What a better way to say I love you and propose than with a French engagement ring?
We ladies know that “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental but diamonds are a girl’s best friend…” and wouldn’t we all want to be swept off our feet with a luxurious Cartier engagement ring? Yes, please!
Today we wanted to continue with our TOP 5 PARIS picks and talk about some of the major names in the French jewelry (specifically engagement and wedding rings) industry. We’ve dug up some historical facts, recent news and thrown in a fun pronunciation guide that should have you sounding like a true Parisian in no time!
1. Cartier (pronounced Car-tee-eh)
Louis-Francois Cartier founded this luxury jewelry company Cartier in 1847 after taking over the workshop of Adolphe Picard. Established at 29, Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondisment of Paris, the headquarters are still in the city, with an address on the elegant Rue de la Paix.
Since its beginning, Cartier has attracted high-profile clientele and royalty. The jewelry house became the official purveyor to the kings and heads of state of England, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Belgium, Serbia, and Siam.
- Evalyn Walsh McLean wearing the now famous HOPE diamond
Cartier is also the maker of the famous Blue Hope Diamond, sold to American mining heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1910. Harry Winston later purchased the necklace from Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1949 and donated to the Smithsonian Institution on November 10, 1958.
The creation of the Trinity in 1924, a “three-band ring and bracelet combining gold in three colors,” brought fame to Cartier once again. The style became very popular in Parisian society after Jean Cocteau adopted the design and is still one of the most popular statement of understated luxury.
Cartier’s history allows it to have an elaborate spread of stores around the world, plus historic collections of the pieces that are in metropolises like Paris, London, and New York. Their survival through world wars and economic crises have guaranteed them a place in the jewelry market forever, plus some of the best real estate in the city. One of their most famous boutiques is located at Place Vendome, a boutique they have had since 1899, which shares the plaza with the Ritz Paris (link back to other article), a Chanel boutique, Dior Jewelry, and Van Cleef & Arpels, another top French ring designer, two of which also made it to our list of Top French Wedding Ring Designers.
Cartier is the French power player in the jewelry world, whose elegance and style are matched by few.
2. Van Cleef & Arpels ( pronounced Von cleef eh Ar – pel)
Messieurs Alfred Van Cleef and Charles Arpels founded their namesake company, Van Cleef & Arpels, in 1896, opening their first store a decade later in the famed place Vendome in Paris. While Cartier has a patent on the “invisible mount,” Van Cleef & Arpels pioneered their own gem-setting technique, christened the “Mystery Setting.” The firm is known for their remarkable work with rare stones; their designs strive to enhance the gems themselves.
Those looking for an engagement ring from Paris, look no further.
One of their standout pieces include the engagement ring John F. Kennedy presented to Jacqueline Bouvier: one 2.88 carat diamond mounted next to a 2.84 carat cut emerald with tapered baguettes.
Van Cleef & Arpels boasts not only sophistication, like its neighbor Cartier, but also revolutionary designs and techniques.
Not to mention they are a staple on every single red carpet. Who remembers that green emerald necklace by Ginnifer Goodwin?
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