It should come as no surprise that Cartier engagement rings are among the most desirable on the jewelry market for those hoping to be betrothed. 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. While platinum had been a part of jewelry making before, it hadn’t been used in the way that Cartier intended.
Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, initially sourcing platinum specifically from Russian mines and matching the durable metal with an equally robust precious stone. These shimmering rings, such as the timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring, gave the impression of delicate lace. Platinum was the metal of choice in Cartier engagement 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.”
While founder Louis-François’s work was very well respected from the start, it was Cartier’s grandsons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, who catapulted the family name into international stardom when they took over the business at the turn of the 20th century. The work of the three brothers and their eventual successors would captivate an elite clientele. In fact, we are still discussing the stunning platinum Cartier engagement ring given to actress Grace Kelly by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955 — a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by two baguettes. It was featured in the final film Kelly made in 1956.
The Cartier grandsons found early success with wristwatches and created some of the most iconic jewelry of the Art Deco era. Eventually the brand’s name became inseparable from the decadent symbols of romance and coveted wearable art its notoriously anonymous designers produced with regularity, such as the Love bracelet.
Today, while tastes for this particular accessory span all corners of the jewelry world — see our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement rings, Art Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings — part of Cartier’s lasting legacy owes to its alluring engagement rings, a variety of which can be found on 1stDibs.
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
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 Emerald ring with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Material: Platinum 950 Condition: Pre-Owned Emerald: 2.50ctw Diamond: 0.40ctw Clarity: VS1 Color Grade: EF Ring Dimension: Size: 5 Width: 8 - 8mm Thickness: 1mm Weig...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Mimi Ring Size 54
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 18k yellow gold diamond ring by Cartier from the Mimi collection. The bombe style ring is set to the centre with an oval cut diamond in a bezel mount, weighing approximate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Panthère de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
18K White Gold Panthère de Cartier Ring White gold 750/1000 and black lacquer Tsavorite garnets Onyx Marked: 750 Cartier 50 Approximate Dimensions: 5.5 (50) (Ring Size) 1.6 cm (Wid...
Garnet, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 1.20 Carat H VS1 Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless engagement ring by Cartier, crafted in luxurious platinum and set with a superb round brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats. The center sto...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum 4 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional engagement ring by Cartier is crafted in platinum and set with a magnificent 4.30-carat diamond, graded D color and SI1 clarity, accompanied by GIA certification. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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 perf...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Ring Small 1 Diamond 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
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, innova...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amulette de Cartier: Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A dance of elegance and protection. From Cartier’s coveted Amulette collection, this 2020 design transforms the classic talisman into a beacon of light. Crafted in 18k white gold, t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exquisite Cartier Destinée Platinum & Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite Cartier Solitaire The 1.21 ct center diamond is flanked by a luminous halo of round brilliant diamonds that enhance brilliance and presence, creating a classic yet modern s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold #54 US7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Turtle Motif Mind Condition 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts Ring size 6.75 Ring Weight 5.5gr Cartier ring box included
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Diamond Ring Engagement Solid White Gold Signed US Size 6
By Cartier
Located in Greer, SC
Vintage 18k solid white gold Cartier ring featuring dazzling diamonds, signed on the interior of the band. Best measures for a US size 6 finger, measures .2 inch at its tallest point...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Platinum and Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Platinum and Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring A timeless and sophisticated Cartier creation featuring an elegant combination of platinum and vibrant yellow diamond* brilliance...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier engagement ring showcases a beautifully proportioned round brilliant diamond set in platinum, embodying the timeless sophistication for which the Maison is renow...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Destinee Cushion 1.15 cts H VS1 Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Halo with Diamond Halfway on Shank Ref. number: N4746100 Certification: GIA 2215029799 Metal: Pt 950 Platinum Size: 6.25 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.73 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.61 carat - H color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a square form head and flanked by platinum-topped cathedral shoulders B...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This outstanding Cartier engagement ring features a mesmerizing 2-carat round brilliant diamond, certified by GIA, showcasing exceptional quality and unmistakable Cartier elegance. ...
