The Cartier Tank Ring – A Symbol of Sincere Sentiment and Unrivaled Value
The Cartier Tank Ring – A Symbol of Sincere Sentiment and Unrivaled Value
Known for its timeless jewelry and watches, Cartier is one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands. Their timepieces are worn by celebrities and world leaders alike and have a reputation for being extremely well made.
The Tank is one of their most iconic models and a watch that stands out as a true classic. In this article, we will discuss the history of this watch and some interesting facts about it that you may not have known.
The History of the Tank
The Tank was born out of a need for a new weapon on the Western Front after trench warfare had reached its stalemate. A tank was designed to break the stalemate through the use of an armoured body and a continuous track. It could also protect troops from bullets and shell splinters, as well as pass through barbed wire in a way infantry units couldn’t hope to do.
The British Army began to test and develop the new machine in 1915, following the First Lord of the Admiralty’s creation of a Landships Committee. A series of experiments were based on the design of a rhomboidal tank, with tracks encircling its body to help it cross wide trenches. A turret was mounted on top and, while the first tanks to see action (the renowned “Whippets”) were quite heavy, lighter designs soon became popular with military leaders.
By 1918, the Renault FT-17 light tank was seen as a groundbreaking innovation and was a model that was used on the battlefield, where it quickly gained its name. This type of tank was a small, but mighty design, and it was the first to have a fully-rotating turret and to use a long 75-mm gun for its armament.
As the war continued, military leaders realised that this new weapon could be much more than a defensive machine: it could also be used to attack other tanks or even to scout ahead. This development, prompted by the experiences of the Spanish Civil War, meant that nations started to produce more tanks.
France, on the other hand, remained somewhat sceptical about this development and its potential as a battlefield weapon. However, an army officer called Colonel Swinton argued for its battlefield usefulness, and French military leaders soon began to see the value of this new battlefield weapon.
While Britain was testing these new weapons, the Germans were trying to develop a vehicle that could break through their trenches and attack British troops. The Germans were unsure whether the British would be ready for this, but it was their experience in the First Battle of Ypres, which had led to the end of open warfare on the Western Front, that made it clear that the new weapon needed to be developed.
The Models
The Cartier Tank is a storied timepiece that is sure to capture the attention of anyone who encounters it. It is a watch that has an unmistakable and timeless design and is a symbol of sincere sentiment, luxury and unrivaled value.
As one of the most iconic and enduringly popular watches, the Tank has been seen on the wrists of royalty and is beloved by independent women alike. Today, there are many variations of the Tank, but most of them share a similar rectangular case and dial design.
Despite its many different faces, the Tank has one thing in common: its utilitarian influence and elegant Art Deco style. Originally inspired by the dual-track form of a First World War armored vehicle, the Tank has become a classic for its unique look and versatility.
In the early 1900s, Louis Cartier created the Tank, which became a favorite among both men and women alike. Its angular design was inspired by the treads on a tank, and it has since been adapted into bracelet designs to create more versatile wear options.
For example, the Cartier Tank Francaise is a sporty metal bracelet model that has been spotted on the wrists of former First Lady Michelle Obama and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. It is also a popular choice for couples seeking a modern and feminine ring to wear together.
Another option is the Love ring from Cartier. This ring is thin in thickness, and it comes in a variety of color combinations. It is also available in various sizes, making it a great choice for women who want to be able to wear it with a variety of other jewelry.
The Love ring is not as expensive as the wedding band, so it is an ideal investment that will continue to increase in value over time. However, it is important to note that the love ring can be a bit harder to take care of than the wedding band.
When purchasing a ring, it is important to choose a material that is durable and will hold up to daily wear and tear. This will help ensure that the ring stays in good condition for a long time to come.
The Materials
The Tank is an iconic watch, and the materials used to make it are a reflection of Cartier’s commitment to ethical sourcing. This is a good thing as it means that the brand is committed to making sure that their products are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
The gold used to make the Tank is recycled rather than mined. This is great for the environment because it eliminates the need to use more natural resources in the form of mining, as well as reducing CO2 emissions and polluting water.
During the process of recycling, gold is heated to melt it and then refined to remove any impurities. This makes the metal more pure and useful for making new jewelry.
Aside from this, the gold used to make the Tank is also sourced responsibly and ethically. This is because the company uses RJC COC-eligible gold. This ensures that they are able to source gold from industrial scraps and old jewelry without having any negative impact on the environment.
Cartier is one of the few companies that have taken the time to make sure their products are made in an eco-friendly manner. This is because they are trying to reduce the amount of waste that is produced by their manufacturing processes.
In fact, the majority of the company’s jewelry is sourced from recycled materials, with only 10% coming from mines. They are trying to keep this as low as possible because the environmental impact of mining is very high.
This is why the brand is always experimenting with new materials and techniques to improve their sustainability. This is why it’s important to be aware of what you’re buying when shopping for a Cartier ring.
Using genuine diamonds is another good way to support ethical sourcing. This is because it means that you’re getting a high-quality piece of jewelry that will last for many years to come.
However, if you don’t want to spend as much on your jewellery, you can consider investing in pre-owned rings. This is because they are a great way to get the luxury that you want at a fraction of the original price.
The Movement
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, a Cartier Tank is an iconic choice that never goes out of style. With a wide variety of styles available, you’re sure to find the perfect watch for your unique style and budget.
Originally designed in 1917, the Tank was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks used on the Western Front during World War I. Over the years, the Tank design has been iterated on but has always remained true to Louis Cartier’s original vision.
With a rectangular case and an elegant dial, the Tank has long been a hallmark of Cartier’s classic watches. It’s been updated over the years with variations including the Tank Cintree, Chinoise, Francaise and Louis, as well as the Guichets – an extra-long jumping hour model that was popular during the 1920s.
A Tank can be worn on a formal evening, but it is equally appropriate for everyday wear as a statement piece that will never go out of style. Try pairing it with a sleek leather strap or an ultra-slim metal bracelet for a refined and sophisticated look that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
The enduring Trinity De Cartier collection was launched in 1924 and features a trio of bands crafted from radiant yellow, white or rose gold with intertwined jewels that represent love and unity. You can also find a beautiful pair of diamond and pearl earrings in this collection for a striking combination that will stand out.
In the 1920s, Cartier also created a range of jewelry pieces that were heavily inspired by India. During this time, Jacques Cartier traveled to the country and sourced carved Indian gemstones that he later incorporated into his designs. The resulting pieces, known as ‘Tutti Frutti’, would become one of the most famous genres of multi-gem Art Deco jewellery.
Today, the brand’s renowned designs can be found across the globe in all forms of fine jewellery and accessories. With its motifs including the panthere, the swan and the leopard, Cartier is a popular choice among royals and great jewellery collectors alike.
The Cartier Tank Ring – A Symbol of Sincere Sentiment and Unrivaled Value
