A romantic and beautifully balanced toi et moi ring in 18ct yellow gold, dating to circa 1990. The design pairs a pear cut ruby of approximately 0.58 carats and a pear cut diamond of 0.51 carats (H/I colour, VS2 clarity) set to opposing directions — the two stones facing each other across the mount in the classic toi et moi arrangement that has symbolised the union of two people since Napoleon famously gave Joséphine a toi et moi ring in 1796. The shoulders are set with three brilliant cut diamonds of an estimated 0.3 carats in total (H/I, SI2). The warm red of the ruby and the cool brilliance of the diamond make for a pairing of colour and light that is both striking and deeply personal.

A toi et moi ring with a pear cut ruby and diamond of near-equal weight is a particularly well-composed example of the style — the symmetry of the two stones gives the ring a balance and harmony that makes it as compelling as an engagement ring as it is as a dress ring.

The Details

• Circa: 1990
• Metal: 18ct yellow gold
• Stone 1: Pear cut ruby, c.0.58ct
• Stone 2: Pear cut diamond, c.0.51ct, H/I colour, VS2 clarity
• Shoulders: 3 brilliant cut diamonds, c.0.3ct total, H/I, SI2
• Ring Size: N (UK)
• Hallmarks: 18ct gold