Aurate New York
Georgian Toi et Moi Stud Earrings
Reviewed by the The Top Finds editors · How we test
You'll complete your purchase on Aurate New York's site · price checked May 20
The Top Finds is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best for
Someone who wants genuine antique-inspired jewelry aesthetics — not just Georgian-coded vibes — and has realistic expectations about vermeil longevity.
Skip if
You want solid gold or sterling silver that requires zero maintenance, or you need confirmed stone specs before committing to a jewelry purchase.
Price tier
Mid-range
$89
The verdict
At $89, Aurate's Georgian Toi et Moi studs deliver a genuinely antique-feeling silhouette — two stones sharing a closed-back setting — at a fraction of what vintage originals cost, though the vermeil finish means they're a commitment to care, not a set-and-forget piece.
What we love
- Closed-back Georgian setting is historically accurate, not just name-dropping an aesthetic
- Toi et moi format has genuine romantic symbolism that reads without explanation
- Accessible at $89 for a design that typically costs multiples more in antique or solid-gold versions
- Yellow vermeil photographs and presents like solid gold
Worth knowing
- Vermeil will eventually wear through with heavy daily use — not a forever-piece without occasional replating
- Stone type and quality aren't disclosed in product specs, which matters at any jewelry price point
- Listed as 'single' quantity — confirm before ordering whether you're buying one earring or a pair
Our review
Why the Georgian reference actually matters
Most jewelry brands invoke history as vibes. Aurate's Georgian Toi et Moi studs make a more specific claim: the closed-back setting, in which the stone sits in a fully enclosed metal cup rather than prongs, is genuinely Georgian in origin. Jewelers of that era (roughly 1714–1837) used foil-backed closed settings to amplify candlelight in stones that weren't yet cut to modern brilliance standards. That architectural detail — subtle, structural, invisible until you look closely — is what separates these from a generic two-stone stud.
The "Toi et Moi" concept is older than the name suggests. Napoleon gave Joséphine a toi et moi ring in 1796. The format — two stones side by side, two presences sharing one frame — has carried romantic symbolism for centuries. Aurate translates it to stud scale, which keeps the concept wearable daily rather than reserved for statement occasions.
What you're actually buying
These are vermeil: sterling silver with a gold plate thick enough to meet FTC standards. That matters because it sets honest expectations. Vermeil looks identical to solid gold at a glance and photographs beautifully, but it can wear through at friction points — earring backs, edges — over years of daily use. The upside is the $89 price. The downside is that if you wear them every single day, you may eventually want to have them replated. For occasional or rotation wear, vermeil holds up well.
The yellow gold colorway is warm and flattering against most skin tones. The stud format keeps them versatile — appropriate from a board meeting to a dinner reservation without adjustment.
One detail worth knowing before you order: Aurate lists these as "single" quantity. Read that carefully. Some toi et moi studs in this style are intentionally sold as individual earrings — meant for a curated, asymmetric ear stack — rather than as a pair. Confirm with Aurate before checkout if you're expecting two.
The gift case
The "you and me" meaning is legible without explanation. You don't need to tell the recipient what toi et moi means — the two-stone-one-setting image carries it. For an anniversary, a friendship milestone, or a partner who doesn't want a ring, these read immediately as intentional and sentimental without being heavy-handed. The price point helps: $89 clears the "thoughtful gift" threshold without the anxiety of a major jewelry purchase.
What we'd want to know that we don't
Aurate hasn't disclosed which stones these feature. That's the honest gap in this review. The closed-back Georgian setting and the toi et moi silhouette are real and well-executed; the specific stone material, cut, and quality are things you'd want to confirm directly with Aurate before buying. Don't let a brand's atmospheric copy substitute for that conversation.
Common questions
Georgian Toi et Moi Stud Earrings, answered
What does toi et moi mean in jewelry?
Toi et moi is French for 'you and me.' In jewelry, it refers to a setting with two stones side by side — each representing one person — sharing a single piece. The format dates to at least the late 18th century and carries romantic symbolism that's become newly popular in modern fine and fine-adjacent jewelry.
What is vermeil jewelry and does it tarnish?
Vermeil is sterling silver coated with a layer of gold thick enough to meet FTC standards (at least 10k gold, at least 2.5 microns). It looks and photographs like solid gold but can wear through at friction points over time. Stored properly and worn in rotation rather than daily, vermeil holds up well. Avoid water, perfume, and sweat contact to extend the finish.
What is a Georgian-style jewelry setting?
Georgian-era jewelry (1714–1837) is characterized by closed-back settings — the stone sits in a fully enclosed metal cup rather than open prongs — intricate handcraft, and nature-inspired motifs. Closed-back settings were practical: they trapped light behind the stone to maximize brilliance in candlelight. Modern pieces using this setting are drawing on a specific, identifiable historical technique.
Are these earrings sold as a pair or a single earring?
Aurate lists these with 'single' quantity, which may mean they're sold as one earring rather than a pair — a common format for toi et moi studs designed for ear stacking. Confirm with Aurate directly before purchasing if you need both ears covered.
Is Aurate New York a reputable jewelry brand?
Aurate is a New York-based jewelry brand that has been making fine and fine-adjacent pieces since 2015. They're known for vermeil and solid gold designs sold direct-to-consumer, with a focus on everyday wearability. They're a legitimate brand — not a fast-fashion dropshipper — though as with any jewelry purchase, clarifying stone and material specs before buying is always worth doing.
What's a good gift to pair with toi et moi earrings?
The two-stones-one-setting concept pairs naturally with other sentimental jewelry — a matching toi et moi ring, a birthstone necklace, or a signet ring. Given the $89 price, these also work as a standalone anniversary or friendship gift without needing to build a set around them.
Ready to buy
Georgian Toi et Moi Stud Earrings
The Top Finds is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More from Jewelry
Related finds
Aurate New York
Pearl Bud Ring
Proof that power can be soft. Our Pearl Bud Ring takes its cue from a just-blooming form—where potential is everything and restraint is the statement. A luminou
Aurate New York
Lab Grown White Sapphire Edwardian Earrings
Drawing from the elegance of Edwardian-era jewelry, our Lab Grown White Sapphire Edwardian Earrings blend vintage romance with timeless sparkle. Each earring fe
Aurate New York
Archival Snake Ring
Serpentine shine, circa 2017. A fluid, open-form coil that wraps the finger in AAA-quality lab grown white sapphires. We’ve unvaulted a strictly limited quantit
Aurate New York
$89