Antique Two Stone Engagement Rings: a “Toi et Moi” Ring Guide

The two-stone, or “Toi et Moi” (French for “You and Me”), engagement ring has a romantic and storied history. Known for its deep symbolism, this style has adorned the fingers of empresses, first ladies, and modern celebrities alike. More than just a piece of jewellery, the two-stone ring beautifully captures the essence of a relationship, with each stone representing the unity of two people, be it through love, friendship, or shared dreams. Let’s explore this timeless style, its unique history, and what makes it such a captivating choice for engagement rings today.

A Symbol of Love and Friendship

At the heart of the two-stone ring lies a profound symbolism: two stones representing two souls coming together. This dual-gemstone setting can symbolise love and friendship, passion and commitment, or unity and independence. In every Toi et Moi ring, each stone is carefully selected and set to symbolise the unique dynamic between two people. This representation is especially meaningful in engagement rings, where couples seek not only beauty but a lasting symbol of their unique bond.

A Tale of Two Stones: the history of the “toi et moi” ring

Fit for an Empress: The Georgian Period

The two-stone style became iconic in 1796, thanks to French Emperor Napoleon, who proposed to his beloved Josephine with a two-stone ring in yellow gold. This stunning Toi et Moi ring featured a pear-cut blue sapphire alongside a 1-carat diamond, symbolising both the strength and tenderness of their love. Their marriage, rooted in passion rather than social obligation, made the ring a symbol of authentic romance. Napoleon’s adoration for Josephine was immortalised in his words, “You have robbed me of more than my heart: all my thoughts are about you alone.”

Today, two-stone rings still evoke this genuine, heartfelt connection, capturing the spirit of Napoleon and Josephine’s love story.

Edwardian Elegance: Filigree and Platinum Detailing

During the Edwardian era, the design of two-stone rings evolved, embracing intricate, lace-like designs with platinum settings. These rings often featured delicate filigree work and millegrain detailing, making them both elegant and sophisticated. The Edwardian period also introduced new diamond cuts, like the Asscher and emerald cuts, which added to the charm of these rings. Many couples favoured these intricate rings, attracted by the grace of the platinum designs and the delicate artistry of the Edwardian period.

Art Deco: Bold Colours and Geometric Patterns

The Art Deco era brought a transformation in the design of two-stone rings, embracing bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colours. The style shifted towards contemporary aesthetics, with step-cut diamonds and striking coloured gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. Many Toi et Moi rings from this period featured contrasting stones or shapes, arranged in dramatic, angular patterns. This interplay of colours and shapes created a unique and dazzling effect, making Art Deco Toi et Moi rings highly coveted by couples seeking something distinctive and dynamic.

Fit for a First Lady: The Mid-Century Romance of Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring from President John F. Kennedy was another famous two-stone design that solidified the style’s allure. Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, her ring featured a 2.8-carat diamond and an emerald of similar size, joined by a row of baguette-cut diamonds. Ten years later, Jackie redesigned the ring, enhancing it with marquise-cut diamonds to resemble a laurel wreath—a testament to her elegance and evolving sense of style. Her ring remains an icon, showcasing how the two-stone design can be both timeless and adaptable to personal style.

Modern Celebrity Influence and Birthstone Trends

In recent years, two-stone engagement rings have become a favourite among celebrities, each adding personal touches that make the style even more meaningful. Emily Ratajkowski and Ariana Grande both chose unique two-stone rings with personal significance. Emily’s stunning diamond ring, set on a yellow gold band, was co-found by her and her partner. Ariana’s ring famously included a pearl from her grandfather’s tie pin—her birthstone, adding sentiment and legacy to the piece. Megan Fox’s engagement ring features her birthston alongside her fiancé’s birthstone, an emerald and diamond respectively, designed by famed British jeweller Stephen Webster, MBE.

This trend towards birthstones has given the two-stone design a modern twist, allowing couples to find a ring that reflects their own story and connection.

Making It Your Own: The Beauty of Personalisation

One of the most appealing aspects of the two-stone engagement ring is how easily it can be personalised. From finding birthstones to shapes, metals, and settings, each element can be tailored to reflect the couple’s unique story. Some find their ring together like the Ratajowski’s, while others leave the ring as a surprise, adding to the excitement of a one-of-a-kind find.

With the increasing demand for meaningful jewellery, the Toi et Moi ring allows for something truly unique. Whether it’s a tribute to a historical love story or a celebration of modern romance, a two-stone engagement ring beautifully captures the essence of “You and Me”—a timeless expression of connection, unity, and love.