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.
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
Vintage Cartier Vivid Ruby Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 50
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 Emerald Vivid Green Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 54
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only us...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round Diamond 18k Tricolor Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Diamond 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Multi tone gold ring set with a natural round brilliant cut diamond. Fine jewellery houses like Cart...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale 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 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale 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 perf...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 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
$36,000Sale 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
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
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a top quality natural vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
C De Cartier Platinum F VVS2 .30ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring w/ Box
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - F Color - VVS2 Clarity - 0.30ct (exact) Material: Solid Platinum - Stamped PT950 Weight: 7.1 Grams Rin...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Cartier Ring 7.93 cts GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This exceptional Cartier ring is crafted in luxurious platinum and showcases a magnificent 7.93 cts round brilliant-cut diamond, graded N color and VVS2 clarity by GIA. Flanked by tw...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Emerald Vivid Green Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a fine vivid green emerald. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only us...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Solitaire 0.18 Carat Diamond Ring Pt 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier 1895 Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (0.18ct) Color: F Clarity:VVS2 Polish: Good Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: None Metal: Platinum 950 Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$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 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 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
Vintage Cartier Signed 2.11 Carat F VS1 Emerald Cut Trinity Diamond Solitaire
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An important signed jewel, this Cartier Trinity Platinum Solitaire Ring is the epitome of refined elegance. At its center is a striking 2.11 carat emerald-cut diamond, certified by GIA to be F color and VS1 clarity—an exceptional stone with crisp step-cut facets and a captivating play of light. The diamond is secured in a classic four-prong platinum setting, allowing its natural beauty to take center stage. Part of Cartier’s iconic Trinity collection, this piece blends timeless design with the house’s signature craftsmanship, making it an enduring treasure for a discerning collector or a bride seeking a truly meaningful engagement ring. Key Details: - 2.11 carat emerald-cut diamond, GIA F VS1 - Platinum Cartier Trinity solitaire...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Trinity Solitaire Ring 0.31ct F-VVS1 Diamond in 18K Tri-Gold
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Product Number: 25020135 ■ Brand: Cartier ■ Product Name: Trinity Solitaire Ring ■ Model Number: - ■ Material: Diamond (0.31ct F-VVS1), 18K Yellow Gold, White Gold, Pink Gold ■ Weight: Approx. 3.8g ■ Ring Size: EU 49 / US 5 (Approx.) ■ Width: Approx. 3.95mm / 0.15in ■ Main Stone Size: Approx. 4.50–4.56 × 2.57mm / 0.18–0.18 × 0.10in ■ Reference Price: - ■ Accessories: Cartier Box, Case, GIA Certificate (Jan 1995),Cartier Certificate (Apr 1996) ■ Other Comments: - ■ Description This exquisite Cartier Trinity Solitaire...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
CARTIER Tutti Frutti 4.5 Carats Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Nigeria Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the CARTIER Tutti Frutti 4.5 Carats Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Nigeria Ring, a spectacular fusion of color and elegance. Crafted by Cartier, this ring exudes luxury an...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Trinity Solitaire by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Napoli, NA
Authentic Cartier solitaire, classic with three golds. The sparkling brilliant cut diamond weighs approximately 0,22 ct, SI clarity, E/F color. The production date is engraved inside...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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 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
Vintage Cartier Vivid Green Peridot 18 Karat White Gold Tank Band Solo Ring 49
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
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
Cartier Platinum Diamond Solitaire 1895 Ring 1.21 Carat F/VVS1
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A captivating platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Solitaire 1895 collection. The ring comprises of a round brilliant cut diamond in a four prong setting weighing 1.2...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier La Dona Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 51 w/Paper
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Cartier La Dona Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring is a stunning piece of vintage and antique jewelry. The ring features a beautiful citrine stone set in 18k yellow gold, creatin...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Cartier emerald-cut diamond solitaire, French, circa 2000.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier emerald-cut diamond solitaire. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut diamond, G colour, VS1 clarity with a weight of 2.01 carats in an open back part-rubover setting, a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Solitaire 18ct White Gold Diamant Lègers Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Diamond Solitaire 18ct White Gold Diamant Lègers Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1045 Brand: Cartier Model: Diamant Lègers Diamond Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: A***** Mat...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Smoky Quartz Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring - Size 6
