Cartier Solitaire 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 solitaire rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Artist Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s French Retro Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s American Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Aquamarine, Platinum
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1890s American Modern Antique Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Artist Cartier Solitaire Rings
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
1950s French Vintage Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Cartier Solitaire Rings
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Gold
1990s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s French Cartier Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique and Vintage Solitaire Rings for Sale on 1stDibs
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier only uses high-quality diamonds in their jewelry designs. The brand works only with gemstones that rank as Very Good or Excellent for cut and between IF and VS2 for clarity according to GIA standards. On 1stDibs, find a range of Cartier diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier does custom engagement rings through their Set for You program. To take advantage of this service, visit a Cartier boutique. As of December 2021, the service is not available online. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Cartier is special for at least a few reasons. The French luxury brand is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world.
Cartier has helped create style trends over the course of its long history, including playing a prominent role in defining Art Deco jewelry. The brand designed one of the first modern wristwatches for men — the Santos de Cartier — and its Panthère motif and Love bracelet are universally renowned among lovers of fine jewelry.
Additionally, 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 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.
Find Cartier jewelry for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Cartier the same as Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 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 logo?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if something is Cartier, look for a maker's marking. Every Cartier piece, from jewelry to watches to sunglasses, bears the maker's marking in an inconspicuous area. These markings have changed over the years, so you can often use their style, placement and wording to date and identify your piece. Once you locate the mark, refer to trusted online resources to find out more about what that specific marking indicates. Find a selection of Cartier jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023To authenticate a Cartier lighter, locate the serial number. Then, contact Cartier’s customer service team to assess whether it is a genuine serial number and whether the product type and style match your piece. Check the official Cartier website for current contact information. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier lighters.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What a Cartier bracelet symbolizes varies from piece to piece. With its screw motif, the Love bracelet represents the enduring nature of true love, while the three types of gold featured in the Trinity bracelet stand for love, fidelity and friendship. Translating to "just a nail" in English, the Juste un Clou bracelet is sometimes associated with simplicity and modernity. Find a large collection of Cartier bracelets 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The Cartier Tank is so popular for several reasons. Many people like its unique shape, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. Others appreciate its long history since it was released in 1918. Over the years, some models have featured details that further appeal to collectors. For example, the Tank Divan is notable for its striking rectangular case that is situated horizontally. The Roman numerals on its watch face are elongated, stretching to fit its unusual proportions. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Cartier Tank watches.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023There are a couple of reasons why Cartier glasses are so special. First, the French luxury brand produces each pair with careful attention to detail and precise crafting techniques that make the eyewear stylish and durable. Cartier also uses fine-quality materials like buffalo horn, titanium, gold, leather, onyx and bubinga wood. Additionally, many Detroit rappers like Royce da 5'9", Tee Grizzley and Big Sean have sported Cartier sunglasses over the years, making the brand's eyewear synonymous with hip-hop culture. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier glasses.