DATE: Edwardian, c.1910

A stunning antique "Toi et Moi" engagement ring set with a natural blue sapphire and an old cut diamond. It's French, made by hand at the dawn of the 20th century, and of exceptionally high quality. The diamond is a beautifully proportioned .86ct old European cut (F-VS2), and the sapphire is certified natural with no indication of heat treatment, approx. .90ct. The two stones pair wonderfully, resting in claw mounts between elegantly curved and diamond set crossover shoulders. It's crafted in 18 karat gold with platinum settings and looks as good today as it did when it was made around 110 years ago.

The two stone style is commonly referred to as "Toi et Moi" (you and me), and had something of a resurgence in the early 20th Century after it was popularised a century earlier by Napoleon when he proposed to Josephine with a pear cut sapphire and diamond example (the same theme and stone combination as this one, however stylistically quite different - both are very much 'of their time'). A fitting and suitably romantically charged theme for an engagement ring.

STONES 

.86ct Old European Cut Diamond - F colour, VS2 clarity (approx.)

Natural .90ct Blue Sapphire (certified natural with no heat treatment)

8 Old Mine Cut Diamond Accents - total .20ct

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 11.4 x 11.6mm

Width of band: 1.8mm

Rise off finger: 5.4mm

WEIGHT 

3.8g

MARKS 

French hallmarks

CONDITION 

Excellent, a couple of very minor nibbles to the girdle of the sapphire