Trinity de Cartier: an enduring symbol of love

It may be almost a century old, but the Trinity ring remains one of Cartier's most iconic creations. A cult classic comprised of three bands of grey, yellow and pink gold, forever joined in a tactile embrace, the ring has, over the decades, spawned a whole collection of Cartier Trinity jewels, all of which incorporate the same intertwined bands of gold.

Designed by Louis Cartier in 1924 at the request of the French artist, novelist, poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, the design looks no less contemporary today, which makes it even more remarkable.  In the 1920s, with the Art Deco era in full swing and Flapper style at its peak, Cartier was famous for its colourful and exotic creations. To create something like the Trinity ring - pared back to the basics of pure design, with no embellishments - showed great bravura.

The three bands depict fidelity, friendship and love, which has made Trinity an enduring symbol of relationships. Since the original ring and bracelet, the collection has grown to incorporate earrings, necklaces and, most recently, pavé diamonds and coloured stones, pearls and a trio of gold hearts. One of the newest additions to the collection is a classic Trinity ring, transformed into a sparkling engagement ring with pavé diamonds covering each of the three bands. Other new Trinity rings have been embellished with pink and blue sapphires for an unexpectedly colourful take on a classic.

To give the Trinity collection a youthful twist, Cartier recently reshaped the rings into three interlocking hearts. Strung on a delicate gold chain, this reinvention of a classic is testament to the longevity of one of the most instantly recognisable jewellery designs of all time.