Diamond, Platinum
1960's Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring with Tapered Baguette Side Stones
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier 4.33 Carat D/SI1 Diamond Engagement Ring with Tapered Baguette Side Stones in Platinum A rare and timeless creation from Cartier, this exquisite engagement ring showcases a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 3.40 Carat Radiant-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless Cartier three-stone diamond engagement ring crafted in platinum, showcasing a stunning GIA-certified radiant-cut center diamond weighing 3.40 carats, graded H color and VV...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Round Diamond 0.88 tcw Engagement Ring in Platinum GIA COA Box
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier 1895 Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Accents Ref. number: QF**** Metal: Platinum PT950 GIA: 2106981161 Size: 6.25 TCW: 0.88 tcw Main Diamond: Rou...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Destinée Solitaire GIA Certified Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Destinée solitaire engagement diamond ring crafted in platinum center stone is GIA certified in H color / VVS1 clarity GIA certificate # 7212499393 The Destinée setting is c...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA 4.77cts Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Classic Three-Stone Platinum Engagement Ring – 4.77 Carats Total, GIA Certified An enduring symbol of love and elegance, this Cartier three-stone engagement ring is a masterp...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 5.36 Carats Total Square Emerald Cut 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This stunning Art Deco-era Cartier engagement ring features a striking 4.64 carat square emerald cut diamond at its center, set in a crisp, high-polish platinum sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine GIA Cert .45 F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Size 4.75
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Discover the refined elegance of the Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite piece embodies the artistry and luxury synonymous with Cartier, showcasing a harmonious ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.50 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier engagement ring is a refined expression of timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in platinum, the ring features a classic and p...
Diamond, Platinum
1997 Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold Trinity Ring Size 4.5 with Box #18143
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Tricolor Gold Trinity Ring Size 4.5 This elegant triple band ring by Cartier is crafted in beautifully detailed 18K yellow, white and rose gold. Each band measures 3.9 m...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold Diamonds, Emeralds Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold – Diamonds, Emeralds & Onyx – Size 54 / US 6.75 This iconic Panthère de Cartier ring is exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 3.16ct Old European Cut D VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: This exquisite Cartier platinum engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 2.04-carat Old European cut diamond, graded D color and VS2 clarity by GIA, exuding ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 1.09ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing platinum solitaire engagement ring by Cartier. The ring is centered with sparkling GIA certified round cut diamond that weighs 1.09ct. The color of the diamond is ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum 1895 Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.83ct 4.63g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This luxurious Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring is crafted in platinum and features a stunning GIA-certified 1.23ct round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, G VS2
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Cartier 1894 Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, features a round brilliant cut diamond G color, VS2 clarity weighing 0.70 carats. The diamond has very good polish and good symmetry. An enduring emblem of commitment and love, Cartier engagement rings...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, White Gold 18k .53ct GIA
By Cartier
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 3/4 Brand: Cartier Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat: .53ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Diameter: 5.2mm GIA Report Numb...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Love Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Love Band Ring Details: Ring size: 5 (US size) Hallmarked: Cartier, 49, OXG204 Au 750, Maker's mark Weight 3.2 grams In excellent condition
18k Gold
Cartier French 2.60 CTW Diamond Platinum Destinée Halo Engagement Ring GIA
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.20 carat - D color with VVS2 clarity Set with talon prongs with a halo an cathedral shoulder prong set with diamonds Round brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
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, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 4 Ct. Round Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cartier 4 ct. Round Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18K Gold. The total weight is 29.54 grams. The ring size is US 5.50. SKU: 509-AAEQJSJM
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1895 Cartier 5.10 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Cartier engagement ring, featuring a 5.10 carats round brilliant cut diamond, set on a classic four prong setting. Finely made with a platinum mounting. Diamond is certifi...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Wedding Band Ring Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Authentic Cartier 1895 wedding band. This band is beautifully crafted in platinum 950 with a high polish finish. The band is 2.5 mm wide and 1.32 ...
Platinum
Cartier Trinity Paved Diamond Ring 1.93ct 18k Rose White Yellow Gold sz 52 US 6
By Cartier
Located in Northbrook, IL
The Cartier Trinity Ring Set showcases an intertwined band design crafted from 18k gold, rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Adorned with pave set white diamonds totaling 1.93 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose, yellow, and white gold with pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.00 carats. Signed by Cartier, from their Trinity col...
