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All about the You and Me ring

Published on February 20, 2023

How to choose a Toi et Moi ring? And why is it called exactly like that: here’s what you need to know about the ring with two gems.

Do you want to give an unforgettable ring? Would you like to receive a ring that is worth double? Are you looking for a ring that symbolizes love as a couple? Then, probably, the choice will fall on a Toi et Moi type ring. It will certainly be appreciated (also because it costs more than a normal solitaire). The reason? It’s simple: it’s a double ring. But which also has a particular symbolic meaning.

But do you know why it is called in this way the ring that has two opposing stones?

Anello You and Me con diamanti bianco e orange

Here is the explanation. But, first of all, it is good to tell that the birth of this type of jewelry is even attributed to Napoleon. To be precise, this ring shape is believed to have been born with the gift of Napoleon to his beloved Josephine, in 1776. The ring was in gold, with a sapphire set opposite to a diamond. Perhaps for this reason the engagement rings Toi et Moi were much appreciated during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Even today, however, they are appreciated a lot.

The meaning of Toi et Moi, which in the US and Britain becomes You and Me, indicates the eternal union of two different souls.

Anello moi et toi della linea Cupido — De Beers, anello moi et toi della linea Cupido

There isn’t, however, a rule concerning the stones: they can be two diamonds, or they can be gems of different colors. Even the type of frame varies. Beware, however, the choice: the rings Toi et Moi are very appreciated when their stones are of a certain size, but of course also their price doubles. But choosing a ring of this kind with stones that are too small makes little sense: it is precisely the opposing gems that must be seen. Rather, it is better to choose less precious stones, but with greater weight.

Anello Moi et Toi di Margaret di Danimarca

Anello Toi & Moi in oro rosa con opale, diamanti, zaffiro rosa

Anello Toi et Moi in oro vergine 22 carati

Anello moi et toi con perle e diamante — Anello moi et toi con perla akoya e diamante

Antonini, anello Toi et Moi in oro giallo e diamanti della linea Extraordinaire

How to choose a vintage jewel

Published on January 9, 2023

Campus

Spilla art déco con smeraldi e diamanti, circa 1920

How to choose an old-fashioned, vintage or antique jewel? This quick guide explains how to find the one that’s right for you ♦

Do you like vintage jewelry? Or do you prefer the ancient ones (attention: there is a difference)? But are you sure that what you are about to buy are not simply jewels that have been used for a few years? It is not easy to distinguish the genres, yet it is necessary to avoid being fooled by bad sellers. Nor is it easy to get exactly the period, vintage or antique jewel you want. In fact, definitions such as period jewelery, vintage and antique are often used incorrectly and only serve to confuse the ideas of those who buy. Then there are also words such as “heritage” or “estate” which can complicate the choice even more. Find out the differences between the jewels of the past and take these five tips into account before you shop.

Spilla per cappello con diamanti di Oscar Massin, seconda metà dell'Ottocento — Spilla per cappello con diamanti di Oscar Massin, seconda metà dell’Ottocento

1 Locate the style

To properly choose a vintage jewel or antique, you must start from a simple consideration: all that is not new is been used. But, of course, a 200 years old ring has a value other than a jewel that is ten years old. The first step is, therefore, define what age is a gem. If you are not expert in jewelry history, you can search through the internet (maybe see gioiellis.com) of the reference points or the jewels that look like what you want to buy. In this way, one can determine the age of the jewel to an accuracy of 10-20 years. It is already a good result. For example, two styles that have influenced for a long time the world of jewelry are the Art Nouveau, which in Italy is also called Liberty (1900-1925) and the Art Deco (about 1925-1940). Even the sites of auction houses such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s can help you because they keep images of jewelry that have a certain date.

Bracciale e anello con granati, fine Ottocento

2 Antique Fakes

Often they find jewelry made now, but inspired by the past and are sold in an ambiguous way as if they were ancient. The Art Deco style, for example, is back in fashion for some years and many jewelers have started to produce jewelry in this style. And an unreliable dealer might try to sell a new cameo, like an antique, like a vintage jewel, when in fact it is only a reproduction of an antique piece. Fortunately, find out if a jewel has a story is usually quite simple: just look the ring, necklace o bracelet very carefully, perhaps by using a magnifying glass or simple glasses. A jewel that has many years has almost certainly of little marks on the metal, sometimes even scratches on the stones, which indicate its use.

Collana con opale nero e gemme degli anni Quaranta, collezione Lineberry, venduta da Sotheby's — Collana con opale nero e gemme degli anni Quaranta, collezione Lineberry, venduta da Sotheby’s

3 Second hand

A used jewel isn’t sure an old, antique or vintage piece: simply was used before. Maybe very little: there are examples of the jewels not very used. This is the case, for example, of rings received as a gift but which have never been worn because they do not like, or (it happens) of engagement rings which return to the jeweler after which the torque ratio is broken. Of course, in this case, it is not a vintage jewel, but contemporary.

