A Toi et Moi engagement ring features two diamonds set side by side on a single band. The name is French for "you and me" — a symbol of two lives joined. The design dates to the 18th century, was famously chosen by Napoleon Bonaparte for Josephine in 1796, and has seen a renewed surge of popularity since 2018 thanks to celebrity engagements from Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Fox, and Ariana Grande.
This guide explains what a Toi et Moi ring is, the history behind it, the stone pairings to consider, what to expect to spend in Australia, certification, and how to choose between lab-grown and natural diamonds. It is written for Australian buyers considering a two-stone engagement ring in 2026.
What does Toi et Moi mean?
"Toi et Moi" is French for "you and me." A Toi et Moi engagement ring uses two centre stones — usually of contrasting or complementary shapes — set side by side on a single band, in place of the traditional single solitaire diamond.
The two stones are read as a symbol of two distinct individuals joined together. Each stone retains its own shape and character, while sitting in dialogue with the other. The symbolism is the design's enduring appeal: it has remained in the engagement-ring vocabulary, often as a more romantic alternative to a solitaire, for over two centuries.
The history: from Napoleon and Josephine to Hailey Bieber
The earliest known Toi et Moi engagement ring is the one Napoleon Bonaparte gave to Josephine de Beauharnais in 1796, the year before he was crowned Emperor of France. It featured a pear-shaped diamond and a pear-shaped sapphire, set in a slim gold band. The ring was sold at auction in 2013 for €730,000.
The style was widely adopted in the 19th century and remained popular through the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods. It receded somewhat through the late 20th century as the round-brilliant solitaire came to dominate the engagement-ring market.
Toi et Moi rings began their modern revival around 2018, when Emily Ratajkowski announced her engagement to Sebastian Bear-McClard wearing a Toi et Moi pairing a princess-cut and pear-cut diamond. Megan Fox followed in 2022 with an emerald-and-diamond pairing, and Ariana Grande with a pearl-and-diamond design. The style now ranks among the most-searched engagement ring designs in Australia, with the head term "toi et moi ring" attracting around 2,900 monthly searches in 2026 alone.
The most popular stone pairings
Toi et Moi rings can pair virtually any two shapes. The most common pairings in Australia in 2026 are:
- Pear and round brilliant. The teardrop pear paired with the classic round brilliant balances sparkle and elongation. See the Lucano Toi et Moi Pear & Round Ring.
- Radiant and emerald-cut. Two rectangular-leaning shapes for a more architectural, modern look. See the Lucano Toi et Moi Radiant & Emerald Ring.
- Oval and round brilliant. Two brilliant-cut shapes, the oval elongating, the round symmetric.
- Pear and emerald-cut. The teardrop curve of the pear against the stepped facets of the emerald-cut. Megan Fox's ring is in this family.
- Two matching pears. A symmetric "twin-pear" design, more like a mirrored pair than a contrasting duo. The Lucano Mira Pear Pavé uses this configuration.
- Diamond and coloured gemstone. A diamond paired with a sapphire (Napoleon and Josephine's original), emerald, or ruby. Adds personal symbolism through colour.
The choice is partly aesthetic and partly symbolic. Some buyers choose two shapes that reflect aspects of their relationship; others choose by visual balance alone. There is no traditional convention — the Toi et Moi has always been a personal, romantic design rather than a prescriptive one.
How much should a Toi et Moi engagement ring cost in Australia?
Toi et Moi engagement rings in Australia in 2026 typically range from AU$1,500 at the entry level to AU$15,000+ at the premium end, depending on:
- Total carat weight. Most Toi et Moi rings carry 1.00 to 2.00ct total across both stones. Premium pieces go to 4.00ct or beyond.
- Diamond origin. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50-70% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality.
- Metal. 9ct gold is the most accessible; 18ct gold and platinum carry a premium.
- Craftsmanship. Handmade-to-order Australian pieces typically sit above mass-produced casts.
For reference, Lucano's Toi et Moi Pear & Round Ring starts at AU$4,050 for 1.40ct total in lab-grown F VS, 9ct gold. The same ring in 18ct white gold with 2.00ct total reaches AU$5,950. Natural diamond versions sit at the higher end of that range.
Certification: what to look for
For a Toi et Moi ring with two centre stones, both stones should be independently certified.
- Lab-grown diamonds are typically certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute). IGI is the largest lab-grown diamond certifier globally and provides reports identical in detail to those for natural diamonds.
- Natural diamonds are typically certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), considered the most authoritative natural diamond grading body. Lucano provides GIA certificates on natural diamonds from 0.30ct centre weight.
- Both reports grade the diamond on the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat) and include a unique laser-inscribed serial number on the stone itself.
Ask for the original certificates when buying. They are the only objective record of what you are receiving.
Lab-grown or natural diamonds?
This is the single most consequential decision after shape. Both options are now widely accepted and both have a clear case.
