Oval and Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in Silver, 10K, 14K and 18K Gold

Two laboratory grown diamonds, one oval and one emerald cut, set side by side on a single band. Toi et moi means you and me, and the design has been used for engagement rings for more than two centuries. Pairing two different shapes is the point: the soft brilliant oval and the crisp step cut emerald are two personalities sharing one ring.

At a glance

• Stones: One oval cut and one emerald cut laboratory grown diamond
• Carat options: 2, 3, 4 and 5 carat total weight across both stones
• Colour and clarity: E colour, VVS2 clarity for both stones
• Certificate: IGI for the principal oval, included free
• Setting: Two stone toi et moi, claw set
• Metals: 925 silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, rose and white
• Made: To order in Surat, India

Why an oval and an emerald

The two shapes could hardly be more different in the way they handle light. An oval is a brilliant cut, full of small facets that throw fine, lively sparkle. An emerald cut is a step cut, with long parallel facets that give broad, calm flashes, the hall of mirrors effect. Side by side, each makes the other look more like itself: the oval seems brighter, the emerald more architectural.

The outlines work together too. The curve of the oval sits against the straight edge of the emerald, so the pair reads as a deliberate composition rather than two matching stones. It is the most individual engagement ring format there is, and it stacks naturally with a slim band.

How the stones are set

The two diamonds are set at a slight angle to each other so they meet close without touching, each held in its own claws. Balancing a toi et moi is a matter of proportion: the stones have to feel equal in presence even though their shapes and cuts are different, so we match them by face up size and table rather than by carat weight alone.

What laboratory grown means here

A laboratory grown diamond is a diamond. It is crystallised carbon with the same cubic structure, the same 10 on the Mohs scale, the same refractive index of 2.42 and the same dispersion as a mined stone. Ours are grown by chemical vapour deposition and high pressure high temperature methods, then cut and polished by hand. This is not moissanite, not cubic zirconia and not a simulant. A gemmologist testing it will read diamond, because it is diamond.

Metals

Choose 925 sterling silver, or 10K, 14K or 18K gold in yellow, rose or white. Yellow gold suits the vintage character of the toi et moi, white metal makes the pair look sleek and modern, and rose gold softens the contrast between the two cuts. 10K is the hardest alloy, 14K is the everyday balance, and 18K is the richest colour but the softest metal. White gold is rhodium plated and will want replating every one to two years.

IGI certification

The principal oval diamond is graded by IGI, the International Gemological Institute, and the certificate comes with the ring at no extra charge. It states the carat weight, the E colour grade, the VVS2 clarity grade, the measurements and the girdle inscription, and confirms in writing that the stone is laboratory grown. The emerald cut is matched to the same E VVS2 grade in our workshop.

Made to order in our own workshop

Mapple Gems is a family run workshop in Surat, India, where most of the world's diamonds are cut and polished. We select the two stones as a pair, build the head around their exact outlines and set them by hand, then finish the ring for your chosen total carat weight and finger size. Allow two to three weeks for making, plus shipping.

Looking after it

Warm water, mild washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush will keep it bright. Brush between the two stones and underneath them, where soap gathers. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth, and take it off for the gym, gardening and swimming.

Custom orders

We can change the prongs, the band or the setting of this design. Each change is quoted individually, so contact us with what you have in mind.

Questions we are asked

What colour and clarity are the diamonds? Both stones are E colour and VVS2 clarity, on every metal and every carat weight.

How is the carat weight split? The carat option is the total across both stones, divided so the two look balanced face up.

What does toi et moi mean? It is French for you and me. The two stones represent two people joined on one band.

Will a wedding band sit flush? The head is wider than a solitaire, so a curved or contour band usually sits best.

Can it be resized? Yes. The shank below the stones is plain.

• All payments are processed securely through PayPal, one of the world's most trusted payment gateways
• Pay with your PayPal balance, or with any major credit or debit card through PayPal's secure checkout
• No PayPal account required — guest checkout available
• PayPal Purchase Protection applies to eligible orders