06/05/2026
If a single ring could tell the story of love across centuries, it would be the Toi et Moi. French for you and me, this two-stone design is one of jewellery’s most enduring and emotionally resonant styles and right now, it’s having its most celebrated revival yet.
But this is far from a new trend. The Toi et Moi has graced the fingers of empresses, first ladies, and Hollywood royalty. And at its heart, it has always meant the same thing: two distinct souls, side by side, together.
In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte chose a sapphire and diamond ring for his beloved Joséphine de Beauharnais: a Toi et Moi design where two distinct stones sat side by side, symbolising a pact between two unique individuals. Joséphine was six years his senior and already had two children, and Napoleon’s family were far from enthusiastic about the match, but he was undeterred. He designed a ring with a gold band and two pear-shaped gems: a diamond and a sapphire, each just under a carat, with the teardrop shapes pointing in opposite directions.
The result was a ring as unconventional and passionate as the love it represented. Their marriage, driven by feeling rather than politics, was unusual for individuals of high social status at the time and that defiant romanticism is precisely why the Toi et Moi endures. Joséphine herself became one of history’s greatest patrons of fine jewellery, and the Toi et Moi engagement ring style can be traced directly back to her influence — a legacy that continues to shape jewellery trends over 200 years later.
The Toi et Moi never truly disappeared: it simply waited for the right wearers to bring it back into the light.
In 1953, First Lady Jackie Kennedy received a Toi et Moi ring from John F. Kennedy featuring an emerald-cut diamond and an emerald-cut emerald, each weighing almost 3 carats. Over a decade later, a Van Cleef & Arpels Toi et Moi ring with a pair of cushion-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 6 carats each was placed on the finger of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Jackie’s ring in particular cemented the style’s association with effortless, intellectual elegance. She later had the original stones replaced with more dramatic marquise and round diamonds, also by Van Cleef & Arpels, and that ring is now part of the permanent collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
The Toi et Moi gained fresh notoriety in recent years thanks to a wave of high-profile wearers, each bringing something different to the style.
Ariana Grande chose a pearl and oval diamond Toi et Moi on a simple gold band; delicate, unexpected, and entirely her own. Emily Ratajkowski went bolder, pairing a 2-carat princess cut with a 3-carat pear-shaped diamond in an asymmetric combination that sparked conversations worldwide. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly perhaps created the most talked-about Toi et Moi of the modern era: a split double-band design featuring an emerald (Fox’s birthstone) and a diamond (Machine Gun Kelly’s birthstone), set on interlocking thorn bands as a symbol that love is pain. Kylie Jenner took personalisation further still, having matching Toi et Moi rings custom made for herself and her daughter Stormi, both featuring a pear-shaped and radiant cut diamond.
What unites all of these rings is something the original Napoleon ring understood instinctively: the extraordinary power of two.
For more celebrity ring inspiration, see our A Touch of Stardom post.
Ariana Grande
Megan Fox
Emily Ratajkowski
At its simplest, a Toi et Moi is any ring featuring two centre stones set side by side on a single band. But the real magic lies in what those two stones can represent and the extraordinary number of ways they can be combined. Each stone can represent the couple themselves, two unique individuals joining together; past and future; birthstones; or family heritage, incorporating an heirloom stone alongside something new. Unlike a solitaire, which centres a single stone, or a trilogy ring, which tells a story of past, present, and future, the Toi et Moi is built entirely around the idea of two equals.
If you’re still exploring different shapes and styles, our Friendly Guide to Diamond Shapes is a great place to start.
Choosing two diamonds allows the focus to fall entirely on shape, proportion, and the interplay of light. Some of the most striking combinations include:
Perhaps the most popular pairing right now. Both elongated shapes offer beautiful finger coverage; the oval brings soft symmetry while the pear adds directional drama. They complement each other effortlessly.
The architectural stillness of an emerald cut beside the flowing curves of a pear creates a beautifully considered contrast — modern, editorial, and deeply elegant.
Two elongated shapes with dramatic symmetry. Fashion-forward and extraordinarily flattering on the hand.
Soft and brilliant. Two shapes that prioritise sparkle, in a pairing that feels both luxurious and wearable.
The double pear is perhaps the most romantic of all Toi et Moi combinations and the closest in spirit to the original Napoleon and Joséphine ring. Two teardrops facing each other, tips pointing inward, creating a heart-like silhouette that is simultaneously modern and deeply sentimental. The stones can be matched in size for perfect symmetry, or deliberately mismatched for a more dynamic, fashion-forward result.
This is where the Toi et Moi becomes truly individual. Adding a coloured gemstone introduces meaning, personality, and a level of storytelling that no solitaire can match.
