VANBRUUN Editorial
Toi et Moi: A love story since the 18th century
The Toi et Moi ring is a historic symbol of two unique souls coming together. In this editorial, we explore the heritage behind this iconic double-stone design, from its royal debut in 18th-century Paris to its modern-day renaissance. Discover the history, the meaning, and the endless design possibilities of a ring made to celebrate love.
The history of the Toi et Moi ring: A royal beginning
A love story began in 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine de Beauharnais in Paris with a Toi et Moi ring. He chose a ring featuring a pear-cut diamond and a pear-cut sapphire resting side-by-side. Each stone weighed approximately 1.0 carat, beautifully representing two souls joining together. From that very moment, this unique design became, and has remained, a symbol of love and connection.
A famous Toi et Moi ring
After Napoleon’s proposal, this unique design has continued to catch the world’s attention. Over the years, several celebrities have chosen the Toi et Moi ring to mark their own love stories. A favorite example among many is former First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Her famous engagement ring featured a beautiful emerald-cut diamond paired with a green emerald, both weighing nearly 3.0 carats.
The romantic meaning
Toi et Moi translates to you and me, a name that beautifully symbolizes the love between a couple. Beyond its historic origins with Napoleon and Joséphine, the design offers endless possibilities for personalization through various stones and cuts. Throughout history, many have chosen to set the ring with their respective birthstones as a discreet and poetic symbol of their unique connection. Yet, the Toi et Moi is equally powerful as a bold statement piece, a trend frequently seen among celebrities.
Seeking your own Toi et Moi?
At VANBRUUN we have our own take on this iconic design, called Loulou. If you prefer a personal touch, you can always design your own Toi et Moi. Discover our custom-made process here and let us bring your unique dream ring to life.
A Toi et Moi ring is a ring design that features two gemstones sitting side-by-side on a single band.
Toi et Moi translates to you and me in french.
Toi et Moi is pronounced “twah ih mwah”.
No, the two stones in a Toi et Moi ring do not have to be the same. You can choose the gemstones and shapes as you desire.
Instead of having a single solitaire center stone like most engagement rings, the Toi et Moi ring has two center stones.
The most important thing when choosing a wedding band for your Toi et Moi is that you feel beautiful and confident with the combination. To complement our Toi et Moi ring, Loulou, we suggest a variety of wedding bands to suit every style, from the brilliant sparkle of Lizette and Louise to the timeless elegance of Alma.