Brief History of the Cartier Love Ring
The Cartier Love Ring is a symbol of timeless elegance and enduring romance, capturing the essence of love and devotion in a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry. First created by Aldo Cipullo, an Italian-born American designer, in 1969, the Cartier Love Ring was inspired by the concept of the medieval chastity belt, which was designed to protect a woman’s “purity” in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, Cipullo’s modern interpretation turned this symbol of protection into one of love and fidelity. With its iconic design, the Cartier Love Ring became synonymous with passion, permanence, and commitment. Often referred to as the “Love Child of 70s New York,” this ring has evolved over the years but has always remained an emblem of true love. Cartier’s Love collection continues to be a cherished piece for those seeking to express their affection through a meaningful and luxurious gesture.
A Cartier Love Ring For Everyone
Sotheby’s marketplace recognizes the Cartier Love Ring as one of the most coveted and versatile pieces in the jewelry world, thanks to its wide range of variations that cater to every taste and style. Whether you're beginning your collection with a classic, single-metal Cartier Love Ring or seeking a more extravagant option like the Diamond Paved Ceramic Cartier Love Ring, there is something for everyone within this iconic collection. Crafted with precision by Cartier’s skilled artisans, each ring is made from the highest-quality precious metals, including 18k Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, and Platinum. Collectors can choose from designs adorned with sparkling diamonds or opt for simpler, more understated versions, offering a perfect balance of elegance and personalization. With such a diverse selection, the Cartier Love Ring offers endless possibilities, making it an essential and timeless addition to any jewelry collection.
The Classic: Cartier Love Ring
Among the various options in the collection, the classic Cartier Love Ring is perhaps the most recognizable. Offered in Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, and White Gold, this sleek and simple design is ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance. Without diamonds, this version of the Cartier Love Ring still stands out for its timeless appeal and wearability. Its clean lines and subtle beauty make it perfect for stacking with other rings or wearing on its own. This piece is often chosen by new collectors looking to enter the world of Cartier and is an ideal starting point for those who wish to invest in a piece that will remain relevant for generations.
For The Newly Weds: The Cartier Love Ring Wedding Band
For couples in love, the Cartier Love Ring is a meaningful and cherished symbol of commitment. Among the most sought-after pieces for newlyweds is the Cartier Love Wedding Band collection, which includes rings with diamonds placed delicately between the iconic nailhead motifs. This added sparkle enhances the design and elevates the significance of the piece. Cartier also offers a fully diamond-paved version of the Love Ring, where the entire band—except for the signature nailhead motif—is adorned with diamonds. This luxurious and radiant design serves as the ultimate symbol of eternal love and is a perfect choice for brides and grooms who wish to mark their union with a truly special piece of jewelry.
For Extraordinary Collectors: Cartier Love Collection High Jewelry Diamond Ring
At the pinnacle of luxury, Cartier’s high jewelry offerings include extraordinary pieces like the Cartier Love Ceramic Pave White Gold Ring. This stunning creation is a true masterpiece, featuring 168 round brilliant-cut diamonds, each carefully set to maximize brilliance and light. Weighing approximately 3.50 carats, these diamonds are centered around the signature Cartier nailhead motif, adding a sense of opulence and sophistication. The ceramic band adds a unique touch of modern elegance to this already exquisite piece, making it a coveted item for serious collectors and an ideal accessory for glamorous cocktail parties or special events. With its striking design and exceptional craftsmanship, this ring represents the very best of Cartier's high jewelry collection.
The Cartier Love Collection beautifully merges love and luxury, offering a range of designs that cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you are purchasing a piece for yourself, your significant other, or as part of a growing collection, the Cartier Love Ring remains an enduring symbol of commitment, elegance, and timeless beauty. From classic simplicity to the dazzling sparkle of diamonds, each ring in this iconic collection tells its own unique story.
Advantages to Buying Cartier on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Cartier jewelry from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers pristine Cartier pieces in the most coveted designs and gemstones. Our jewelry specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Cartier pieces from collectors around the world.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Cartier jewelry, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Cartier jewelry pieces not available online.
3. Value
While authorized Cartier boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific designs—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Cartier jewelry, including rare and discontinued designs, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Cartier jewelry pieces, from vintage masterpieces to contemporary classics, all authenticated by experts.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, one-of-a-kind Cartier pieces and rare, limited-edition designs no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Cartier jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell Cartier Love Rings at Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Cartier rings available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Cartier jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view Cartier jewelry, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Cartier jewelry from its global supplier network. Prices for Cartier rings begin around $5,000 for white gold and diamond rings, with prices rising substantially for highly coveted designs, such as diamond engagement rings, which can surpass $100,000.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Contact a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling a Cartier Love ring.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.