Radiant and Pear Cut Lab Grown Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring with Open Pave Shank in Silver, 10K, 14K and 18K Gold

Two large laboratory grown diamonds facing each other across an open band: a radiant cut at one end and a pear at the other, both set high, with pave running down the two arms. The ring does not close. The gap between the stones is the point of it.

At a glance

• Stones: One radiant cut and one pear cut laboratory grown diamond
• Carat options: 2, 3, 4 and 5 carat, referring to the radiant
• Colour and clarity: E colour, VVS2 clarity on both stones
• Certificate: IGI, included free
• Setting: Claw set radiant and pear on an open shank with pave down both arms
• Accent stones: Round laboratory grown diamonds, E colour, VVS2
• Metals: 925 silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, rose and white
• Made: To order in Surat, India

Toi et moi, two centre stones

Most two stone rings make one stone the centre and the other an accent. This one does not. The radiant and the pear are both full sized, both claw set, both raised to the same height, and they sit nose to nose with a deliberate space between them. Neither is subordinate.

A rectangle against a teardrop

A radiant is a rectangle with cut corners and brilliant style faceting, so it has hard edges and fast sparkle. A pear is all curve and taper. Setting them facing each other is a straightforward piece of contrast, and it is the reason the ring reads as designed rather than as two stones that happened to end up on one band.

The open pave shank

Rather than joining behind the head, the band stops at each stone, and small round diamonds run down both arms to the point where they part. The open end sits at the top of the finger, so the gap is visible in normal wear rather than hidden underneath.

The pear point is guarded

The tip of the pear is the most vulnerable part of either stone. It sits inside a v claw that wraps around both edges of the point rather than pressing down on it. The cut corners of the radiant are each held by their own claw.

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. Rose gold is photographed here. On an open shank carrying two large stones we would suggest 10K or 14K, since the harder alloys hold the spring of an unclosed band better than 18K. White gold is rhodium plated and will want replating every one to two years.

Both stones arrive IGI certified

The radiant 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 pear and the pave are matched to the same E and VVS2 grade.

About the bow tie

Every pear has the potential for a bow tie, a dark band across the middle caused by the proportions of the cut. No certificate grades it. We check the pear by eye and reject any that show it, which matters here because the two stones sit side by side and any dullness in one is obvious against the other.

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. The two stones are matched for colour against each other as well as against the certificate, and the arms are formed to your finger size so the gap sits where it should. Allow two to three weeks for making, plus shipping.

Looking after it

Warm water, mild washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush. Brush underneath both heads and along the pave. Do not pull the ring off by the open ends, since that is how a bypass shank is slowly sprung out of shape.

Questions we are asked

What colour and clarity are the diamonds? Both main stones are E colour and VVS2 clarity, on every metal and every carat weight, and the pave is matched to them.

Which stone does the carat weight refer to? The radiant. The pear is scaled to sit level with it and is in addition.

Is the certificate really free? Yes. The IGI report for the radiant is included in the price on every variant.

Will a wedding band sit flush against it? No. An open shank gives a band nothing to sit against, so this ring is worn alone or with a band on the other hand.

Can it be resized? Only slightly, since resizing changes the width of the gap between the stones. Please measure carefully and we will build to your size.

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