Traditionally, when the Trinity circle motif appears in the three colors of gold, it is said to symbolize the three different stages of a relationship: white for friendship, rose for love, and yellow for fidelity. This Trinity relationship theme has endured in popularity around the world for generations. Also, recently, Cartier has incorporated a new slogan for the series which reads: "Trinity. All about you forever." This ad campaign is expected to appeal to women – who may or may not be in a relationship – who want right-hand rings or classic, timeless, ornamental jewelry for themselves.
Louis Cartier Trinity Ring Made Famous by Elsie de Wolfe
In 1925, under the direction of Louis Cartier, grandson of the company's founder, Cartier showcased the Trinity ring during the huge, progressive, post-war Paris Exhibition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The great public exhibition showcased important industrial and decorative arts. The idea was to display only original items of stylistic and functional novelty.
Compare, for example, the fresh and simplistic style of the Trinity ring to the ornate jewelry popular during earlier eras, like Victorian and Rocco styles. New design ideas, like the modern Trinity ring, that were a departure from the "old styles" were of great interest at the time. Also, at this time, leaders in the fields of art, craft, fashion, architecture, design, literature and performance were often close friends and acquaintances. These creative and talented individuals, from different countries around the world, inspired and encouraged one another. Often, their ideas and creations were closely linked.
Multi-talented trendsetter and longtime Cartier client, Elsie de Wolfe, known today as America's first decorator, brought instant attention and desirability to Cartier's newly designed Trinity line as she wore her well-recognized Trinity ring. Many credit her as the person who made the ring so popular.
Rolling Ring Features Moveable Interlocking Circles
Today, the Trinity de Cartier series remains "chic," and is much beloved, and has grown to include many variations, including earrings and jewelry pieces made with diamonds, as well as platinum and ceramic material. Yet, one aspect of the design remains constant – the iconic interlocking circles.
The Trinity ring style is sometimes referred to as a "rolling ring" – describing how the mobile, interlocking bands slide and cascade in and out of one another and may be endlessly changed and manipulated by the wearer. In addition to the everlasting design, this unique characteristic of the ring is most appealing to wearers.
