Cartier earrings depends on your personal preferences. Small hoops and studs can balance chunky statement necklaces, while dramatic drops and oversized hoops can become the bold focal point of an outfit. Shop a variety of Cartier earrings on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier a luxury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Cartier cheaper in Paris?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cartier pieces may be cheaper in Paris than they are in the U.S., but that's because of the exchange rate. Cartier doesn't price the pieces depending on the country.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, the Cartier Santos watch is not discontinued as of December 2021. The luxury watchmaker did discontinue the watch in 2016 but then revived the line in 2018 to celebrate the watch's 40th anniversary. You'll find a variety of Cartier Santos watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Pasha de Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Pasha de Cartier is a watch introduced by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier in 1985. Today, the watch features an automatic movement and is available with various leather and bracelet bands. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Pasha de Cartier watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023While the Panthère de Cartier watch collection was initially launched in 1983, Cartier included panther spots (and only the spots) in diamonds and onyx on at least one women’s watch in 1914 and another in 1915. These creations were conceived by the Cartier designer Charles Jacqueau. The cat’s major breakthrough came in 1949, with a brooch on which Jeanne Toussaint worked hand in glove with designer Peter Lemarchand. The luxury jewelry house now offers dozens of versions of the Panthère de Cartier timepiece, including double- and triple-wrap bracelets, a series of cuffs and a diamond-encrusted panther spot version. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier pieces from some of the world's top sellers.
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most Cartier watches are quartz, but the iconic Tank watch is automatic. While quartz watches work due to a pre-installed battery, automatic watches use a spring system and are self-winding.
- Does Cartier make earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier does make earrings as well as a slew of other exquisite and high-end pieces of jewelry. Established in 1847 in Paris, France, this luxury goods brand is known throughout the world for its jewelry and watches. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Are all Cartier rings gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, not all Cartier rings are gold. Although the luxury jewelry maker produces many white, rose and yellow gold pieces, some rings are platinum. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, 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. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The original Cartier Tank watch, which was emblematic of a stark departure from the renowned jewelry house’s curved and round watch faces in that its case resembled the FT-17’s cockpit, served as a sleek update to the Santos watch. Crafted in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, Cartier’s Tank watch reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. When the Tank watch went to market, Cartier offered a limited run in Paris. After those quickly sold, it was given a name, the Tank Normale. The timepiece took off in popularity, but only slightly more than 30 were made in 1920 and annual production has been slow over the years since then. Find Cartier Tank watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023On Cartier jewelry, a 750 stamp means that a piece is 75% gold metal. You will find the stamp on the 18-karat gold pieces made by Cartier, such as the Love bracelet. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Cartier jewelry from some of the worlds top sellers.