In the past year or so, engagement rings with two stones have really been making a comeback. These rings are known as "toi et moi" rings ("you and me" rings), and many people consider them to be the most romantic ring style ever invented.
The two stones symbolize the close connection of souls -- there's a real sense of intimacy, but neither one loses its individuality. If you're shopping for a toi et moi engagement ring or just browsing, this fascinating design is worth knowing about.
History of the Toi Et Moi Ring
Like many iconic jewelry designs, the toi et moi ring has a rich history behind it. The first one was designed in 1796 by Napoleon Bonaparte himself when he was a soldier in the French army. Bonaparte intended to propose to Josephine de Beauharnais, a woman six years his senior who already had two children.
Napoleon's family wasn't too excited about this choice, but Napoleon didn't let that stop him. He designed a ring with a gold band and two teardrop-shaped gems: a diamond and a sapphire. Each was just under a carat.
How to Choose Materials, Colors and Designs?
1. Classic choices: ruby + diamond or emerald + diamond
Today, we see seemingly endless stone types set into these remarkable rings. But in antiquity, seeing rings with a ruby and a diamond was more typical. The diamond, a stone traditionally associated with marriage, represented prosperity and love. The ruby's intense red hue represented devotion and passion.
2. Use your own birthstones
You can still find toi et moi rings with this specific stone combination, but high-end jewelers continue to innovate and revamp the style. For instance, one of the more modern takes on the toi et moi ring is to include each person's birthstone.
3. Choose different types of stones with different cuts and sizes
Modern designs often use two different types of stones with different cuts and sizes. For an engagement ring, one stone (usually the larger one) is often a diamond. Alternatively, an engagement toi et moi ring could have two birthstones surrounded by a pave of small diamonds on the band.
4. Have some level of color contrast
For those not going the birthstone route, it's common to have some level of color contrast between the stones. Green and white (emerald and diamond) is a very popular combination. A white and black palette-- either black and white diamonds, a white diamond and obsidian, etc. -- adds a beautiful sense of contrast.
If you're going for a more monochrome look, the combination of a diamond and a pearl isn't unusual. But it is surprising, as pearls are soft enough that most people don't want to take the risk of wearing them daily. If you're careful and take good care of your ring, the pearl and diamond route is a good one.
5. Moissanite is an excellent and affordable choice
Of course, some modern designs, especially those not intended to be engagement rings, eschew the diamond entirely. You can find especially striking pieces made with lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones.
And if you want a more affordable diamond lookalike, there's always moissanite, too. Natural moissanite is a rare stone that shines brighter and has a more stunning fire than diamonds, while costing 1/10th of the price of diamonds.
Why is it possible? It is because this stone has a higher refractive index of 2.65-2.69 (2.42 for diamonds), a higher dispersion index of 0.104 (0.044 for diamonds) and a higher brilliance of 20.4 (17.2% for diamonds).
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6. Try some separation in the ring if you want a more modern feel
It's also not unusual to see some separation in the ring, as many modern designs incorporate a space between the two stones for a more modern look. As for settings, any variety of gold can be used. You might choose yellow gold for classic look, white gold for a cool palette, or even pink or rose gold for a different aesthetic.
Conclusion
There's a toi et moi ring out there for just about any taste. If you're looking to commemorate your engagement or any special connection, check out our collection of toi et moi rings!