The Romance of a Toi et Moi Ring - Made Bespoke
The Toi et Moi ring
A Toi et Moi - french for “you and me” is probably one of the most romantic rings to be made. It features two stones, nestled side by side, each representing one person in the relationship coming together as one.
The most famous toi et moi ring in history was the given by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife Josephine, in 1796. Though their marriage was not a perfect one and they eventually divorced, they remained committed to each other for life. They had only been engaged 2 weeks when they got married and off he went to invade Italy. Their famous ring made headlines again when it was sold at auction by the French auctioneers Osentat in 2013 for nearly $1 million dollars, thanks to its beautiful love story.
In more recent history, many icons have favoured this style. John F Kennedy famously gave Jackie an emerald and diamond Toi et Moi ring made by Van Cleef & Arples. More recently celebrities like, Ariana Grande and Megan Fox have brought these rings into the spotlight.
However, as my most recent commission proves, you don’t need celebrity status to wanted to express yourself through this classic and symbolic design.
The pairing of an octagon sapphire and pear shaped diamond is stunning.
The Brief: Breathing life into a Diamond
My client came to me with a dilemma. He and his wife already had an engagement ring, but it no longer fit comfortably. Because the ring had a band set with diamonds all the way around it could not be resized.
He wanted to keep the original pear shaped natural diamond as a starting point for a Toi et Moi design. He was clear on the vision: he wanted to pair the diamond with an octagon cut teal sapphire. Having learnt from the previous ring, he preferred to keep the new band clean, simple and timeless.
The bi coloured sapphire in full glory.
The Approach: Sourcing the perfect Sapphire
The challenge with a Toi et Moi is balance. The two stones must compliment each other in scale and “personality” without out shining each other.
Sourcing the ideal sapphire is a complex process. It needed precise measurements to ensure it sat harmonious alongside the pear shaped diamond. Drawing on my trusted gemstone dealers, I presented him with several options. He ultimately chose a bi-coloured sapphire, which shifted beautifully between tones of deep blue to green.
To set off the gemstones, I designed a simple band with slight shoulders and elegant claws for the setting. This gave the ring a secure, modern edge, Once the stones were set, the ring was sent to the London Assay Office for its hallmark - the final seal of quality.
The striking result!
Results - a modern Toi et Moi ring
The finished ring is breathtaking. The lightly tilted pear shaped diamond paired with the crips lines of the octagon sapphire create a look that is both clean and contemporary.
“H is obsessed with the ring! Keep catching her looking at it under the lights and messaging friends”
Seeing a bespoke commission come to life is an incredibly exciting process. Because we are working with precious metal, gemstones and personal stories the end result can sometimes take us by surprise - the out come can sometimes be even more amazing than what we had imagined. There is no better way to celebrate your love than with a piece specifically designed for your loved ones.
From my workshop in Wimbledon, working alongside specialist craftspersons in Hatton Garden I ensure your jewellery is crafted to the highest level of expertise. If you would like to learn more about the bespoke process please click below.
A Wimbledon, London based jewellery designer/maker with 20 years experience.
I am passionate about envisioning and hand creating future heirlooms.