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are grown in a controlled environment over several weeks rather than mined over millions of years. The 4Cs grading scale is the same. The visual result is the same. The price is typically 50-70% lower for an equivalent stone, which means a 2.00ct lab-grown Toi et Moi can sit at the price of a 0.70-1.00ct natural one.
Natural diamonds carry the resale value and rarity premium of the traditional market. They retain meaning for buyers who value the geological history and inherited tradition. They also tend to be the preferred option when a ring is intended as a generational heirloom.
Both options can be ethically sourced. The choice usually comes down to budget allocation (more carat for the same spend with lab-grown) versus tradition and resale value (with natural). There is no wrong answer.
Caring for a Toi et Moi ring
Two-stone settings have slightly different care needs to single-solitaires:
- Inspect the prongs every 12 months. The prongs holding each centre stone wear over years of daily use. A 5-minute jeweller inspection catches problems before a stone loosens.
- Clean with mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush every 1-2 weeks. Diamond loses sparkle quickly when coated with skin oils, sunscreen, and lotion.
- Remove for heavy exercise and gardening. The two-stone configuration sits slightly higher than a solitaire and is more prone to knocking against hard surfaces.
- Store flat, not on edge. Reduces stress on the band over decades of wear.
Every Lucano Toi et Moi ring is backed by a lifetime craftsmanship warranty that covers periodic inspection and resetting.
How to choose a Toi et Moi ring
If you are weighing a Toi et Moi as an engagement ring, the questions in order are:
- Stone pairing. Pear-and-round (most popular) versus radiant-and-emerald (more architectural) versus diamond-and-coloured-gem (personal symbolism through colour).
- Total carat weight. 1.40ct is a balanced choice for most fingers; 2.00ct reads larger and more dramatic.
- Diamond origin. Lab-grown for budget allocation toward more carat, natural for heirloom potential.
- Metal. 9ct or 18ct yellow gold for warmth, white gold or platinum for cool tones, rose gold for a pink hue.
- Maker. Handmade-to-order versus mass-produced cast. Australian-made versus imported.
Lucano Toi et Moi engagement rings
Lucano makes two Toi et Moi engagement rings in Australia, both handcrafted to order in our Byron Bay Hinterland atelier:
- Toi et Moi Pear & Round Ring — a pear-cut diamond paired with a round brilliant. The most popular stone pairing. Available in 1.40ct or 2.00ct total, IGI-certified lab-grown or GIA-certified natural F VS diamonds, in 9ct or 18ct yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum. From AU$4,050.
- Toi et Moi Radiant & Emerald Ring — a radiant-cut diamond paired with an emerald-cut diamond. A more architectural pairing. Same metal options and certification. From AU$4,050.
Both rings are made to order in 4-6 weeks by Australian goldsmiths using responsibly sourced gold aligned with RJC standards, backed by a lifetime craftsmanship warranty with free shipping Australia-wide.
For other engagement ring styles, see our full Engagement Rings collection.
Frequently asked questions
What does Toi et Moi mean in English?
Toi et Moi is French for "you and me." In jewellery, it refers to a ring with two centre stones set side by side on a single band, symbolising two lives joined.
Are Toi et Moi rings suitable as engagement rings?
Yes. Toi et Moi rings have a long history as engagement rings, dating back to Napoleon's gift to Josephine in 1796, and have seen a strong revival since 2018. They are a meaningful alternative to a single-solitaire engagement ring.
How much does a Toi et Moi engagement ring cost in Australia?
Australian Toi et Moi engagement rings range from around AU$1,500 at the entry level to AU$15,000+ at the premium end, depending on total carat, diamond origin (lab or natural), and metal. Lucano Toi et Moi rings start at AU$4,050.
What is the most popular Toi et Moi stone pairing?
The pear-and-round-brilliant pairing is the most popular in Australia. The teardrop pear balances the symmetric round brilliant for a design that feels classical and contemporary at the same time. The Lucano Toi et Moi Pear & Round Ring is in this style.
Can I customise a Toi et Moi ring?
Yes, with handmade-to-order makers. At Lucano, you can customise total carat (1.40ct or 2.00ct), diamond origin (IGI lab or GIA natural F VS), metal (six options including platinum), and ring size (5-10) on every Toi et Moi.
What was Napoleon's ring to Josephine?
The 1796 Napoleon-to-Josephine ring paired a pear-shaped diamond with a pear-shaped sapphire, set in a slim gold band. It is considered the earliest documented Toi et Moi engagement ring and was sold at auction in 2013 for €730,000.
Is a Toi et Moi ring suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. Two-stone Toi et Moi rings are slightly higher-profile than a flat solitaire, so they benefit from periodic prong inspection (every 12 months) and removal for heavy contact activities. With basic care, a well-made Toi et Moi lasts a lifetime.
Last updated: May 2026. Lucano makes engagement rings to order in our Byron Bay Hinterland atelier. See the full collection.
