Toi et Moi Engagement Rings NYC: Custom Two-Stone Rings in Brooklyn
Written by
Sue Kim,
founder of Haejin Jewelry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Updated June 2026
New York City does not make engagement ring decisions quietly. It compresses emotion, symbolism, taste, money, and timing into a narrow window, often while life continues at full speed. A ring meant to represent forever is chosen between meetings, subway transfers, and expectations shaped by someone else's idea of what a ring should look like.
The toi et moi ring pushes back against that. Two stones, set side by side, with no single center commanding attention. It is a design that says something different from a solitaire, and couples in New York are choosing it more often precisely because of what it says: we are two people, not one person with a supporting cast.
What Does Toi et Moi Mean?
Toi et moi (pronounced "twah ay mwah") is French for "you and me." In jewelry, it refers to a ring set with two stones placed side by side rather than stacked or clustered. The design is intentionally asymmetric. Neither stone dominates. Both are given equal presence on the hand, representing two people who are complete on their own but choose to be together.
This is not a recent invention. The toi et moi has been a part of fine jewelry for over two centuries. But its meaning has shifted. What once symbolized devotion from one person to another now speaks to partnership, balance, and the idea that a relationship is strongest when both people bring their full selves to it.
The History: Napoleon, Josephine, and Why It Still Matters
The most famous toi et moi ring in history belonged to Josephine de Beauharnais, given to her by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796. It featured a pear-shaped diamond alongside a pear-shaped sapphire, set on a simple gold band. Napoleon was a young general with no fortune. The ring was modest by royal standards. But the two stones facing each other carried a message that transcended the metal: you and me, side by side, facing whatever comes.
That ring sold at auction in 2013 for nearly one million dollars. Not because of the stones, which were small by today's standards, but because of the story. The toi et moi has always been about the narrative more than the carat weight.
In 1953, John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier with a Van Cleef & Arpels toi et moi ring featuring a 2.84-carat emerald alongside a 2.88-carat diamond. It was later redesigned with marquise and round accent stones, but the original two-stone intent remained. That ring established the toi et moi as something beyond European aristocracy: a symbol of power, elegance, and personal taste in American culture. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark received a toi et moi in 1966, further cementing its place in royal jewelry history.
Why Toi et Moi Rings Are Trending in 2026
The resurgence of the toi et moi is not accidental. It tracks directly with how couples today think about partnership: less hierarchy, more collaboration. Less "center stone with accent diamonds" and more "two stones that complement each other."
Several high-profile engagements have brought the design back into mainstream conversation:
- Ariana Grande's toi et moi features an oval diamond alongside a round pearl from her late grandmother's jewelry. The sentimental pairing is as personal as it gets.
- Megan Fox's ring from Machine Gun Kelly pairs a pear-shaped diamond with a pear-shaped emerald, their respective birthstones. The two bands can actually separate, symbolizing their individuality within the relationship.
- Emily Ratajkowski's toi et moi features a pear-cut diamond alongside a princess-cut diamond, an unconventional combination that breaks the usual matching rules.
What these rings share is not a formula but a philosophy: the stones mean something specific to the couple. A toi et moi is not a template. It is a decision.
Popular Stone Pairings for Toi et Moi Rings
At our Williamsburg studio, we see couples gravitate toward shape combinations that create visual tension and balance. Here are the pairings we design most often:
Cushion + Pear
The soft curves of a cushion beside the dramatic point of a pear create a pairing that feels both grounded and expressive. This is the combination in the ring shown at the top of this post, designed at our Brooklyn studio.
Oval + Round
The elongated elegance of an oval next to the symmetry of a round brilliant. This pairing works especially well when both stones are similar in carat weight but different in visual footprint. The oval's larger face-up area beside the round's perfect symmetry creates a dynamic balance.
Emerald + Pear
The clean, architectural lines of an emerald cut beside the organic softness of a pear. This combination works for couples who like contrast: structured and free, geometric and flowing. It is also one of the most visually striking combinations on the hand.
Pear + Pear
Two matching pears, pointed in opposite directions, create one of the most recognizable toi et moi silhouettes. This is the Napoleon and Josephine pairing, updated with lab-grown diamonds for the modern couple. The mirrored orientation gives the ring a sense of movement.
Cushion + Cushion
Two cushion cuts side by side feel warm, romantic, and balanced. This works especially well when one stone is slightly larger than the other, creating intentional asymmetry that mirrors how real partnerships work.