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Cartier Smoky Quartz Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring in size 6 is a luxurious and elegant piece of fine jewelry. This cocktail ring features a beautiful smoky quartz stone s...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Platinum Diamond Ballerine Solitaire Ring 0.9ct D/IF XXX
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A captivating platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Ballerine Solitaire collection. The ring comprises of a round brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Platinum
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
The ring weighs 4.8 grams, size 7.75, ring width is 2.7 mm & 2.4 mm thick, contains 17 Natural Round Brilliant Cut Side Diamonds weighing approximately 0.51 ct, D-F in Color, VVS-VS2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire 1895 Ring 0.36ct I/VVS2
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Solitaire 1895 collection. The ring comprises of a round brilliant cut diamond in a four prong setting weighing 0.36ct, ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Solid Gold 4.64ctw AGL No Heat Oval Sapphire Diamond Ring w/ Box
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
SAPPHIRE IS A RICH PURE ROYAL BLUE IN PERSON! ITS MAGNIFICNET! 100% NATURAL NO HEAT! SIGNED AND NUMBERED FOR CARTIER! --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Prong S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 3.27 carat Solitaire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier solitaire diamond engagement ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, D colour, VVS2 clarity, with an approx...
Diamond, Platinum
C De Cartier Platinum .56ct Half Bezel Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size 49
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Half Bezel Channel Set - VS Clarity - F/G Clarity - 0.56ct (exact - stamped) Total Carat Weight: 0.656 (exact) Mate...
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 Platinum Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire 1895 Ring 0.30ct H/VS2
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Solitaire 1895 collection. The ring comprises of a round brilliant cut diamond in a four prong setting weighing 0.30ct, ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA Certified Cartier 0.35ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful GIA certified vintage Cartier round brilliant cut diamond ring set in platinum. From the current ‘Solitaire 1895’ collection, the piece prominently features a beautiful ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined diamond solitaire ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This piece has been crafted from platinum with a single round brilliant cut diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 Solitaire Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.53 Carats
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless icon of elegance, this Cartier 1895 Solitaire engagement ring showcases a superb natural round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.53 carats. The diamond is graded F color an...
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 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 Etincelle Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ring Size 51 GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301841 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2017 RRP £3800 Incl. Taxes Model N4744251 Serial Number CM**** Metal Platinum Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.21ct approx We...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 0.90 Carat Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A classic solitaire engagement ring, showcasing a 0.90 carat round brilliant cut diamond certified by GIA as G color and VVS1 clarity, set on a traditional four prong setting. Finely...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 'Solitaire 1895' Diamond Engagement Ring, Platinum 0.51 Carat
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier 'Solitaire 1895' diamond engagement ring, platinum 0.51 carat. From the Cartier ‘Solitaire 1895’ collection, this ring is set with a 0.51 carat round brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.54 Carat Diamond and 18k Tri-Colour Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1995
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.54 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse contemporary jewellery collections. This stunn...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
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
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER ÉTINCELLE DE Cartier Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An Eternity Band Ring from Cartier, named ÉTINCELLE DE Cartier, showcases a French Pave Set with 0.45 ct Round Diamonds in a full circle design, set in 18K White Gold. Weighing 1.7 g...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 1.32 carat GIA Certified Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant piece from the house of Cartier, this timeless engagement ring exemplifies Cartier's sophistication and quality. This sleek platinum solitaire features a stunning 1.32 car...
Diamond, Platinum
$33,600Sale 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, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond (GIA Approx. 1-Carat) Prong-Set Ring, Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a breathtaking Cartier engagement ring, an exquisite example of timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship. At its center lies a dazzling round brilliant cut diamond we...
Diamond, Platinum
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.