Toi et Moi Engagement Rings

What is a toi et moi ring?

A toi et moi, also called a two stone ring, holds two centre stones that sit next to each other, often at a slight angle so they meet in the middle. The idea dates back centuries, but interest has grown strongly in recent years, and it's one of the most distinctive engagement ring styles you can choose.

It's a personal design rather than a neutral classic, so it will probably read as a ring of this decade in years to come. That isn't a flaw if the story matters more to you than blending in, and it's a meaningful choice for couples who want the ring to say something about the two of them.

How do you choose the two stones?

• Contrast usually reads better than a matched pair. Two identical stones side by side can look like a pair of earrings. A different shape (a pear with an emerald cut, like our Margaux) or a different size gives the ring a clear design.
• Pair shapes that sit well together. Pear, oval and marquise curve towards each other naturally; emerald and radiant cuts give a sharper, more architectural look.
• Diamond with a coloured stone. A white diamond beside a sapphire or another coloured gemstone is a popular way to make each stone mean something different.
• Match the colour grade. If both stones are diamonds, they should be a similar colour, or the warmer one will look yellow next to its partner.

Why two stones can cost less than one

Diamond prices rise faster than carat weight, so two smaller stones cost less than one stone of the same total weight. Two 1ct diamonds are far cheaper than a single 2ct, and side by side they cover a similar area on the finger. For couples who want presence on a budget, that's a real advantage of the style.

What wedding band goes with a toi et moi?

Toi et moi rings often sit higher and have an irregular outline where the two stones meet, so a straight band can leave a gap. A contoured band, curved to follow the ring, sits flush. If we made your toi et moi, we keep its 3D model on file, so the band is designed to fit it exactly. See curved wedding rings.

Toi et moi, trilogy or east-west?

If you like the idea of more than one stone, compare trilogy engagement rings, with three stones in a row. For a modern single stone, east-west engagement rings set an elongated diamond sideways. Every design here can be made in any metal; see all lab-grown diamond engagement rings for the full range, or read our guide to engagement ring styles.