The Art of Cartier: Vintage Rings and Necklaces at Hatton Jewels

Since its founding in Paris in 1847, Cartier has been synonymous with luxury and innovation, earning a reputation for innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and unparalleled elegance. From the legendary Cartier Trinity ring of the 1920s to the bold modern “Tank” designs, each Cartier creation tells a story of artistry.

The Hatton Jewels collection brings together some of the finest examples of vintage Cartier jewellery – pre-owned Cartier pieces that sparkle with the Maison’s signature glamour. Featured below are five standout pieces.

Vintage Cartier Trinity Necklace

Cartier’s iconic Trinity motif – three interlocking bands of pink (rose), yellow and white gold – was first conceived by Louis Cartier in 1924. Today, Trinity lives on not only as rings but also as delicate necklaces and bracelets. The Vintage Cartier Trinity Necklace takes this emblematic design and suspends it from a fine chain, allowing the interlaced tricolour rings to rest gently at the neckline.

The simplicity of the three polished bands (no gemstones) was originally “a brave departure” from the more ornate Art Deco styles of its time. Cartier’s own description notes that the three woven gold circles “symbolise universal values: love, friendship and fidelity”. Legend even holds that the design was inspired by poet Jean Cocteau’s dream of Saturn’s rings, so wearing the Trinity is to carry that romantic, celestial story.

In this vintage necklace, the contrasting gold hues glow together, underscoring Cartier’s pioneering mix of metal colours. It is an elegant example of a Cartier ring design reimagined as jewellery – simple yet profoundly symbolic.

Discover the iconic Vintage Cartier Trinity Necklace

Vintage Cartier Or Amour et Trinity Ring

This rare ring from Cartier’s archives literally combines “Amour” and Trinity. A limited-edition piece from 1998, it features a rolling ring design of three intertwined bands, all in 18ct white gold. One band is slightly thicker and engraved with the phrase “OR AMOUR ET TRINITY” on its outer face – gold, love and Trinity in Cartier-speak.

This wordplay makes the design especially poetic. The entire ring rolls onto the finger: the three rings slide over one another in classic Cartier fashion. Together, the bands symbolise a layered message of enduring love and unity – a witty homage to Cartier’s heritage. Finely made in Cartier’s Paris ateliers, the Amour et Trinity ring is both a mechanical marvel (as a rolling ring) and a romantic statement piece.

Discover the unique Vintage Cartier Or Amour et Trinity Ring

Vintage Cartier Diamond Knot Ring

Cartier has long embraced the knot motif as a symbol of unity and love. The Vintage Cartier Diamond Knot Ring is a stunning example: crafted in 18ct yellow gold, the design loops into an intricate knot adorned with sparkling diamonds. Cartier itself hailed this vintage ring as “a masterclass in intricate detailing and timeless luxury”.

In other words, every curve and diamond is executed with meticulous artistry. The visual metaphor is clear: the knot – forever tied – echoes a commitment or bond that is meant to last. It’s an heirloom-quality piece that reflects Cartier’s flair for turning a simple symbol into high jewellery drama.

Discover the iconic Vintage Cartier Diamond Knot Ring

Vintage Cartier Peridot Tank Ring (Yellow Gold)

This bold ring combines Cartier’s graphic Tank design with a vivid gemstone. Fashioned in rich 18ct yellow gold, the band is wide and slightly tapered, ending in a rectangular bezel that holds a striking square Peridot gemstone. The Peridot is a bright olive-green, faceted into a step-cut square of roughly 2.5ct. Set flush into the gold, its gleaming colour evokes the vibrancy of summer leaves or tropical jewels. 

Because Peridot is the traditional August birthstone – and a gem associated with light and positivity – it adds warmth and lively colour to the piece. The overall silhouette echoes Cartier’s celebrated Tank watches (named for their straight-edged, tank-like cases). Here, instead of a dial, the rich green Peridot takes centre stage, while the golden band forms bold linear “tracks” on either side. The result is a contemporary ring that feels both architectural and organic. It’s a beautiful example of how Cartier blends gemstone ‘haute couture’ with classic form. 

Discover the vintage Cartier Peridot Tank Ring

Vintage Cartier Amethyst Tank Ring (White Gold)

In a cooler, regal mood, the Tank design also appears with amethyst. The Vintage Cartier Amethyst Tank Ring is crafted in 18ct white gold, the weighty band measuring about 5.5mm wide. Set into the top is a square cabochon-cut amethyst of a deep royal purple.

Amethyst has long been prized as a gem of royalty and clarity, and here it lends a stately elegance to the Tank motif. The band’s crisp lines and the stone’s saturated colour make this ring feel both graphic and sumptuous. It’s a testament to Cartier’s vision that the same Tank architecture can accommodate such different stones – sunshine-green peridot or twilight-purple amethyst – each time creating a completely new style statement.

Discover the magical Vintage Cartier Amethyst Tank Ring

Each of these pieces from Hatton Jewels is pre-owned Cartier jewellery, yet they retain the Maison’s original vitality. Collectively, they illustrate Cartier’s legendary breadth – from the simple poetry of Trinity’s interlocked gold to the bold colour of the Tank rings. 

In the words of Cartier, even their most minimalist designs “transcend fashion” and become modern heirlooms, and it’s why Cartier’s vintage creations still captivate. With exquisite materials, clever symbolism and impeccable Parisian craftsmanship, the Hatton Jewels collection of pre-owned Cartier jewellery lets you wear a piece of that storied history.