Spilla anni Sessanta in oro, platino e diamanti

4 Vintage jewelry

A piece of jewelry is vintage if is at least 20-30 years. In practice, if a jewel was built before 1980 it can be considered vintage. Vintage is a term used in English and French to indicate the same thing. But this word is also a generic definition: can be defined in this way also a jewel in Art Deco style of the thirties, though, of course, is more appropriate to define precisely the period in which the piece was made. So if the seller simply defines as vintage and antique jewel, turn on your antennas and observe better.

Bracciale vintage con bachelite, oro, citrini

5 Ancient Jewels

When you can define an ancient jewel? There is no precise date, however, is generally considered as an ancient jewel that is over a hundred years. Of course, to define how old a gem you need some evidence, which lays down the date on which it was created. Attention to defining “old style”, which simply means that this jewel is an imitation. A jewel of the Belle Epoque has not necessarily been made in the nineteenth century, but it may indicate that reproduces the style.

Paure con diamanti e smeraldi, circa 1770

Spilla di TIffany, in platino, diamanti, corallo e onice — Spilla di TIffany in platino, diamanti, corallo e onice Art Deco

Spilla-anello Art Deco con diamanti e zaffiri. Stima: 10.000 dollari — Spilla-anello Art Deco con diamanti e zaffiri

Spilla Art Nouveau in oro 18 carati e diamanti

Orecchini art déco con tormalina verde e diamanti

How to choose a ring

Published on March 26, 2022

Rings/Campus

A recurring question among those that come to the gioiellis.com editorial staff is: which ring to give? A simple engagement ring? Or a cocktail ring, perfect to show off at a party? And if the gift coincides with an anniversary, wouldn’t an eternity type ring be better? Let us try to give an answer. But with a premise: posed like this is a very vague question. Giving a jewel as a gift is always a good idea but, at the same time, it is often an expensive purchase: the choice must be carefully evaluated. And to choose a ring well you have to take into account some aspects.

Anello in oro rosa e diamanti by Alex Ball indossato

What kind of ring?
It is not enough to choose the type of jewel (in this case the ring), but it is necessary to identify the right type of ring. Cocktail? Engagement? For an anniversary? To go to the office every day? The intended use of a ring is the first aspect to choose. When will you wear it? On what occasion? If you want to give a cocktail ring, for example, think if the person who receives it often goes to a party, spends the evenings in a disco, or is a person who loves spending time on social occasions. In this case, a large, eye-catching, colorful cocktail ring is what you need. If, on the other hand, your intention is to give a ring tied to an intimate moment, as a couple, a simple band ring in gold or silver, with or without stone, is the one for you.

With which clothing?
A ring must be suitable for the type of clothing you are wearing. So before choosing a model, find out what your partner’s style is. Do you always dress in designer clothes? Then, perhaps, she will pay close attention to the name of the jeweler who made the jewel. Do you prefer sporty and undemanding clothes instead? Then it will be more tuned to a no-brand ring, but nice to wear. Is it a formal type? In this case, be careful not to buy an extravagant ring.

What is the shape of the hands?
Well yes, in addition to identifying the ring size (we wrote here how to do it), pay attention to the shape of the hands. If they are small and small, a large and heavy ring will seem out of tune. If, on the contrary, the hands are large, the ring must also be proportionate to the measurements of the wearer.

What is your budget?
Avoid buying a ring that costs too much: it is useless to give a jewel and then not have the money to pay for a dinner. But at the same time, do not save on the purchase of a ring: it is a jewel that will be worn for years and that will have to testify the intentions of those who donated it. You don’t want every time he looks at it, you think you’re mean, right?

Anello della collezione Vie Privée indossato — Giorgio Visconti, anello della collezione Vie Privée indossato

Choose the right stone
If you want to give a ring with a stone, choose a diamond. With a diamond you are on the safe side, it is unlikely that it will not be appreciated. But a diamond costs more than many other stones which are still a good choice. Aquamarine, amethyst, garnet, tanzanite, in addition to the classic precious stones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire, can be a valid alternative. An idea: you could give a ring with the gem tied to the birthday month. The birthstones can be found here.

What kind of ring

If your gift concerns the classic marriage request, which now also requires (??) someone willing to make the video while you kneel and show the ring (with the hope that she does not answer “no”), the solitaire is the ring that’s right for you. There are infinite variations, but the concept is always the same: a gold circle, more often white, with a diamond that stands out lonely and bright. How to choose? We wrote about it here.

