The name Cartier has come to mean high quality items of great beauty. Cartier engagement rings are no exception and are known for their exquisite classic designs. With each of the branches headed by a Cartier brother, the first four decades of the 20th century were a time of originality in design and technique in which a distinctive Cartier aesthetic emerged. Cartier engagement rings are always in demand for that reason

Louis-Francois Cartier started his legacy in Paris, early in the eighteen hundreds. The company became one of the prime designers and suppliers of luxury items to nobility. Until the end of the nineteenth century the firm was primarily a retailer of jewelry and objects made by outside manufacturers. This changed when Alfred Cartier took over the family business in 1874. Eventually, the company was repairing and improving on the jewelry it sold. It graduated to designing and manufacturing original pieces and moved to the heart of the jewelry trade in Paris.

Cartier opened a branch in London in 1902. A royal commission was granted in 1904, followed quickly by commissions from Spain, Portugal, Russia, Siam, and Greece. These royal commissions helped to solidify Cartier's reputation worldwide among the wealthy and famous. A New York branch was opened in 1909 to provide for the tastes of the new breed of American millionaires.

Until the 1960s, the Paris, London, and New York branches were part of a single firm but operated independently, collaborating whenever necessary. In 1962, the New York branch was sold, followed by the Paris branch in 1965.The firm was reunited and reorganized in 1979 as Cartier Monde. Cartier has become famous for its clocks and "novelty items" such as cigarette cases as well as for its engagement rings.

Cartier engagement rings are made of the highest grades of metals and diamonds, and designed by master artisans. As a result they are high end items. For example, the platinum Cartier engagement ring with one round brilliant cut diamond is $16,700.00. That would be two month of a pretty hefty salary. There are also choices of exotic and novel rings designs and the option to have a ring custom made. This is not an inexpensive option.

However, Cartier engagement rings can be purchased through sources such as eBay for a fraction of the cost, and there are many other sites where Cartier engagement rings can be found for reduced prices. Unless you are actually wealthy, you and your fiance will need to reflect carefully on your desire of a Cartier engagement ring. Yes, they are stunningly and elegantly beautiful. By all means, go to cartier.com and peruse these works of art. If you are buying a Cartier engagement ring from a source other than a jeweler make sure you have it appraised and that you are getting what you expected to purchase. Learn about the four Cs - color, carat, cut and cost.

Does a Cartier engagement ring suit your way of life? You might aspire to the ring-finger of a glamorous socialite, but if you work with your hands, you may not want the responsibility of such an extravagant piece of jewelry. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but not if they needlessly create money troubles.

So if you have cash to spare, by all means, indulge the Cartier name and enjoy both an engagement ring and a work of art. If not, all brides like to peruse the catalogues and dream a bit!