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- Vintage Natural Ruby Toi Et Moi Ring
Vintage Natural Ruby Toi Et Moi Ring
Like many iconic jewelry designs, the Toi Et Moi Ring has a rich history. The first ring in this style was designed in 1796 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonaparte intended to propose to Josephine de Beauharnais, a woman six years his senior. Napoleon's family wasn't too excited about this choice, but Napoleon didn't let that stop him. He designed a ring with a gold band and two teardrop-shaped gems: a diamond and a sapphire. Each was just under a carat. And this ring is a lovely vintage example, with two natural Rubies side-by-side in bypass form in 5 and 6-prong settings.
We physically verified the weight of both Rubies. One is .77 Carat and the other .87 Carat for a total weight of a bit over 1.5 (1 1/2) Carats. Both Rubies are round cut and well matched in the ring.
All Rubies have some degree of natural inclusions, and virtually all Gem Rubies have been treated in one form or another. That will be the case here, although our loupe examination doesn't provide an immediate indication of treatment. We do believe, however, that they would have likely been heat treated to balance the color. This isn't unusual. Almost every natural Ruby (and Sapphires and other Gems) are heat treated. Regardless, we like them and think they are just perfect in this setting.
The Toi Et Moi Setting is in 10K Yellow Gold. The ring is a size 5.5 (5 1/2).
Ref:24838