DATE: Vintage, c.1980

An unusual vintage Toi Et Moi ring dating from the 1980s. The 'you' and the 'me' are represented by a sapphire and a ruby (you decide which way round...), set between split, crossover shoulders each furnished with tapered baguette diamonds. The effect of the diamond shoulders is quite strange, reminiscent of segmented insect legs - not something I would necessarily expect to look good but it really does work somehow. It's crafted in 18 karat gold throughout, and makes the most fantastic alternative engagement ring. 

The Toi Et Moi style was popularised in 1796 when Napoleon Bonaparte gifted a sapphire and diamond example to his wife, Josephine de Beauharnais. The sentiment is as powerful as it is obvious, each of the two stones representing... well, you and your beloved. Pure romance. 

STONES

Natural Sapphire & Ruby - 0.45ct each (calculated)

Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds

MEASUREMENTS

Head: 14.5 x 9.2mm

Width of band: 2.0mm

WEIGHT

5.0g

MARKS

Stamped 750 (18k gold)

CONDITION

Very good, light wear commensurate with age and use including a few nibbles to the ruby