Toi et moi, French for you and me, is a style of engagement ring that features two distinctive gemstones which complement and play off each other. The two-stone ring has long symbolized the union between two lovers and dates back all the way to 1796. If you’ve ever wondered what this unique style of ring is we’ve got you covered. So keep reading to discover all there is to know about the toi et moi style.
What is a Toi et Moi Ring?
The term “toi et moi” refers to engagement rings with two stones. Most people typically place the two stones on either side of the center stone or in a split setting. This way they can view them together or apart, while also drawing attention to one another.
This ring usually features diamonds. However, they can also include various other gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
While most people associate this style with engagement rings, it can also be used for other jewelry pieces like pendants or bracelets. In fact, some people choose to use the design for their wedding bands as well.
What Diamond Shapes are Commonly Used in Toi et Moi Rings?
There are many different diamond shapes used in Toi et Moi rings. It can have matching stones, but many people prefer a ring with two separate diamond shapes; this allows them to reflect their and their partner’s own unique style. We’ve highlighted some of the popular choices below.
Diamonds with a Pear Shape
The pear-shaped diamond is a popular choice for its unique shape and versatility; it creates a ring that is elegant, sophisticated, and classic. Pear-shaped diamonds are also ideal for people who want a vintage look or something classic but with an edge.
Pear diamonds work very well when set against other round stones. Take, for example, the engagement ring that Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Josephine de Beauharnais. He had the ring set with two pear-shaped stones, a diamond, and a clue sapphire both one carat in size. Then, he had them arranged in opposite directions.
Oval-Cut Diamond
Oval diamonds are another popular choice for Toi et Moi rings thanks to their crowd-appealing look.
The oval diamond has a longer length than width, which results in a more elongated look overall. The shape is ideal for those who prefer a more classic look and want to avoid the rounder, more circular shape of round diamonds.
Oval diamonds have an abundance of sparkle. This sparkle makes them perfect for those who love the brightness of diamond jewelry without any harshness or glare. Many people prefer to contrast the brilliant-cut of an oval diamond with the step cut found in emerald or Asscher-shaped diamonds.
Emerald-Cut Diamond
Diamonds with an emerald shape are popular choices for Toi et Moi engagement rings. This is thanks to the rectangular and clean lines of the square shape. Often, an emerald shape sits next to a softer shape like an oval or round diamond. The resulting effect contrasts the emerald-cut diamond’s strong masculine edges with the soft femininity of curves.
What is the History of the Toi et Moi Ring?
The Toi et Moi ring has a rich past that dates back centuries. The ring initially exploded in popularity in 1796 after Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Josephine de Beauharnais with a 2-carat pear-shaped blue sapphire and diamond stunner.
The ring’s popularity then grew through the years and became a symbol of love and commitment around the world. An antique ring commonly had a ruby and diamond. This is because rubies historically represent passion and devotion while diamonds are symbolic of love and prosperity.
In May of 1953, John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie Kennedy with a two-stone Toi et Moi engagement ring. It featured a 2.84-carat emerald and 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond framed by an intricate design of baguette diamonds. Once again, this ring style enjoyed immense popularity. As public fascination with Jackie and Jack grew, so did the appreciation of the Toi et Moi ring.
Why are Toi et Moi Rings Popular Today?
Eventually, Toi et Moi engagement rings took a side seat to the solitaire diamond engagement ring. However, the classic statement piece is making a comeback today. This is thanks to the popularity of the Toi et Moi ring among celebrities and public figures alike.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
When Emily Ratajkowski’s beau, Sebastian Bear-McClard, popped the question he didn’t have a ring. He eventually made up for it by including Emily in the design process. Together, they designed her 5-carat Toi et Moi diamond engagement ring.
The ring features a 2-carat princess-cut diamond and a 3-carat pear shaped diamond. Both are classically set atop a delicate 18kt yellow gold band.
Megan Fox’s Emerald and Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Colson Baker aka Machine Gun Kelly took a note out of JFK’s playbook when selecting his fiancée, Megan Fox’s engagement ring. Baker proposed to Fox with a custom ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
Baker describes the ring on Instagram, “[…]the emerald (her birthstone) and the diamond (my birthstone) set on two magnetic bands of thorns that draw together as two halves of the same soul forming the obscure heart that is our love.”
Recently, this Toi et Moi ring has come under fire after fans found out the ring has a series of thorns on the band. These thorns make removing the ring incredibly painful. While it may not be for everyone, Megan Fox has gone on record saying she loves the ring, thorns and all.
Kylie Jenner’s Matching Toi et Moi Ring with Daughter Stormi
Rapper Travis Scott gifted his partner, Kylie Jenner, and their daughter, Stormi Webster, a pair of matching Toi et Moi rings. In typical toi et moi fashion the rings feature two diamonds in pear and radiant shapes.
Scott’s mother/daughter gift is a shift from the usual application of Toi et Moi engagement rings. We wouldn’t be surprised if more and more mothers and daughters were gifted matching rings as a result.
Ariana Grande’s Pearl and Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Fans of Ariana Grande were awed after Grande posted an Instagram photo of her pearl and diamond engagement ring. Her husband, Dalton Gomez, proposed just before Christmas with a sparkling oval-cut diamond. He paired the stunning diamond with a luminous pearl set on a simple yellow gold band.
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that the pearl had a sentimental meaning for Grande. Speculation states that the pearl in her engagement ring is the same pearl that was gifted to her by her nonna after her grandfather passed away. According to sources, her grandfather believed the pearl would keep Ariana safe. Whether or not it is the same pearl we can’t help but love the out-of-the-box use of precious gemstones.
The Toi et Moi Trend is Here to Stay
From Jackie O to Emily Ratajkowski to Ariana Grande, the Toi et Moi ring trend has firmly planted itself in fine jewelry pop culture. We can only see this two-stone trend getting hotter as years go on.
So, whether you are looking for inspiration to find the perfect diamonds for your Toi et Moi engagement ring or are just looking for unique diamonds for mother/daughter jewelry, Clean Origin can help. Clean Origin has a large array of stones in a variety of cuts that will draw all eyes to your finger and keep the compliments coming.
As you have seen, our Toi et Moi rings come with oval stones. If the oval has caught your interest, you will want to shop our selection of oval engagement rings too.
