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 Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou White Gold Diamond Ring Classic Model Sz 62
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring exemplifying the brand’s commitment to innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship. This ring is crafted from 18K white gold, presenting a sleek and modern...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier LOVE Solitaire Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold, 0.31 Carat, Size 51
By Cartier
Located in 上海市, CN
A refined Cartier LOVE solitaire ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring a 0.31 carat round brilliant-cut diamond in a clean and elegant setting. The iconic LOVE screw motifs a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and bold ring featuring a distinctive nail motif, embodying a provocative elegance. The ring is adorned with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.13 carats, thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Double C Vintage Diamond 18k Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Crafted from 18k Multi-Tone Gold Featuring Pavé-Set Diamonds on Interlocking C's Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, 50 Size: US 5.25 / EU 50 Weight: 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Double Head Vintage 18K Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Panthère bypass ring in 18k gold, showcasing vintage elegance and intricate design. Crafted in 18k gold, the ring features a coiled band that wraps around the finger, endi...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1993 Cartier Mimi Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Mimi ruby and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of an oval cabochon ruby, bezel-set to the centre of a bombe-style band, pa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring – 18K Yellow Gold Size-51
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Panthère de Cartier ring is a stunning piece crafted from 18K yellow gold. It features the iconic panther motif, adorned with onyx, black lacquer, and vibrant tsavorite g...
18k Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18k Rose Gold Panther Cuff Ring with Emerald Eyes
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Cartier iconic Panthère de Cartier open cuff statement ring, crafted in polished 18k rose gold (pink gold). Featuring the sculpted panther head motif accented by vibrant...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 18ct Gold Love Ring, Polished Band, Italy, Unisex, Size 58
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 Panthere Vintage Emerald Onyx Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 3/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking embodiment of Cartier's sculptural artistry, this vintage Panthere ring showcases the brand's mastery in design with its commanding presence. Crafted in solid 18k yellow ...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring – 18K Yellow Gold Size-51
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Panthère de Cartier ring is a stunning piece crafted from 18K yellow gold. It features the iconic panther motif, adorned with onyx, black lacquer, and vibrant tsavorite g...
18k Gold
Cartier, Solitaire "Etincelle" Round Cut GIA 0.22 Carat E/VVS2 Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier, Solitaire "Etincelle, Round Brilliant Cut GIA certified 0,22 Carat, E Color and VVS2 Clarity and Triple X quality. Mounted in Platinum 950/1000 and ring also set with a bril...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier ring, crafted in 18k rose gold. Features the iconic Juste un Clou design, embodying personal conviction, with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.13 carats, enhanc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier Love Ring Metal: 18K white gold Size: 9.5 Reference number: 427827
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring - Small Model - 18 Karat Yellow Gold - Size 58
By Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
An iconic Cartier Juste un Clou ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Conceived for Cartier New York in the 1970s, the Juste un Clou transforms the simple form of a nail into one of ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthère Band Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
A flexible link band ring by Cartier, crafted in 18k yellow gold in the house's signature Maillon Panthère design. The band is built from rows of polished rectangular brick links, ar...
18k Gold
Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.51ct D/VVS2 GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier. The solitaire ring features a round brilliant cut diamond set in a classic 4 prong mount weighing 1.51ct, D colour and VVS2 cl...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Destinee PT950 Platinum Cushion 1 Carat Diamond Ring with Halo Setting
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Ring, PT950 platinum with halo setting, size 52. Center stone: 1.11ct, Color F, Clarity VVS1. Purchased in 2018. Complete with original box, warranty...
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 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Mimi Ring, Circa 1995, 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
Cartier Nouvelle Vague 18k Gold Interlocking Ring — Signed
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Ring – Circa 2000–2010 A signed Cartier Nouvelle Vague ring from circa 2000–2010, composed of two elegantly interlocking bands in 18k white and yellow gold. T...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Diamond Reflection Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A truly stunning ring from Cartier's Reflection collection. The ring is crafted in 18ct white gold and set with an alternate pattern of round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds. It ...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and iconic ring inspired by the simplicity of a common nail, elevated to a piece of extraordinary refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold, this design is adorned with twent...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Gold Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring, Early 20th Century, GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished ring by Cartier centers a Ceylon sapphire of deep royal blue, unheated and of notable rarity. Framed by calibré baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds in a bold, scul...
Black Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 39.0 ct. & approx. 2.80 cts diamonds total Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; E–F color, VVS–VS clarity Certifications: AGL Size: 6 Creator: Cartier Metal: Pla...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Pink Heart Diamond Dinner Engagement Ring 2.02ct
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.02 ct. Color/Clarity: Fancy Purple Pink, SI1 Certifications: GIA Size: 5.75 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 2.90 grams Period: Contemporary Condition:...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Small Model Trinity Band Ring in Tri-Tone 18 Karat Gold with Box
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This iconic Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold, featuring three interlocking bands that flow seamlessly around one another. Each band is a diffe...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier Trinity Classic Medium Model 18K Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
An iconic Cartier Trinity Classic Medium Model ring, crafted in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold. One of Cartier’s most recognizable designs, the Trinity is composed of three smooth...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Contessa Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds - Signed & Numbered
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Contessa ring. Crafted in 18k solid gold, this contemporary masterpiece features a stunning alignment of 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, totali...
