Toi et Moi: The History of a Love Story Told in Two Gemstones
Origins of the Engagement Ring
While the wives of Roman men wore rings to signify their husbands’ ownership, it wasn’t until 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria presented his wife-to-be, Mary of Burgundy, with the first ever recorded diamond engagement ring that this type of jewelry became trendy.
Arguably, in that moment, the Archduke singlehandedly became the biggest influencer to date. (Ironically, despite being the trendsetter for engagement rings, Maximillian’s war nickname was Coeur d'acier, which translates to “heart of steel”, but that’s another story.
For now, we’re going to pretend he wasn’t a ruthless conqueror and was instead a precious, lovesick little man.) While presenting one’s beloved with any style of engagement ring is considered by many to be the ultimate declaration of devotion, some would argue the most romantic style of all is the Toi et Moi.
A French phrase that quite literally translates to “you and me", the name of this style is reflected in the design itself. Toi et Moi rings feature two gemstones that are meant to symbolize both parties coming together as one (très romantique indeed!). There are some who believe the gemstones should be the same type, shape, and scale to represent an equal partnership.
However, as is the case with most “rules” in fashion, a lot of people throw this notion right out the window and mix and match different gemstones, cuts, and sizes. This makes the Toi et Moi the perfect option for anyone looking to pour extra personality or intimate meaning into their engagement ring.
Napoleon and the First Toi et Moi
Now, you might be saying to yourself, “I’ve never heard of this style! It must be a newfangled thing the kids have come up with!” and let me tell you, you’re wrong.
Ladies and gentlemen, we once again turn our attention to the history books. In a second ironic twist, we have yet another famous conqueror to thank for the bridal style at hand: Mr. Napoleon Bonaparte.
Much to his family’s dismay, in 1796 he presented Joséphine de Beauharnais with a yellow gold engagement ring featuring a pear-shaped diamond and a pear-shaped blue sapphire weighing just under one carat each. With his proposal, we glean the first documented Toi et Moi ring.
229 years later, the notoriety of Bonaparte’s ring lives on. In 2013, it sold at a French auction house for close to $1 million.
Iconic Toi et Moi Rings Through History
Beyond that, the style has served as inspiration for many engaged couples. We’ve seen numerous celebrities put their own flare into Toi et Moi designs, including John and Jackie Kennedy who selected a stunner from Van Cleef & Arpels that featured an emerald cut emerald and an emerald cut diamond weighing about three carats each.
Van Cleef & Arpels is also the designer behind Queen Margrethe II of Denmark’s whopper of a double cushion cut ring that was set with two six carat diamonds.
More recently, we’ve seen a few stars put a very personal twist on the Toi et Moi style. Hannah Montana star, Emily Osment, was spotted rocking an incredible elongated radiant cut diamond and Montana sapphire engagement ring created by Erin Cuff. What sets her yellow gold design apart is the differing setting styles. While the diamond is showcased in a four-prong head, the sapphire is set in a beautifully sleek bezel.
Megan Fox and Colson Baker (aka MGK) also chose to put their unique stamp on the Toi et Moi. Working with renowned jewelry designer, Stephen Webster, they created two separate rings that fit together with hidden magnets. Both set in 18 karat white gold and flanked by diamonds set in the shanks, one ring features a pear-shaped emerald to represent Fox’s birthstone and the other a matching diamond to represent Baker’s. When worn together, the gemstones come together to form the shape of a heart.
Forgoing the diamond and colored gemstone Toi et Moi trend and instead choosing a double diamond look, Emily Ratajkowski’s engagement ring was decked out with a three-carat pear shaped diamond nestled next to a two-carat princess cut diamond. The juxtaposition of differing diamond shapes and sizes allows each gem to pop, while their careful positioning on the yellow gold band creates a cohesive, balanced look overall.
Toi et Moi at Forsythe Jewelers
So, what did we learn today? Conquerors maybe should have poured their efforts into jewelry design instead of the battlefield, the Toi et Moi is a trendy, yet timeless style, and other than the demand to have the piece feature two gemstones, there really are no rules when it comes to the design.
Although this blog article focuses on engagement rings (here’s where we plug the pear-shaped green sapphire and princess cut diamond Toi et Moi ring recently added to our bridal collection), this style can also be incorporated in fashion rings, pendants, and even bracelets. At Forsythe Jewelers, we have options in-store for you to choose from, or we can work together to bring your custom idea to life just as we did for a recent client looking to breathe new life into her heirloom ring. We love the matching cuts and differing colors she chose to showcase with her newly designed ring.
The next time you’re shopping for jewelry for someone you love (or yourself!) consider exploring a Toi et Moi design! Book an appointment and let us help you find or create a piece that tells your story.
Psst... love estate jewelry? So do we! Join us for our annual Estate Event taking place Thursday, October 9th through Saturday, October 11th. For three days only, we will offer an expanded estate selection for shoppers to delight in. Curated in part by our favorite estate vendors, our cases will feature one-of-a-kind heirlooms and timeless designs to add to your collection. Don't miss our favorite event of the year!