The Shapes We Work With
Every toi et moi starts with choosing two shapes. Here are some of the diamond shapes we cut and set at our studio, each with its own character:
Each of these shapes can be paired with another in a toi et moi setting. The combination is yours to choose.
How We Design Toi et Moi Rings at Our Brooklyn Studio
Every toi et moi ring at Haejin Jewelry is designed from a blank canvas. There is no template, no pre-made setting you choose from a catalog. The process starts with a conversation.
- Free consultation. You sit down with Sue in our private Williamsburg studio. We talk about what the two stones mean to you, not just what shapes you like. Some couples choose shapes that reflect their personalities. Others choose birthstones, or a diamond paired with a colored gemstone. There is no wrong answer.
- Stone selection. We source IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, and you see them in person before committing. You handle the stones, compare them side by side, and make decisions in natural light, not under jewelry store spotlights.
- 3D CAD design. Your ring is modeled digitally with unlimited revisions. You see exactly how the two stones will sit together, how high the profile will be, how the band will look from every angle. Nothing is made until you approve.
- Handcrafted in NYC. Your ring is made by hand in recycled gold, right here in New York City. Every prong is set by hand, every surface finished with intention. The finished ring is ready in 3 to 4 weeks.
The reason toi et moi rings are ideal for custom design is that every pairing is personal. Unlike a solitaire where the setting is essentially the same for every couple, a toi et moi asks you to make choices that are yours alone: which two shapes, which two sizes, which two stones. That is the whole point.
What Does a Toi et Moi Ring Cost?
At Haejin Jewelry, custom toi et moi engagement rings with two IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds start from $1,800, including both stones and the setting in recycled gold.
The same ring with natural diamonds would cost $6,000 to $18,000 at traditional NYC jewelers, depending on carat weight and stone quality. Because a toi et moi uses two stones instead of one, the savings from lab-grown diamonds are even more significant than with a solitaire.
A 1-carat lab-grown diamond that would cost $4,000 to $6,000 as natural costs $800 to $1,500 as lab-grown. Multiply that saving by two stones, and the difference is substantial.
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay installments, and Venmo. A 50% deposit begins the custom design, with the balance due on completion.
Toi et Moi vs. Three-Stone Rings: What is the Difference?
Both styles use multiple stones, but the philosophy is different. A three-stone ring has a center stone flanked by two smaller accent stones. The center stone is the star. The side stones support it.
A toi et moi has two stones of equal or near-equal prominence. Neither is the "main" stone. They sit beside each other, not in a hierarchy. If a three-stone ring says "past, present, future," a toi et moi says "you and me, right now."
Browse our three-stone engagement rings and toi et moi collection to see both styles.
Design Considerations for Toi et Moi Rings
Balance and proportion
The two stones do not need to be the same size, but they need to look intentional together. A 2-carat stone next to a 0.3-carat stone will look like a solitaire with an accent, not a toi et moi. We recommend stones that are within 30% of each other in visual footprint. During your consultation, you will see stones side by side to find the right balance.
Profile height
Two stones set high create a dramatic silhouette but can catch on clothing and hair. We design most toi et moi rings with a moderate profile that protects the stones while maintaining the visual impact. This is something you will see clearly in the 3D CAD model before anything is made.
Wedding band compatibility
The asymmetric shape of most toi et moi rings means a straight band will not sit flush against the ring. Many couples choose a contoured band designed to follow the curve of the two stones, or a simple spacer band that sits slightly apart. We design matching bands as part of the same process. Browse our Band Atelier for complementary styles.
Daily wear
A well-designed toi et moi ring is absolutely suitable for everyday wear. The key is the setting: prongs that are properly sized and positioned, stones that are set at a comfortable height, and a band that is substantial enough to support two stones without flexing. We use a minimum of 2mm band width for toi et moi designs and recommend platinum or 14K gold for the best durability.
Lab-Grown Diamonds for Toi et Moi Rings
Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The GIA and FTC both confirm this. Every lab-grown diamond at Haejin comes with IGI certification documenting carat weight, cut, color, clarity, and a unique serial number.
For toi et moi rings specifically, lab-grown diamonds offer a meaningful advantage: because you are buying two stones instead of one, the 60 to 80 percent savings compared to natural diamonds doubles. A pair of 1-carat lab-grown diamonds costs a fraction of what a single 2-carat natural would cost, and you get a ring that is visually more distinctive.
Read more about the economics of lab-grown vs. natural diamonds.
