The "Toi et Moi" ring is a style of ring characterized by the presence of two gemstones positioned side by side on a single band . The two stones can be of equal or different sizes, and of the same or different types. This design symbolizes the union of two individuals, often associated with love and mutual commitment.
The origins of the " Toi et Moi" ring date back to the 18th century, a period of romanticism in France. The first iconic ring of this style is said to have been created in 1776, symbolizing the union between Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais .
This engagement ring, made of gold and measuring 18 mm in diameter, was adorned with a pear-cut diamond and a sapphire . In 2013, during a major auction organized by Osenat, this engagement ring was sold for 896,400 euros.
As the story goes, Jackie Kennedy had her Van Cleef & Arpels "Toi et Moi" engagement ring, given to her by John Fitzgerald Kennedy when they proposed, redesigned. Originally surrounded by linear baguette diamonds, Jackie replaced them with larger marquise-cut diamonds.
The ring was topped with a 2.88-carat emerald diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald . The emerald was surrounded by brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, later replaced by 14 marquise-cut diamonds. Jackie Kennedy wore this exceptional piece with a white gold bracelet from the same house, given to her by JFK the day before their wedding.
Wallis Simpson , Duchess of Windsor, adopted the "You and Me" style. The Duke of Windsor gave her a bracelet of this style as her first wedding gift in 1938. Originally designed as a necklace, it was transformed into a bracelet by Cartier. It contained a tender message celebrating the date of their union: "For our first anniversary, June 3rd."