But there are also many other types of rings. If the gift coincides with an important anniversary, even in this case choosing a diamond ring is always good. For example with an eternity type ring, if the anniversary is related to a couple relationship. As the name suggests, eternity symbolizes a love relationship that does not stop, which will last forever. Since the eternity ring is composed of a series of diamonds (but there are also versions with other stones) positioned along the band of the jewel, this type has the drawback of being often a little expensive. If, on the other hand, the anniversary refers to something less related to the passion of the couple, the choices may be different. A classic gift is a ring with colored stones: rubies, emeralds, sapphires. But also with spinel, rubellite, peridot or other semi-precious stones. In this case, the size of the stones and their visibility are much more important

Fawaz Gruosi, anello di alta gioielleria con zaffiri blu e rosa

If, on the other hand, you want to give a ring for your birthday, Christmas or to celebrate an event (or because you feel like it) you can opt for a cocktail ring. This choice, however, is very delicate. A cocktail ring does not have a classic style, like a diamond ring. Instead, they are fancy rings with a rather voluminous shape. Giving a ring like this also means knowing in depth the tastes of the woman who will wear it. In short, it is a risky choice but, certainly, a cocktail ring can be a very welcome gift. Provided you get the right choice.

3 tips to choose the ring of marriage

Published on February 22, 2020

Campus/Rings

How to choose the wedding ring? Before you choose a ring you have to think of it: here are three tips to make the right decision.
It may seem strange, but many couples are choosing wedding rings at the last minute. Others are convinced that the rings exchanged at the altar or in the secular ceremony are all the same: simple yellow metal bands. The most savvy people know that is not so, but in many underestimate the ring buying process. And it is a mistake: the wedding ring is something that is worn throughout life (it is assumed) and it is a choice that goes well weighted. If you have doubts you can also read this brief guide on how to choose the ring.

Anello di fidanzamento indossato assieme alla fede matrimoniale

In short, it pays to choose wedding rings with more attention and pass less time to decide which plants to use during the ceremony, a thing that no one will make the case (except for your bank account). Here, then, three useful tips for choosing wedding ring.

Picchiotti, wedding band, anello della collezione Xpandable in oro bianco e diamanti

1 Use Internet and make comparisons

Gioiellis.com can be very helpful to choose which ring you can put on your finger and keep an eye on what are the latest trends in jewelry. But the ring must enjoy above all to you, bearing in mind that it will live long on your hands. You want it in white, yellow or pink gold? Today there is freedom of choice, and no one will have to say. There are also rings that use two or three different colors of gold. And then there is platinum. The shape is no longer just that of classical smooth band of metal, but you can also choose rings with different shape. Do not rush, and think through what form and color you like to wear every day.

Demetra, anello Eternity in oro bianco e diamanti. Prezzo: da 499 a 2330 euro

2 Decide the budget

After choosing what kind of ring you like, color, size and shape, think about how much you want to spend. Keep in mind that a platinum ring can cost more than twice of a jewel with the same shape, but in gold. Not only. To determine the price are also the carat, ie how many is pure gold (18-karat means that 75% of the metal is composed of gold, the remainder of other materials such as silver or nickel). Less carats are declared (for example, 14 or 9 carats) and less expensive it will be the ring. But also it spoils more easily. Even the brand’s choice affect much on the cost of a ring: companies with well-known brands, on the other hand, usually offer more guarantees on what you buy.

Giorgio Visconti, anello con diamante montato a giorno

3 Think also after

A ring is forever, hopefully. But, unfortunately, even your jewelry get old. Over time you can scratch, or your hands can become bigger or thinner. When you choose a ring, it’s better also choose a jeweler that in addition to the metal hoop also sells services such as cleaning, repair or resizing the ring. If the ring also has the stones, the jeweler may undertake to ensure the replacement in case of loss. Finally, don’t neglect the security. If your ring is quite expensive, think about the opportunity to insure it against theft or loss. But first make sure of his true value with an additional expert opinion of an expert.

Anello in oro giallo e diamanti taglio brillante a scalare — Crieri, anello in oro giallo e diamanti taglio brillante a scalare

4 Think about the later too

A ring is forever, hopefully. But, unfortunately, your jewel also ages. Over time it can be scratched, or with your hands they can become larger or thinner. When you choose a ring, therefore, you also identify the jeweler who in addition to the metal circle also sells services such as cleaning, repairing or resizing the ring. If the ring also has stones, the jeweler can undertake to guarantee replacement in case of loss. Finally, don’t overlook security. If your ring is rather expensive, it is possible to insure it against theft or loss. But first make sure of its true value with additional expert expertise.

Anello aperto in oro giallo con diamanti — Antonio Papini, anello aperto in oro giallo con diamanti

5 With stone or without
A simple golden faith can make many women happy. Of course, if he also has a diamond or a precious stone it doesn’t hurt. If your budget permits, do not limit your choice to the bare minimum, that is to the classic record. Today many wedding rings offer interesting elaborations capable of enriching the value of the jewel.

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti della collezione Milano di Pomellato

Anello inoro rosa della collezione Milano di Pomellato

Il classico Trinity di Cartier, con tre diversi colori di oro