Diamond, 18k 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 Love Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 5.5 Classic Model Authentic With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Own an iconic piece of Cartier jewelry with this Cartier LOVE Classic Ring, crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. The legendary LOVE collection is recognized for its distinctive scre...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier NY Aquamarine, Sapphires & Diamond Ring GIA Certificate.
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This stunning piece of jewelry showcases exquisite craftsmanship by Cartier, highlighting a large, mesmerizing 26.85-carat blue aquamarine at its center. The aquamarine's vibrant hue...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Ellipse Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier ring from the Ellipse Collection features a rounded band measuring 4 mm wide centering around a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.25 carat. Crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Cartier Tri-Color Gold Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed by Cartier Circa 1988 Size 6 1/4 Comes with its Certificate of Authenticity
18k Gold
Cartier Tri-Colour Trinity Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring 0.24ct Size 52 N4204
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k tri-colour gold diamond ring by Cartier from the Trinity de Cartier collection. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.24ct round brilliant cut diamond. The diamond is...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Yellow White Gold Vintage locking Loop Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two interlocking loops of yellow and white gold Completed by high polish finish and grooved shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Cartier Circa: 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Three-Tone Gold Ring - 18k Trinity Style with 3 Diamonds - Signed &
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
A sophisticated and iconic creation from the legendary House of Cartier. This three-tone 18k gold ring features three elegant bands (godrons) in yellow, white, and rose gold, each ce...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Tri Color Gold Trinity Ring with 1.38 Carat Round F VS Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Embrace timeless elegance with this vintage Trinity ring, crafted from exquisite 18 Karat tri-color gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Collection: Turtle Motif Condition: Mint Material 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts Ring size 7.75 Ring Weight 5.5gr Width: 9.5mm T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1990s Cartier Trinity 0.34ct Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Trinity diamond solitaire ring set in 18k yellow, white and rose gold, circa 1990s.
The ring is centrally set with a round brilliant-cut diamond. T...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panthere Style Ring Size 53
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Nestled in the allure of vintage elegance, this Panthere style ring whispers tales of a bygone era. Crafted from 18 Karat yellow gold, its sle...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage Cartier 18K Gold Maillon Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
A substantial Cartier Maillon Panthère ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed as three closely arranged rows of rectangular brick-form links in the Maison’s distinctive Maillon Pa...
18k Gold
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 0.30ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum Sz 5 Estate COA GIA Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Estate Cartier diamond engagement ring crafted in 950 platinum (circa 2001). The ring is set with a 0.30 carat round brilliant cut diamond (H color and VS1 clarity). The iconic Cartier ring is set with a shimmering diamond in a four-pronged solitaire setting. Also included is a Cartier Certificate of Authenticity. The ring was originally purchased in Japan in 2001. A GIA diamond certificate is also included along with a Cartier box. The timeless design is great for everyday wear. The ring is in very good condition and was recently professionally cleaned and polished. Particulars: Weight: 3.3 grams Stones: The ring is set with a 0.30 carat round brilliant cut diamond (H color and VS1 clarity). Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 - EU 49 (sizable). The band measures 2mm wide (0.07 inches), rising 5mm from the finger. Metal & Hallmark: Platinum. The ring is hallmarked "Pt 950" for platinum, the European ring size...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.12 Carat Diamond Number of Stones:...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Destinée Diamond Ring 2.31ct 5.43g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An exceptional Cartier Destinée solitaire ring crafted in platinum, featuring a magnificent cushion cut centre diamond surrounded by brilliant diamonds along the shank. Elegant and t...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier ring, crafted in 18k rose gold. Features the iconic Juste un Clou design, embodying personal conviction, with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.13 carats, enhanc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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 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 Étincelle de Cartier Pear-shaped Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier Étincelle de Cartier Pear-shaped Diamond Ring, 18K rose gold, size 50. Original price: 25100. Complete with original box, certificate, warranty card and invoice.
4mm Cartier 1895 Wedding Band in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Model: 1895 Metal: Platinum Metal Purity: 950 Ring Width: 4 mm Ring Size: US 9.5 or EU 61 Total Weight: 9.6 Grams Stamped: "Cartier" "P...
Platinum
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
Vintage Monture Cartier Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This beautifully crafted ring showcases a striking central marquise-cut diamond, elegantly framed by a halo of baguette and round-cut diamonds that complement the design and highligh...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.47ct Solitaire ‘1895’ Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A phenomenal diamond solitaire ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection. Proudly set within a platinum mount is an exceptional 3.47 carat round brilliant cut diamond. It has been graded...
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
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.