1913 Edwardian Diamond ‘Toi et Moi’ Ring

This 18ct yellow gold and diamond floral crossover ring is the epitome of grace, hailing from the early 20th century, with Hallmarks for Chester, 1913.
 
The floral ‘toi et moi’ design features two interlocking daisies of openwork design, allowing light to filter through each petal and drawing attention to the hearts of the flowers. Each daisy’s eye is lit up by a twinkling old-cut diamond, offset by the elegant curvature of the gold setting, which form two opposing supportive sepals. The interlocking nature of this design may symbolize two lovers meeting, or two hearts entwined: a promise of lasting love, loyalty and affection.
 
Floral designs were a popular choice for engagement rings in the Edwardian era and remain today a romantic testament to the period. The date to this ring is particularly moving; on the brink of WW1, tokens of love and beloved jewellery were about to take on new meaning as loved ones were lost and millions of lives were changed irrevocably. There is undoubtedly a story behind this piece; it’s exact origin and symbolism will ultimately remain a mystery, but the history it holds is palpable, glittering in the eyes of the two daisies; a name derived from ‘day’s eye,’ as most daisies sleep at night. Oxeye or ‘moon daisies,’ however, never sleep; symbolic of everlasting love.
 
“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”

~ L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl