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 solitaire rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
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 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
Vintage Cartier Round 0.25ct Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring
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 0.25ct (hallmarked) natural round diamond. E/F colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Vivid Emerald Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Emerald 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Jewellery houses like Cartier onl...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$128,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Radiant Cut Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier three-stone engagement ring showcases a stunning radiant-cut diamond of H color and exceptional VVS1 clarity, certified by GIA. The center diamond displays rem...
Diamond, White Diamond, 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
Cartier La Dona Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring w/Papers Size EU 51 / US 5.5
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: La Dona Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 51 NZ3078 Gemstones: Natural citrine approximately 9.5mm long × 9mm wide Meas...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 50
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
$28,800Sale Price|20% Off
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
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 1.9 Carat Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless icon of elegance and refinement, this authentic Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring showcases a magnificent 1.9 carat Round Brilliant Cut natural diamond set in rich 18...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,176Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier BALLERINE Round Diamonds French Pave Set Full Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier BALLERINE 0.37 ct Round Diamonds French Pave Set Full Circle Eternity Band Ring in Platinum. The ring weighs 3 grams, size 5.25, ring width is 2 mm & 1.8 mm thick, conta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold 2.25ct Cabochon Ruby 1.30ct Diamond Solitaire Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful French Cartier Ruby, Diamond, Gold Ring The ring features an oval-shaped ruby cabochon measuring 7.80 x 6.30 x 4.75 mm and weighing approximately 2.25 carats Enhanced by fu...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,880Sale Price|20% Off
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
Vintage Cartier Round Emerald Shelly Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 5 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a natural round cut emerald, vivid bright green colour withsome small natural in...
Emerald, 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 Trinity Ruby Twisted Wire Band Ring 18k Tri-Color Gold Size US 5 EU 50
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Trinity Ruby Twisted Wire Band Ring Material: 18k yellow, white, and rose gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 50 993646 Gemstones: Natural round ruby, be...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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 Platinum Ring with Colombian Emerald, AGL Certified
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Cartier signed ring, showcasing a vivid 12.25-carat Colombian emerald, certified by the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL). The emerald, cut in a bold rectangular ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$26,880Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER 5.10 Carats Diamond Nigeria Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the CARTIER approx 5.1ct TW Marked: Cartier 621273 750 52 17 Ring top 12mm. Ring size 5.75 Total Weight with Setting: 10.3 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Destinée Platinum Solitaire GIA Certified Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of love from the House of Cartier, this Cartier Destinée Engagement ring showcases the Maison’s iconic halo design, where a brilliant center diamond appears suspend...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 49
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 vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use t...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Sapphire 18k Tri Colour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Carti...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 4.37 carat diamond flanked solitaire, French, 1937.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Paris 4.37 carat diamond flanked solitaire. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, E colour, SI1 clarity, with a weight of 4.37 carats, in an open back claw set...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Peridot 18 Karat White Gold Tank Band Solo Ring 48
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Peridot 18 Karat White Gold Tank Ring. Stunning white gold ring with a 6mm tension set vivid green peridot. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use ...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$46,080Sale Price|20% Off
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, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 4.19ct D Color VS2 Heart Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified Cartier 4.19ct D-VS2 Heart Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum Cartier Diamond Solitaire Ring features a GIA certified Heart Brilliant Diamond weighing 4.19 carats with D color and VS2 clarity prong set in a Platinum setting. The ring comes with the original GIA certificate from 1994 and a Cartier Japanese...
Diamond, Platinum
$56,320Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant ruby and diamond ring by Cartier, crafted in 18K yellow gold and bearing French hallmarks, indicative of Cartier’s Parisian production. The ring is centered with an oval ...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$27,520Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 4 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless estate Cartier eternity band, crafted in luxurious 950 platinum and set with a continuous row of finely matched natural diamonds. A classic Cartier design tha...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Diamond Solitaire ring. PT950 Cartier 1895 Engagement Ring.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier 1895 Diamond Solitaire ring. Beautiful Platinum Solitaire 0.30ct Diamond Engagement Ring. Condition: Includes the entire Cartier package with GIA certificate. Details: 0.3...
Diamond, Platinum
$28,800Sale Price|20% Off
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 Platinum Diamond Solitaire ring. PT950 Cartier 1895 Engagement Ring.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier 1895 Diamond Solitaire ring. Beautiful Platinum Solitaire 0.30ct Diamond Engagement Ring. Condition: Includes the entire Cartier package with GIA certificate. Details: 0.3...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Solitaire Diamond Ring in Silver Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
The Cartier 1895 Solitaire Diamond Ring is a timeless symbol of elegance, crafted in silver-tone platinum with a luminous polished finish. Showcasing a round brilliant-cut diamond in...
Diamond, Platinum
$76,800Sale Price|20% Off
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, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Maillon Panthère 3-Row Half Pavé Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Size 57
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301859 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2012 RRP £8,550 Incl. Taxes / €9,850 Incl. Taxes / $10,000 Excl. Taxes Model B4127257 Serial Number PU**** Metal 18k White Gold Sto...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier certified GIA 1.58 ct diamond solitaire ring in platinum
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier diamond solitaire ring in platinum. Ring by the House of Cartier featuring a 1.58-carat emerald-cut solitaire diamond. This impressive diamond, with its geometric cut, is hig...
Diamond, Platinum
An 18k Gold Cartier Ring with a Flush set Solitair Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold flush set ring with a brilliant cut (app. 0.85 carat, G-H, Vvs). Signed and numbered: Cartier Paris 34908. weight: 12.4 g size: 18.25 mm / 8 US width: 3 - 9...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Iconic Cartier Ballerine with exceptional brilliance
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 1.50 ctw – Platinum Center Diamond: 1.10 ct Round Brilliant Grade: H / VS1 / Triple Excellent / No Fluorescence Side Diamonds: 0.40 ct total, D–F / VVS...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Pink Topaz, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier pink topaz, blue sapphire and diamond ring in platinum. Center set with cut-cornered rectangular step-cut pink topaz weighing approximately ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
Stunning 1.33ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA-Certified
By Cartier
Located in רמת גן, IL
A masterpiece of timeless elegance, this Cartier ring centers on a dazzling 1.33ct natural round brilliant diamond, graded G color and VS clarity by GIA for its exceptional sparkle a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 1895 1.03 Carats Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous engagement ring by Cartier from the 1895 collection, showcasing a 1.03 carats radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as G color and VVS1 clarity. Accented by a diamond encru...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Panthère Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, 0.75ct, France, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
CARTIER Panthère ring in 18k yellow gold, Silverium, and diamond. Period: late 1980s. Condition: good condition. Size: 51. Width: 1.1 cm. Diamond weight: 0.75 carats. Total weight: 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$30,720Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Destinée 1.54 Carat Total Weight Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and highly coveted Cartier Destinée engagement ring crafted in platinum, featuring a GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.04 carats. Renowned for its sophi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
NALLY GIA Pink Color Heart Shape Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
NALLY 2.02ct Fancy Purple- Pink Diamond Ring. The diamond is set in a Cartier Mounting with 2 Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds, with an approximately tot...
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier GIA Certified 10.29 Carat I VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boston, MA
This impressive diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 10.29 carat GIA Certified I VS2 emerald cut diamond is custom set in a handcrafted Cartier platinum ring...
Diamond, Platinum
$47,360Sale Price|20% Off
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, White Diamond, Platinum
$43,520Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 Solitaire 1.71 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagemen
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless and highly sought-after Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring, crafted in platinum and centered by an exceptional GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.71 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.02 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic diamond solitaire engagement ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. A sensational 1.02ct round brilliant cut diamond sits alone and proud in ...
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
Men's Cartier Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Men's Cartier Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Ring A platinum men’s ring by Cartier with a center cat's eye Cartier Men's Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Ring adorned with tape...
Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Chrysoberyl, Platinum
Cartier Trinity de Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k tri-colour gold diamond ring from the Trinity de Cartier collection. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.32ct round brilliant cut diamond, D colour and VVS2 in clarity. The...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruby 18k Tri-Color Gold Ring w/Cert Size US 4 EU 47
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Trinity Ruby Ring Material: 18k yellow, rose, and white gold Hallmarks: Cartier 1995 47 750 D59118 Gemstones: Natural bezel-set ruby Design: Thr...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,588Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Paris Vintage Solitaire Ring In Platinum With 1.01 Carats VVS Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A platinum solitaire ring designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful vintage solitaire ring created in Paris, France, by the prestigious jewelry house of Cartier. This classic diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$59,100Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.8 Carat E Internally Flawless Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant diamond engagement ring centered by a beautiful GIA certified 1.83 carat round brilliant cut diamond, graded E color and Internally Flawless clarity. The center diamond h...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Engagement Ring.GIA 1ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VVS1 Certification: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Destinee Solitaire 0.41 Carat Halo Diamond Ring Pt 53
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier DESTINÉE Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond ( center stone 0.41ct ) Color: G Clarity:VS1 Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: None Metal: P...
Diamond, Platinum
A Platinum and Aquamarine Ring
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum solitaire ring set with a large step cut aquamarine (app. 8.50 carat) set in a raised prong setting, signed: Cartier, US circa 1950-60. weight: 9.23 grams ring size: 16.7...
Aquamarine, Platinum
Cartier 3.27 carat Solitaire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond solitaire ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, D colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 3.27 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by two rectangul...
Diamond, Platinum
Burma Ruby, Diamond and White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Set with an oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.65 carats, the frame and shoulders accented by round diamonds, in 18k white gold, size 5 3/4 With report 5211472392 dated 19 Februa...
Cartier Signed GIA 1.42 Carat G VS1 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite handmade Cartier platinum ring reflects the house’s legacy of refined craftsmanship and timeless design. At its center is a 1.42 carat diamond, certified by GIA as G c...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring RESIZE
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. With resizing to 54*** Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a solitaire ring makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Solitaire rings have a single stone setting and a minimalistic band in which pressure, bezel or prongs hold the stone in place. They have a long history in jewelry, such as an example discovered in Israel with a single amethyst that could be as old as the third century A.D.
Simple gold rings with single diamonds were prized possessions in Ancient Rome. However, it was not until the 1940s that engagement rings with a solitaire diamond setting became widely popular. After the turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in diamond prices, De Beers saw an opportunity. The diamond magnate teamed up with the ad agency N.W. Ayer for the “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign. It was a sensation and cemented the diamond solitaire as the leading engagement ring. (Statistics show that diamonds are the most common gemstones for engagement rings, preferred by 87 percent of people.)
Today, the design of solitaire rings takes many forms, and those created by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and other internationally celebrated jewelry houses are particularly sought-after accessories. Though the single stone setting remains the same, bands have become more detailed, with some containing other stones or even multiple diamonds. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other art movements have influenced the design of solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.
Browse 1stDibs for a unique selection of vintage solitaire rings to accent any fashion choice.