Toi et Moi, meaning 'You and Me' in French, is a style of engagement ring that is steeped in history.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
After a passionate affair and exchange of fiercely romantic letters, Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine Beauharnais in 1796 with a beautiful Toi et Moi ring. One such letter read:
"The charms of an incomparable Joséphine keep constantly alight a bright and burning flame in my senses."
While the original Toi et Moi design was made popular by Napoleon, more modern interpretations of this engagement ring style have become synonymous with romance and glamour.
WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR?
The two-stone style is so personal to each individual, but there are a few of our favourite pairing principles to help inspire your design and strike a harmonious balance between the two stones.
1. TWO OF THE SAME CUT
These Emerald Cuts above work beautifully because the difference in size creates a playful sense of balance. For Toi et Moi engagement rings with two of the same stone, we'd recommend choosing stones that are either exactly the same size or noticeably different. Anything in-between can lack a sense of purpose and look a little awkward.
2. BALANCING GEOMETRIC AND SOFTER STONES
Pairing a striking geometric cut with something a little softer is a really modern way to balance two stones. Looking for two brilliant cuts, like this angular Princess Cut diamond paired with the soft, romantic Pear Cut, means they'll sparkle still in the same way which creates a sense of harmony between them.
3. ADDING OVAL CUTS
Oval Cut diamonds and sapphires have been amongst our most-requested stones of late, and we think they're just as graceful in a Toi et Moi engagement ring. The longer cut elongates the finger, so we paired it with a wider Cushion Cut to keep an unexpected yet elegant balance.
3. A POP OF COLOUR
For lovers of colour who don't want to compromise on sparkle - add a sapphire into the mix. The combination feels really modern, and is a beautiful way to integrate a pop of colour into your ring without it overpowering the design.
THE VERDICT
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a Toi et Moi engagement ring. It's much more about achieving an instinctual balance, our team are here to recommend stone cuts and carat weights in order to create that sense of harmony within your ring.
If you'd like to enquire about creating a bespoke Toi et Moi engagement ring, get in touch with us here. Our appointments are complimentary and take place either in our Shoreditch showroom, or online at a time that is most convenient for you.
Sources:
https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/article/true-romance-toi-et-moi-rings/
