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The Fascinating History of Toi et Moi Engagement Rings

Q: 1. What does a Toi et Moi ring symbolize?

A Toi et Moi ring symbolizes the union of two individuals coming together as one. The design features two gemstones set side by side, representing two distinct personalities, lives, or energies joined in partnership. Because each stone can differ slightly in shape, size, or character, the ring beautifully reflects the idea that a relationship is made stronger by the individuality of each person.

Q: 2. Who started the Toi et Moi ring trend?

The Toi et Moi ring dates back centuries, but one of the most famous early examples was given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1796. Her ring featured two pear-shaped stones—a diamond and a sapphire—placed together in the signature Toi et Moi style. While the design has remained popular in fine jewelry for generations, it has experienced a modern resurgence thanks to celebrity engagements and couples seeking rings that feel personal and symbolic.

Q: 3. Can you use different diamond shapes in a Toi et Moi ring?

Yes. One of the defining features of a Toi et Moi ring is the freedom to pair different diamond shapes. Many designs feature complementary diamond cuts—such as pear and oval, emerald and cushion, or marquise and round brilliant—to create visual contrast and balance. This flexibility allows couples to design a ring that feels unique and classic.

Q: 4. What is the history of the Toi et Moi ring?

The phrase Toi et Moi translates from French as “You and Me,” and the ring style has been associated with romance since the late 18th century. After Napoleon’s famous proposal ring to Joséphine, the design became popular among European aristocracy and later in Victorian-era jewelry. Traditionally set with two diamonds or a diamond paired with another gemstone, the style continues to evolve today, with modern interpretations often featuring two diamonds in contrasting shapes to symbolize the meeting of two lives in one enduring piece of jewelry.

The romantic two-stone diamond engagement ring style comes in any number of new variations.

By Marion Fasel, Updated: March 6, 2026

Once upon a time, in January of 1796 to be exact, somewhere around Paris, Napoléon Bonaparte proposed to his true love Joséphine de Beauharnais. According to family descendants, he did so with a divine engagement ring composed of two pear shapes—a diamond and a sapphire—both weighing around one carat and set side-by-side. Never mind that the union ended in divorce for various reasons, the legend of the love story and the Toi et Moi ring remains.

Meet the Expert

Marion Fasel is an esteemed jewelry expert, author, curator, and trend forecaster.
She is the founder and Editorial Director of The Adventurine online jewelry magazine.
She is the author of several books, including The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance

What Makes a Toi et Moi Ring Unique

Because French is the language of jewelry as well as love, the term Toi et Moi, which means You and Me, is never translated. Beyond that fact and the presence of two center stones in the ring, there are no absolute rules about Toi et Moi designs, although there are those who will tell you otherwise.

Vintage engraving of a Josephine de Beauharnais was the first wife of Napoleon I, and thus the first Empress of the French. (Getty Images)

Some believe the gems in the rings should touch each other to represent a couple’s union. Others say the two stones can be independent of one another yet together in the design, which is a nice metaphor for a marriage.

Famous Love Stories
Featuring the Toi et Moi Ring

Beyond Napoléon and Joséphine, there are only two other famous couples in history known for the style. In 1953, former First Lady Jackie Kennedy received a Toi et Moi ring from John Kennedy with an emerald-cut diamond and an emerald-cut emerald weighing almost 3 carats each.

And in 1966, a Toi et Moi Van Cleef & Arpels ring with a pair of cushion shaped diamonds, weighing approximately 6 carats each, was slipped on the finger of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark by her French diplomat lover Henri de Laborde de Monpezat.

The Modern Resurgence of the
Toi et Moi Ring

In the 21^st century, Toi et Moi engagement rings have gained momentum. Two celebrity couples chose Toi et Moi rings within the last year. They both feature mismatched stones in the setting which is a popular spin on the style. Robert Pattinson gave Suki Waterhouse a pear-shaped diamond and a square pale pastel colored gem (which could be a diamond) on a diamond set band. And White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger gave his longtime love Abby Champion a Toi et Moi ring with a round diamond and a pear-shaped diamond bezel set (without prongs) in a gold ring.

JFK and Jackie Kennedy — Washington, D. C.: John F. Kennedy with wife, Jacqueline, during a visit from Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.

Endless Possibilities with the
Toi et Moi Ring

The happy ending to this fairy tale-like engagement ring story is that today many designers make Toi et Moi engagement rings and there are innumerable variations to choose from. There are designs with two stones on two slender connected bands, and bold rings with two gems plunged in the precious metal. Rings with pairs of gems and mismatched shapes can be found. There are also styles with a natural diamond and a sapphire echoing the famous French love story of Napoléon and Joséphine.

Shop Toi et Moi Rings

Get inspired by two-stone ring styles from some of our favorite designers.

Ashley Zhang Toi et Moi Rose Cut Diamond Ring, $2,950, ashleyzhangjewelry.com

Anita Ko, Princess Eternity Ring, $4,775, anitako.com

De Beers Aura Toi & Moi Pear-Shaped and Round Brilliant Diamond Ring, $5,700, debeers.com

Briony Raymond, Sloan Diamond Twin Ring, $14,000, brionyraymond.com

KatKim Brilliant Duét Ring, $30,000, katkimfinejewelry.com

Darius Jewels One of a Kind Double Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ring, Price Upon Request, dariusjewels.com

Reza Chose Ring, Price Upon Request, worldofreza.com

Mia Moross Fine Jewelry Folie à Deux Ring, $28,500, miamorossfinejewelry.com

KatKim Toi et Moi Diamond Trace Ring, $5,000, katkimfinejewelry.com

Jemma Wynne Bespoke Diamond Pear Open Ring, Price Upon Request, jemmawynne.com

Foundrae Forever & Always a Pair Love 7ct Diamond Bookend Ring Stack, $6,900, foundrae.com

Jemma Wynne Bespoke Diamond Open Ring, Price Upon Request, jemmawynne.com

FAQS: Toi et Moi Rings

1. What does a Toi et Moi ring symbolize?

A Toi et Moi ring symbolizes the union of two individuals coming together as one. The design features two gemstones set side by side, representing two distinct personalities, lives, or energies joined in partnership. Because each stone can differ slightly in shape, size, or character, the ring beautifully reflects the idea that a relationship is made stronger by the individuality of each person.

2. Who started the Toi et Moi ring trend?

The Toi et Moi ring dates back centuries, but one of the most famous early examples was given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1796. Her ring featured two pear-shaped stones—a diamond and a sapphire—placed together in the signature Toi et Moi style. While the design has remained popular in fine jewelry for generations, it has experienced a modern resurgence thanks to celebrity engagements and couples seeking rings that feel personal and symbolic.

3. Can you use different diamond shapes in a Toi et Moi ring?

Yes. One of the defining features of a Toi et Moi ring is the freedom to pair different diamond shapes. Many designs feature complementary diamond cuts—such as pear and oval, emerald and cushion, or marquise and round brilliant—to create visual contrast and balance. This flexibility allows couples to design a ring that feels unique and classic.

4. What is the history of the Toi et Moi ring?

The phrase Toi et Moi translates from French as “You and Me,” and the ring style has been associated with romance since the late 18th century. After Napoleon’s famous proposal ring to Joséphine, the design became popular among European aristocracy and later in Victorian-era jewelry. Traditionally set with two diamonds or a diamond paired with another gemstone, the style continues to evolve today, with modern interpretations often featuring two diamonds in contrasting shapes to symbolize the meeting of two lives in one enduring piece of jewelry.