Eternity Rings - Diamond Buyer's Guide

What Does an Eternity Ring Symbolize?

Eternity rings are precious metal bands set with a continuous line of precious stones. They traditionally symbolize eternal love and commitment.

The concept of eternity bands can be traced back 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt. They were offered to loved ones as a token of both eternal love and life. Early examples consisted of a circle of metal set with stones either on the top half of the ring or spanning the whole circumference. Some styles included an engraving of a serpent devouring its own tail. This symbol, known as the ouroboros, symbolized infinity as well as the cycle of birth and death.

Diamond eternity rings were popularised in the 1960s by diamond merchant De Beers. Eternity rings were originally marketed for older, married women. One campaign slogan aimed at husbands was, "She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going."

Who can Wear Eternity Rings?

Eternity rings should not be reserved for brides. Anybody can rock one, whether they are in a relationship or not. In fact, they are the most versatile piece of jewellery because they can match with any outfit. Available as full bands, half eternity rings, diamond set, and featuring alternative stones, there is an eternity ring to suit every budget. The only thing that should hold you back from choosing yours is narrowing down your favourite!

If you are a traditional person, eternity rings are perfect presents for your spouse or partner. They make great birthday gifts, or gifts to mark momentous occasions.

When Should You Get An Eternity Ring?

Modern eternity rings are given as gifts for many reasons. It is common to receive an eternity ring to mark an anniversary, be it one year, ten years or sixty. Similarly, they make great gifts for graduates.

Recently eternity rings have become popular as 'push presents' to signify the birth of a child. In these cases it can be a lovely touch to combine the baby's birthstone with diamonds to create a really meaningful piece of jewellery.

It is now increasingly common to purchase an eternity or half-eternity band as a wedding ring. Brides often like to choose an eternity ring with sapphires to count as their "something blue". Alternatively you can choose to incorporate yours and your partner's birth stones into the design.

Different Types of Eternity Rings

There are so many styles of eternity bands to choose from. from shaped, to full to half. There are also different methods of stone setting to choose from which will affect the overall look of the ring.

A half eternity ring only has stones running halfway around the band. Because of this, these are slightly less expensive than full eternity rings, and also have the benefit of being easier to resize. If you are considering a ring as a push present, half eternities are a smart choice to account for pregnancy weight fluctuations.

Shaped eternity rings fit around your engagement ring. Often brides choose a ring that echoes the shape of their shaped wedding ring. This is a great option if you plan to wear all three of your rings on the same finger all of the time.

The two main styles for eternity rings are channel set and prong set. Channel set rings are more practical and protective. This is because the setting is smooth so it cannot catch on clothing. Mothers often request channel set rings if they are nervous about their ring scratching their baby.

Claw settings have many different variations. Since the stones are held between thin pieces of metal, this is the best setting for allowing the maximum amount of light into the stones for that sparkly wow factor. They also allow the minimal amount of metal to remain on show.

Which Finger Are Eternity Rings Worn On?

Traditionally eternity rings were worn on the wedding ring finger alongside the wedding and engagement rings. In modern day however, we think that you can rock eternity rings on any finger!

Due to their glamorous versatility, eternity bands work perfectly as a fun right hand ring, or a sleek engagement ring alternative. We love how stylish and glamorous they can look as a right hand ring, or the cool iced out look of multiple thin eternity bands used as stacking rings. They are infinitely style-able!