What is a Toi Et Moi Ring & What Do They Mean?
Toi et Moi Rings, Their History & Why We Love Them
We have a (totally legitimate and productive) hobby of obsessing over celebrities’ new engagement rings - which is way more interesting to us than who they’re engaged to and how they met, if we’re honest. And as devotees of celeb bling-spotting, we couldn’t help but notice a unique theme of late.
We’re talking about the Toi et Moi ring, which is not only trending in engagement rings, but in the fashion world, too. At Medley we’ve recently created our own, modern versions for you (the emerald Toi et Moi ring and opal Toi et Moi ring) and so we’re putting the spotlight on this unique yet classic jewellery style, its history, and what it represents.
What does Toi et Moi mean in jewellery?
Toi et Moi is a French expression, which translates to ‘you and me’. As the name suggests, Toi et Moi jewellery incorporates two gemstones as its main design feature (one for you, one for me). The two gemstones in Toi et Moi jewellery symbolise two hearts coming together, which is one of the main reasons why this style is so loved for engagement rings.
What are Toi et Moi rings?
The Toi et Moi ring is a style that features two gemstones as the centrepiece. The stones might feature the same shape, such as a round cut, or they could be different, complementary shapes such as a pear and an emerald cut. The stones might be evenly placed on top or beside each other, or slightly offset for a unique look; but they’ll always hug close together, symbolising closeness and unity.
A key feature that differentiates Toi et Moi rings from a classic solitaire or three-stone, aside from the number of gemstones, is that they’re often designed to look as though the gemstones themselves close the ring around your finger, rather than sitting on a solid band that continues all the way around. In this way, it’s as if the two individual stones have come together to join as one, and their connection is key to the ring’s structure; a beautifully clear symbol of two people coming together to join their lives.
A short history of the Toi et Moi ring
With its French name, you can guess (correctly) that the provenance of the Toi et Moi ring is in this most romantic of cultures. In fact, it originated with one of France’s most famous historic couples, Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine. When Napoleon married Joséphine (despite his family’s vehement objections – what could be more romantic than forbidden love?) he gave her a ring featuring two pear-cut stones: a blue sapphire and a white diamond. Since royals and rulers were the trend-setters in the 18th Century, this beautiful and symbolic ring style quickly gained popularity throughout France, and it’s been a consistent favourite for engagement rings ever since.
Celebrities who wear a Toi et Moi ring
Don’t think that the Toi et Moi ring was only a trend circa 1776. Its romantic appeal and timeless design have ensured that it’s remained popular for more than 200 years (so you can be pretty confident a Toi et Moi ring will never go out of style).
One of history’s most influential couples since Napoleon and Joséphine was surely Jacqueline Kennedy and JFK. Similarly to the 18th Century Emperor and Empress, the President and First Lady marked their love and union with a stunning Toi et Moi engagement ring. The ring, crafted by luxury jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels, featured an emerald and a diamond totalling more than a whopping 5 carats together. As one of the biggest style icons of the 20th Century, Jackie’s choice of a Toi et Moi ring ensured this style remained as desirable as ever.
More recently, there’s been no shortage of It girls flaunting statement Toi et Moi engagement rings. Taking inspo from both Jackie’s and Josephine’s rings, Kylie Jenner sports an extraordinary two-stone ring featuring a pear cut and radiant diamond alongside a matching, smaller ring with her daughter Stormi.
Arianna Grande wears a Toi et Moi engagement ring too, featuring a huge oval cut diamond alongside a pearl. Emily Ratajkowski wore one of the most attention-grabbing Toi et Moi rings to date, with its 3-carat pear and 2-carat princess cut diamonds on a bold gold band.
Chosen by style influencers for over 200 years as a symbol of their love and commitment, the Toi et Moi ring is one of the most enduring trends in engagement – and in fashion.
When can I wear a Toi et Moi ring?
As a beautifully meaningful ring, symbolising togetherness, love, and connection between two people, Toi Et Moi rings are the perfect jewellery gift idea or a poignant piece for yourself.
As an engagement ring, the Toi et Moi style represents the love and unity between yourself and your partner, while also representing your unique individualities.
Toi et Moi rings don’t just have to be engagement rings, though. As a symbol of connection between two people, a Toi et Moi ring can represent your bond with your child or parent, your sibling or bestie. Essentially, whoever comes to mind when you think: ‘you and me.’
Give a Toi et Moi ring as a deeply meaningful gift to celebrate a new mum in your life, your best friend’s birthday, or an anniversary; or buy one for yourself as a reminder of your special connection with someone. As a gift for yourself, a Toi et Moi ring can also represent two important loved ones in your life – say, your partner and child, your two BFFs, or your fur babies.
On a more individual level, a Toi et Moi ring can even represent two parts of yourself, like your sun and rising signs; or perhaps who you once were and who you’ve grown to become, when self-gifted to mark a significant moment or milestone in your life.
Of course, jewellery doesn’t only have to be worn for symbolic reasons. Though unique, Toi et Moi rings are also timeless and versatile, making them a perfect addition to your forever-collection. If you love the look of a Toi et Moi ring, that’s all the reason you need to add one to your collection and wear it your way.
How to style a Toi et Moi ring?
Toi et Moi rings range from fine, stackable pieces through to statement styles. Assuming your vibe is more along the lines of our modern, micro emerald and opal Toi Et Moi rings than Megan Fox’s $300K stones, we have you covered with our top tips for styling a Toi et Moi fashion ring.
1. Minimalist Styling
Keep things refined, and let the unique appearance of your Toi et Moi ring lead your look. Our fine emerald and opal styles crafted in 10k gold offer the perfect subtle statement when worn alone.
2. Styling Statement
Create a statement look by contrasting your fine Toi et Moi ring with a bold gold piece. Our textured boyfriend ring in gold is the ultimate everyday statement piece, and it will bring an edge to your look when worn next your dainty ring.
3. Eclectic Styling
4. Diamond Styling
While on-trend now, the Toi et Moi ring has also endured as a classic symbol of romance (and the choice of true fashion icons) for more than 200 years. Add one of these unique yet timeless pieces to your collection and wear it your way. Discover our new Toi et Moi rings crafted with natural gemstones and 10k gold.