Real Rings, Real Couples: Daye & Yorick
They came into our Williamsburg studio and designed rings for each other. Daye chose a toi et moi with two stones set side by side. Yorick chose a rose gold band, clean and warm. Neither knew the other was planning to propose.
The toi et moi was not a style preference for them. It was the whole point. Two stones, two people, neither one the center. They wanted a ring that said what their relationship actually felt like: two complete lives that chose to sit next to each other.
Then they both proposed.
Yorick wrote to us afterward: "I also did not expect to be given a ring. It is amazing." They sent photos from a park in Brooklyn. Peonies, natural light, both rings on. The kind of photographs that do not need a caption.
"You are a huge part of our story," they told us. We do not take that lightly. Every ring we make is someone's way of saying something they cannot say any other way. Daye and Yorick said it twice.
If you are considering a toi et moi, or any ring that carries the weight of something real, the best next step is a conversation. Not a catalog. Learn more about our custom design process, or book a free consultation at our Williamsburg studio.
Visit Our Williamsburg Studio
If you are considering a toi et moi engagement ring, the best next step is to see stones in person. The relationship between two shapes, two sizes, and two colors is something you understand by looking, not by reading.
Our studio is at 123 Skillman Ave in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We are a 5-minute walk from the Lorimer St station on the L train. Book a free consultation or walk in during our open hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm.
You do not need to know anything about diamonds to walk in here. That is what the consultation is for.
Toi et Moi Engagement Rings: Frequently Asked Questions
What does toi et moi mean?
Toi et moi is French for "you and me." In jewelry, it refers to a ring with two stones set side by side, representing two people united in partnership. The design dates to at least 1796, when Napoleon gave a toi et moi ring to Josephine.
What does a toi et moi engagement ring represent?
The two stones symbolize two individuals who are equal, complete on their own, and choose to be together. Unlike a solitaire where one stone dominates, the toi et moi emphasizes balance and mutual partnership.
What celebrities have toi et moi rings?
Ariana Grande, Megan Fox, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kylie Jenner all have toi et moi engagement rings. Ariana Grande's features a diamond paired with her grandmother's pearl. Megan Fox's features their birthstones: diamond and emerald.
How much does a toi et moi engagement ring cost?
At Haejin Jewelry, custom toi et moi rings with two IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds start from $1,800. The equivalent with natural diamonds would cost $6,000 to $18,000 at traditional NYC jewelers.
Can you mix different diamond shapes in a toi et moi ring?
Yes. Mixing shapes is one of the defining features of the toi et moi. Popular combinations include cushion and pear, oval and round, emerald and pear, and pear and pear. You can also pair a diamond with a colored gemstone like sapphire or emerald.
Is a toi et moi ring suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, when properly designed. The key is a moderate profile height, correctly sized prongs, and a band width of at least 2mm. We design every toi et moi ring for daily wear and back it with a lifetime care guarantee.
Can I use an heirloom diamond in a toi et moi ring?
Absolutely. Pairing an heirloom stone with a new lab-grown diamond is one of the most meaningful toi et moi combinations. The old and new stones together represent continuity and new beginnings. Bring your heirloom stone to your consultation and we will design around it.
How do wedding bands work with toi et moi rings?
Most toi et moi rings require a contoured wedding band that follows the asymmetric shape of the two stones. We design matching bands as part of the same custom process. Some couples prefer a simple spacer band that sits slightly apart from the engagement ring. Visit our Band Atelier to explore options.
What is the difference between a toi et moi ring and a two-stone ring?
They are the same thing. Toi et moi is the French term; two-stone ring is the English equivalent. Both refer to a ring with two stones of equal or near-equal prominence set side by side.
Where can I buy a toi et moi engagement ring in NYC?
Haejin Jewelry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn designs custom toi et moi rings with lab-grown diamonds. Our private studio is at 123 Skillman Ave, a 5-minute walk from the Lorimer St L train station. Book a free consultation or walk in during open hours.
Are toi et moi rings still in style?
The toi et moi is not a trend. It is a design with over 230 years of history, from Napoleon in 1796 to Jackie Kennedy in 1953 to Ariana Grande in 2020. Its current resurgence reflects a broader shift toward rings that symbolize partnership rather than hierarchy. As long as couples want a ring that says "you and me" instead of "look at this stone," the toi et moi will remain relevant.
About the Author
Sue Kim is the founder of Haejin Jewelry, a woman-owned fine jewelry studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn specializing in custom engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds. Every ring at Haejin is designed from scratch, modeled in 3D CAD, and handcrafted in recycled gold in New York City.