A Cartier ring is judged first by its shank. It is the part that takes the strain of daily wear : thinning beneath the finger, a flat spot created by a neighbouring ring, a trace of previous resizing. On engraved models such as the Love, the depth of the raised screws shows at a glance whether the piece has been worn or polished several times.
Each ring is authenticated before being offered for sale : hallmarks, serial number, consistency of the size engraving, stone by stone setting inspection and weighing. Set pieces are examined under magnification to check the security of the claws and the consistency of the diamonds' colour. Certificate of authenticity provided.
| Model | Character | Checkpoints |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Ring with screw motif, available in three golds | Screw relief, thickness, engraved size |
| Trinity | Three moving bands, yellow, white and rose gold | Play between the bands, contrast of tones |
| Juste un Clou | Wrapped nail, graphic line | Tip, curve of the head |
| Panthère | Figurative jewellery, lacquer, onyx, emeralds | Eye stones, lacquer chips |
| Ballerine, Destinée, Étincelle | Solitaires and engagement rings | Stone certificate, claw security |
| Nouvelle Vague, Caresse d'Orchidées | Jewellery creations | Setting, condition of the rhodium plating |
This is the first point to address before any second-hand ring purchase. Models with an engraved motif such as the Love or the Juste un Clou do not respond well to significant resizing : the motif becomes distorted and the original engraving no longer matches. Smooth bands and solitaires, by contrast, can accept a reasonable adjustment carried out in the workshop. We indicate the size of each piece on its product page and tell you straight away whether it can be adjusted.
Depending on the model. We tell you frankly when an adjustment would damage the piece, and in that case we prefer to look for the right example for you in the right size.
For solitaires, the gemmological certificate accompanies the piece when it exists. Failing that, we have the stone appraised before it is offered for sale and state its characteristics.
Yes, as an outright purchase or on consignment. Photos of the ring, its hallmarks and its inner engraving are sufficient for an initial valuation.
Signed pieces sell quickly and not all are put online. If you are looking for a particular model, size or material, let us know : we will inform you as soon as a matching piece arrives in the boutique. Tell us about your search or call the boutique on 06 07 10 31 64.
See also : all our Cartier pieces and our full selection of pre-owned rings.
Francine Joaillerie is an independent house specialising in second-hand pieces and is not affiliated with any of the houses mentioned.