Diamond
Cartier Platinum Asscher-Cut Diamond Halo Ring, 1.94 Carats Total
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and substantial Cartier diamond ring, crafted in solid platinum and showcasing the refined geometry of an Asscher-cut diamond as its centerpiece. The ring centers on a na...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 4 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Pave Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
4.03 ct Cartier 1895 Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Pave Engagement Ring Rtl $150K The ring weighs 6.2 grams, size 4.75 (French 49), the center stone is a 3.51 ct Natural Cushion Bri...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1960's Diamond Opal Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut opal cabochon measuring 8.75 x 13.5 mm Black in body color with strong blue/green play-of-color Set with yellow gold talon prongs with halo surround Comprised o...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold 1.92 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier 1895 Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold 1.92 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring An iconic design from the Cartier 1895 collection, this timeless solitaire features a brilliant round...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Double C Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an iconic ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. The band is crafted from 18ct yellow gold whilst the front of the face plays host to the double...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Engagement ring centers a prong set emerald cut diamond weighing 5.00 carats - D color with VS1 clarity Flanked by two bar set and well matched tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum 1895 Solitaire 0.19ct VVS2/D Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 1895 solitaire ring in 950 thousandths platinum, set with a round brilliant-cut diamond. Includes GIA diamond certificate appraisal...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Trinity Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Gold Pink Gold Cartier size 61
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Trinity Ring 18K Yellow Gold White Gold Pink Gold Cartier size 61 18K Gold: Yellow, Pink, White Ring size: 61 / 9.5 Wide :3.1 mm Weight: 8.6 gm Come with Box & Papers
18k Gold
Cartier Square Cut Natural Citrine Ring (Approx. 0.80-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Cartier ring showcases a striking natural citrine in a sophisticated square cut. The gemstone's warm golden hues are beautifully complemented by the rich glow of 18k y...
Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Round Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Destinée, a gorgeous Diamond Engagement Ring designed by Cartier holding a 1.03 carat round Diamond that is enhanced by a halo of diamonds which bestow an exceptional radiance. This...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z148231 Listing Title: Cartier 0.9 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Destinee Engagement Ring Condition...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Trinity GIA Certified 1.23 Carat E/VVS1 Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted with the utmost precision, the Cartier Trinity Round Diamond Engagement ring exudes elegance and sophistication. This ring features a high-quality 1.23 carat round brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste Un Clou Ring with Diamonds 18k White Gold size 57/ US 8
By Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
Cartier Juste Un Clou Ring with Diamonds 18k White Gold size 57/ US 8 18k White Gold - 8.3 Grams Diamonds - 22 Stones = 0.13 carats Size - 57 / US 8
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Galanterie collection Diamond White Gold 18K Ring
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Galanterie collection. Diamond White Gold 18K Ring. Central diamond round cut, 0.57 carat, H color, Vs1 clarity, Ex, Ex, Ex, Faint fluorescence. Signed Cartier, numbered. C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 3.41 Carat GIA No Heat Burma Ruby Ring Mounted by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A ravishing natural ruby and diamond Cartier Art Deco engagement ring. An impressive 3.41 carat gem of a deeply saturated red bursting with luster along with a GIA pedigree stating n...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier 3.10 Carat Old European and Triangular Diamond 18K WG Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 3.10 Carat Old European Cut I VVS2 and Triangular Shape G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: 18 Karat White Gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Square Emerald Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring in PLAT/18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Golden Glow: Embrace the brilliance of this Cartier 3 stone diamond ring featuring a Fancy Intense Yellow square emerald cut diamond at its heart. Made in platinum and 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set, a perfect symbol of love and elegance. This stunning set features a brill...
Platinum
CARTIER 5.45 Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This Breathtaking Classic Cartier diamond ring is centered With a stunning pear-shaped natural diamond weighing 4.07cts, E color, VS1, set in a beautiful platinum setting. This is a...
Diamond, Platinum
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, an antique Edwardian period engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary alternative, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond. In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.