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2-Stone Rings Trace Origins to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Proposal

Celebrity selections cement Toi et Moi as a popular engagement-ring style.

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2023

Beth Bernstein Instore January 2023 Issue

Megan Fox wears Stephen Webster’s toi et moi emerald and diamond engagement ring. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

TOI ET MOI, which translates from the French into “you and me,” describes rings entrenched in the romance of the past, particularly the Edwardian/Belle Epoque era, when they became a popular choice among rings for all occasions. But their origins can be traced to 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais, with a pear-shaped sapphire and pear-shaped diamond set together in a yellow gold ring. Because the proximity of the stones represents two souls becoming one, they’ve been perfect for engagement rings throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. This style has most recently been in the news due to the engagement rings of Megan Fox and Ariana Grande. Modern designers are creating different takes, including utilizing either the same cut of gemstones or a mix of fancy cuts.

Jemma Wynne 18K gold bespoke emerald and diamond Kissing two-stone ring.

Jemma Wynne

18K gold bespoke emerald and diamond Kissing two-stone ring.

jemmawynne.com

Price on request

Lauren Addison 18K gold emerald-cut and pear-shaped diamond toi et moi ring

Lauren Addison

18K gold emerald-cut and pear-shaped diamond toi et moi ring, 3.50 TCW.

laurenaddison.com

Price on request

2-Stone Rings Trace Origins to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Proposal

Kwiat

Platinum, 4.56-carat diamond and 3.22 carat Colombian emerald engagement ring.

kwiat.com

Price on request

Beth Bernstein

Beth Bernstein is a jewelry historian, journalist, and one-time jewelry designer. She is the author of six jewelry books and has contributed to many trade and consumer print and online magazines. She previously held the position of senior editor for INSTORE magazine from 2008-2013. She lectures, runs and participates in seminars and educational events. Throughout the 1990s, Beth designed a jewelry collection under the brand name Bethany B, which sold to over 250 stores throughout the USA and abroad.

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