history – Shine & Starfire

Toi et moi.
Translation: {French} You and me

Today’s post is a little different from the usual: hey look at this type post from this x jeweler.
New year coming up, new me. Thought I’d switch up my posts.
My obsession with shiny things have brought my attention to ring styles like the Toi et moi. This design first caught my attention when a famous style influencer I follow on instagram received one as an engagement ring.

So what exactly is a Toi et moi ring?

The style rumored to come about in the Napoleon era. History (and a quick google search) reveals that the earliest mention of such a ring was a gift from Napolean in the 1700s to his love Joséphine. This particular ring sported 2 pear cut stones (diamond and sapphire) on a yellow gold band. A ring made of 2 stones touching each other in semblance of his love for her and of true love.

In today’s world toi et moi rings have evolved from from the side by side look to vertical touching, diagonal touching, and even open rings. Stones vary based on every color or size and shape precious gemstone under the sun. What’s classic and what I truly love about the style is that theres more than one shiny thing if you get my drift…
I love how each couple can build their own toi et moi ring based on what they like.
If a couple is all about equality : I can imagine 2 equal 1 carat diamonds side by side.
If a couple wanted to display their differences: I can image a pear shaped fancy colored diamond in a diagonal with a pink heart.
I’ve seen a few examples where the gold band takes on a fancy flair in the shape of the infinity sign around the 2 gems (I’m not particularly a fan of this but the sentiment is there). Skies the limit.
Some newer jewelry houses have a few pieces that give a heavy nod to toi et moi rings but with their own added modern flair. I’ll share a few pieces below.

Chanel, Coco Crush Toi et Moi
SKindCo, Modern Moganite Toi et Moi
Erie Basin, Modern Hearts Ring
Messika Paris, Toi et Moi modern take

My take on the toi et moi style: two souls united and intertwined with each other; a token and display of one another’s’ love for each other, shining brightly however dark it is.
I do love more antique toi et moi designs. Sometimes I feel like the modern edges just don’t capture the essence of the style. Jade Trau created a custom one which I did enjoy looking at….I’ll see if I can whip up a photo of that.
Over the years, I’ve had ideas of what type of engagement ring I would like and I think the toi et moi style is what I crave.
Now, all I need to do is find a nice fella to propose to me with it …hehehehe.

Absolutely adore all that is Bibi van der Velden. Her jewelry pieces are truly wearable works of art. Another artist from the Netherlands and current favorite of mine. She creates luxurious one of a kind works of art to be enjoyed for years to come. Her materials list is off the charts! From commonly known precious metals like gold and platinum to rare finds like carved mammoth ivory, scarab beetles etc.. Each piece is definitely one of a kind piece of history in itself.

I particularly love her cloud series. Personally the pricing is not over the top for the delicate and intricate designs such as hers. I would love to own a cloud piece as carved quartz is very appealing to my eyes. I especially love the added dangling chains in her necklaces that make a great statement piece.

Craftsmanship is stunning. Carving techniques are one of a kind; but of course she is a sculptor like her mother. I could rave on and on and all would be positive things to say about her work. Pictures speak louder than words so please feast your eyes on the following!

Right now: Third post @ 3am. – I hope my noisy neighbors do not wake me prior to 10am with their squealing toddler in their pool 5 yards from my bedroom. I will wreck havoc.