The Cartier Trinity ring is a timeless piece that is more than just beloved. Worn by celebrities ranging from Romy Schneider to the Princess of Wales and Kylie Jenner, it underlines the symbolism that makes it suitable for everyone and illustrates the personal story of each individual. But what is the secret of the three intertwined bands that tell their very own love story?


It all began 101 years ago, in 1924, when Louis Cartier, a grandson of the Maison's founder, wanted to create something different and unusual. At that time, haute jewelry was mainly characterized by the use of precious stones and was designed for a high class clientele. However, Louis wanted to break new ground by designing a piece of jewelry that was simple but remarkable for its craftsmanship and meaning. By creating such a ring, characterized by its clarity and the striking use of three different types of platinum - yellow, white and rose gold - Louis was definitely innovative and the result of this creative journey - the Trinity ring - became an expression of the avant-garde. What makes the design of the Trinity ring so special is the meticulous savoir-faire required to create it. "How it is made is what everyone asks when they first see it, and all the while, they can't stop playing with it," explains Pierre Rainero, Cartier's Image, Style and Heritage Director. In fact, no matter how the bands are fiddled with, they always form a harmonious whole. The beauty of the built-in simplicity and purity underlines the importance of each band in creating a melodious harmony. But it is also the symbolism that makes the ring stand out. Ms Cérède, Director of Watch Design at Cartier, sums it up when she says: "It has to be beautiful, not trendy, and it has to have a meaning". The Trinity meets this last major requirement in several ways. Originally, the rose gold band was interpreted as love, the white as friendship and the yellow as fidelity. However, the symbolism of the Trinity has since been expanded. In Christianity, the Trinity embodies the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, giving the design a deep personal meaning. Others see it as an emblem of the past, present and future, or the three different types of platinum as a sign of diversity and universality. Whichever interpretation you believe in, the symbolism of the Trinity is so powerful that if offers further explanations, making it possible for everyone to own this piece of jewelry that tells a very personal story.

Since its inception, many celebrities have worn the Trinity design, but perhaps its greatest ambassador was Jean Cocteau. Known for wearing two Trinity rings stacked on his pinky finger, the French poet and filmmaker imbued the simple piece of jewelry with a greater personal significance, making it a favorite of his. After his death in 1963, his reference to the ring was so great that he was even credited with commissioning the design - which wasn't the case. Nevertheless, the ring has proved its uniqueness for more than a century, and has been loved by a wide range of famous people. From Jean Cocteau, the Duke of Windsor and Romy Schneider to Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton and Kylie Jenner. Although they couldn't be more different, the Trinity design illustrates that it holds the power to unite them all. Arnaud Carrez, Cartier's Cartier's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, is right when he says: "Trinity is a universal icon that has woven bonds of love into daily life for 100 years. [...] It is a messenger of emotions and diversity."

Over the years, the House of Cartier itself has continued to reinterpret and innovate its famous design. With the inclusion of the Trinity ring in its Les Must de Cartier collection in the 1970s, the Maison claimed its commitment to make it accessible to a wider audience and set in motion the evolution of the design. The ring itself, arguably the line's best-known design, has been reworked time and again to keep up with the zeitgeist. In the 1990s, the bands were redesigned to reflect the spirit of the times; in 2010, Cartier ventured into a material mix of white gold and black ceramic to create a darker and edgier aesthetic; and in 2024, a cushion-shaped design brought a new geometric approach. In 2022, the Maison collaborated with Chitose Abe, founder of the Japanese luxury fashion brand Sakai, to create a new design. She stretched two of the bands to create a ring that could be worn on several fingers. In doing so, Abe proves that the timeless Trinity design can be interpreted in a variety of ways while retaining its distinctive, simple and symbolic appeal. Of course, the Trinity line isn't limited to rings. Since its creation, Cartier has made many statements with its Trinity design. The Maison's XL bracelet, for example, has become quite iconic. But the Maison's pearl, gemstone and diamond creations are also very eye-catching and a true expression of haute joaillerie.