A beautiful addition to any jewellery collection, eternity rings are a symbol of everlasting love and commitment.
Often given to mark an important milestone in a couple’s relationship, choosing the perfect eternity that complements the wearer’s style and existing wedding and engagement ring can be challenging.
In this guide, we will explore the history and rich symbolism of eternity rings, answer some of the most asked questions about eternity bands, and help you to choose a timeless, elegant eternity ring for yourself or your loved one.
Sapphire Eternity Rings
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| Sapphire & Diamond Bridge Ring | Sapphire & Diamond Half Eternity Ring |
| £3,965 | £1,925 |
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What is an eternity ring?
An eternity ring is a circular metal band with gemstones, usually diamonds, set continuously around the ring. Eternity rings are also often called infinity rings, that symbolise eternal love and commitment, illustrated by the unbroken circle of the ring.
Eternity rings take Inspiration from the ancient Egyptian and Greek symbol of an ‘Ouroboros’, a serpent eating it;s own tail, creating an endless circle shape. This came to symbolise the eternity of life, and of love.
While eternity ring designs have moved away from snake-inspired designs, the sentiment remains.
What is the best style for an eternity ring?
Although traditionally, eternity rings are usually a uniform row of equally sized diamonds in a complete circle, modern jewellery design has meant that eternity rings come in many styles now.
Some people opt for a half eternity band, with the diamonds or gemstones featured on the front half of the ring only, with a smooth metal band. This style can improve comfort and can be a more budget friendly option.
As with modern engagement rings and even wedding bands, some people choose abstract designs for their eternity ring too! From organic spaces to gemstones in a multitude of colours and sizes together on the same ring, there really are no rules when it comes to jewellery.
Ruby Eternity Rings
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| Ruby & Diamond Half Eternity Ring | Ruby & Diamond Half Eternity Ring |
| £1,550 | £2,345 |
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When should eternity rings be given?
Traditionally, eternity rings are given to commemorate a special milestone for a married couple. Most often, this includes wedding anniversaries, especially the first anniversary, or the birth of their first child. However, eternity rings can be gifted at any moment that is significant for the couple as a beautifully personal gesture of love.
What metal should an eternity ring be in?
We recommend choosing an eternity ring in the same metal as your wedding and engagement ring. While mixed metals can create a contemporary, trendy look, different metals can compete against each other, and cause erosion and damage to the metal and stone settings of wedding and eternity rings.
Matching the metal of your wedding and engagement ring can also make for a classy, cohesive look.
Do eternity rings have to have diamonds?
Traditionally, eternity rings feature diamonds as they represent love, strength and are a symbol of beauty. However, in contemporary jewellery design, many eternity rings feature an array of different gemstones.
Choosing an eternity ring to compliment or match an existing wedding ring stack may mean you want to explore non-traditional gemstones or designs.
It is also common to give an eternity ring as a gift for reaching a milestone anniversary, so you might explore traditional anniversary gemstones for the eternity ring:
- 30th Anniversary – Pearl
- 40th Anniversary – Ruby
- 45th Anniversary – Sapphire
- 55th Anniversary – Emerald
In what order should you wear an engagement, wedding and eternity ring?
Typically, rings are worn as such: wedding ring at the base of your finger, engagement ring, then topped by an eternity band. This is so that your wedding ring is closest to your heart, and is held securely in place by your engagement and/ or eternity ring.
Sometimes, the size or shape of an engagement ring means that it is worn at the top of the trilogy, with the eternity ring then sitting on top of the wedding band.
Be sure to resize your finger ahead of choosing an eternity ring. Don’t assume that it will be the same size as your wedding or engagement ring! If your eternity ring is going to sit on top of your other rings, the position higher up your finger may be a slightly different size to your other rings. It may even be an opportunity to get a ring in a slightly tighter size in order to fit securely alongside your wedding and engagement rings.
Emerald Eternity Rings
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| Emerald & Diamond Eternity Ring | Square Cut Emerald Half Eternity Ring |
| £3,050 | £1,525 |
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Are there any cons to wearing an eternity ring?
On the whole, eternity rings are a pretty risk averse investment, as they are made from precious metals and gemstones that retain value and stand the test of time. However, some people experience some challenges when it comes to purchasing or comfortably wearing an eternity band.
Cost
After already investing in an engagement ring and wedding band, an additional eternity ring may be outside of some people’s budget.
However, opting for a half eternity band could be the perfect, practical compromise! Half eternity rings retain the show stopping style of an eternity ring, but can be a more affordable option.
Comfort
Worn on top of an existing wedding stack, some people find adding another ring uncomfortable or too bulky.
If your wedding band and engagement ring leaves little room for an eternity ring, you could even wear an eternity band on the ring finger of your opposite hand, or any other finger of your choosing. The beauty of jewellery is you can express your personality and style, and you don’t have to stick to any rules!
Damage
By adding another, bejewelled jewellery to your wedding ring stack, there is an increased risk of damage to your diamonds. Eternity rings do present a small chance that diamonds and other gemstones can become dislodged due to deterioration of settings caused by friction of the rings rubbing against one another.
To avoid this, schedule regular maintenance of your jewellery to keep them clean and spot any signs of wear or damage early on.
Contemporary Eternity Rings
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| Multi Coloured Sapphire & Diamond Bubble Ring | 1.01ct Square Sapphire & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Ring |
| £2,230 | £3,050 |
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Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the perfect eternity ring, there are lots of factors to consider. From metal to gemstones, style to size, it’s important to find an eternity ring that matches or compliments their existing engagement and wedding rings.
The best style of eternity ring reflects the personal style of the wearer, so why not make choosing an eternity ring part of the gift. Organising a special time to select an eternity rings together as a couple can become part of the grand gesture and make the gift even more personal and meaningful.