The original. Napoleon’s ring. Jackie Kennedy’s ring. The deep, velvety blue of a sapphire alongside a white diamond is one of fine jewellery’s most iconic combinations. Our guide to Sapphire vs Diamond Engagement Rings explores both stones in depth.
Worn by both Jackie Kennedy and Megan Fox, this pairing carries extraordinary energy. The vivid green of an emerald beside a brilliant white diamond is bold and deeply romantic.
Passionate, vivid, and visually arresting. A deep red ruby alongside a diamond is a combination with centuries of royal heritage.
For those who prefer something cooler and more ethereal. The pale blue-green of aquamarine creates a dreamy, luminous pairing with a white diamond.
Two diamonds, but with warmth and colour contrast. A fancy yellow diamond beside a white diamond is a sophisticated choice that feels both modern and timeless.
One of the most meaningful approaches is choosing birthstones for each partner. Our Coloured Engagement Rings post is full of inspiration if you’re exploring this route.
The Toi et Moi works beautifully across every metal. Yellow gold gives it warmth and romance, evoking the original Napoleon ring. White gold and platinum bring a cooler, more contemporary edge. Rose gold adds softness and femininity. Our 14K vs 18K Gold guide covers all the key differences if you’re weighing up your options.
The Toi et Moi has a history, and those roots are getting stronger each year. From Napoleon to TikTok, from a sapphire and diamond on a simple gold band to interlocking thorn bands set with birthstones, the design has evolved constantly while the meaning has remained the same. In an era where couples increasingly want rings that reflect their individual story rather than a catalogue choice, the Toi et Moi offers something rare: built-in symbolism and endless creative freedom, all within one of fine jewellery’s most historically significant silhouettes.
It is a love language. Not just a trend.
For a full picture of where engagement rings are headed this year, our 2026 Ring Trend Predictions is worth a read.
At Harmony Jewels, we create bespoke Toi et Moi engagement rings from our studio in Hatton Garden, London, working with you to choose every detail, from stone shapes and sizes to metal, setting style, and the precise visual balance between the two.
Wondering how long the process takes? Our Bespoke Timeline explains everything. And once your ring is ready, our dedicated guide to How to Pair Your Toi et Moi Engagement Ring will help you find the perfect wedding band to sit alongside it.
Whether you’re drawn to two diamonds, a diamond and a sapphire, or a combination that’s entirely your own, we’d love to help you design it.
Toi et Moi is French for you and me. The name refers to the ring’s defining feature: two stones set side by side on a single band, each representing one person in the relationship: two distinct individuals, together.
The Toi et Moi dates back to 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte designed a ring for Joséphine de Beauharnais featuring a pear-shaped sapphire and a pear-shaped diamond set side by side in yellow gold. It is widely considered one of the most romantic gestures in jewellery history, and the design has endured ever since.
A trilogy ring features three stones, traditionally representing the past, present, and future of a relationship. A Toi et Moi features two stones, representing two people coming together. Both are deeply symbolic, but the Toi et Moi places the emphasis on duality and partnership rather than narrative.
Almost any combination works. The most popular choices are two diamonds in complementary shapes (such as oval and pear, or emerald and oval), or one diamond paired with a coloured gemstone such as a sapphire, emerald, ruby, or aquamarine. Birthstones are a particularly meaningful option, allowing each stone to represent one partner. There are no rules: the flexibility of the design is part of what makes it so enduring.
The most sought-after pairings right now are oval and pear, emerald cut and oval, and marquise and oval. Round brilliant paired with pear is a more classic choice, while cushion and round offers maximum brilliance. For step-cut lovers, Asscher and oval creates a striking contrast between geometry and curve.
No. And many of the most celebrated Toi et Moi rings feature stones of different sizes. Emily Ratajkowski’s ring, for example, paired a 2-carat and a 3-carat stone. What matters is that the two stones feel visually balanced together, which is something our team at Harmony Jewels will guide you through during your consultation.
Very much so. The Toi et Moi is one of the most searched engagement ring styles of recent years and shows no sign of slowing down. Unlike many trends, it has genuine historical roots and deep romantic symbolism, which means it doesn’t date.
Yes. At Harmony Jewels in Hatton Garden, we design and craft bespoke Toi et Moi rings from scratch, working with you to select your stones, shapes, metal, and setting. Book a private consultation via our appointments page.
All metals suit the Toi et Moi, but the choice will affect the overall feel. Yellow gold is the most historically resonant option, evoking the original Napoleon and Joséphine ring. Platinum and white gold give a cooler, more contemporary result. Rose gold softens the look and pairs particularly well with coloured gemstones.
Because the Toi et Moi has two stones side by side, pairing it with a wedding band requires a little thought around fit and proportion. We’ve covered this in detail in our dedicated guide: How to Pair Your Toi et Moi Engagement Ring.