Ready to dive into the sparkling universe of eternity rings? Brace yourself for a journey filled with love, commitment, and glamour. Eternity rings aren't just pieces of jewellery; they're dazzling storytellers of everlasting love and those unforgettable moments in life. Join us in this guide as we unravel the secrets behind these timeless treasures, exploring their profound meaning, unravelling the historical and symbolic threads that weave through them, and providing expert insights into the art of selecting the ideal eternity ring for that special someone.
What is an Eternity Ring?
Eternity rings stand as tangible emblems of enduring love and unwavering commitment. There are two main types of these exquisite rings: the half eternity ring and the full eternity ring. The former boasts gemstones adorning only half of the band, while the latter dazzles with a continuous circle of stones, symbolising the unbroken nature of the bond they represent. Often containing diamonds or other precious gemstones, these rings serve as great gifts and are a brilliant way to commemorate big life occasions.
History & Symbolism of Eternity Rings
The origins of eternity rings can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt, where these circular symbols of eternal love first emerged. Later embraced by Roman culture, these rings became tangible vows of unwavering commitment but were not typically associated with marriage.
As the centuries evolved, eternity rings became more elaborate and sophisticated in design, but it wasn’t until the Art Deco movement of the 20th century that the term ‘eternity ring’, and their usage, became more widespread: embodying the era’s progressive spirit.
Symbolically, eternity rings are laden with meaning. The unbroken circle represents the perpetuity of love and commitment, an enduring promise that transcends the boundaries of time. The inclusion of diamonds or other precious gemstones intensifies the symbolism, each gem acting as a gleaming marker in the timeline of a relationship.
When to Gift Eternity Rings
Eternity rings are appropriate for a variety of occasions, and they serve as a perfect heartfelt gesture for somebody you love. Traditionally, eternity rings are exchanged to commemorate special wedding anniversaries, making a dazzling addition to those who already have an engagement ring or wedding ring. Beyond traditional commitments, eternity rings are also typically gifted by couples who don’t intend on getting married but want to give their partner a symbol of their unwavering commitment.
Even if you’re not celebrating a special milestone, eternity rings make a thoughtful present for holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day. In modern times, eternity rings are now even commonly gifted to mothers to mark the arrival of a first child, subtly expressing the promise of lasting love within the embrace of family life.
Eternity Rings for Wedding Anniversaries
Any wedding anniversary is a special milestone and giving the gift of an eternity ring is a great way to showcase your enduring commitment to one another. Although eternity rings can be gifted at any anniversary landmark, we’ve detailed some advice on the different styles that are suitable for diamond, gold, ruby and sapphire anniversaries (should you be fortunate enough to make it!):
Diamond Anniversaries: Brilliance that Transcends Time
For those marking the illustrious diamond anniversary, the choice is clear – diamonds. An eternity ring adorned with these timeless gems symbolises the enduring brilliance of a relationship that has weathered the test of time. Sparkling with each shared moment, a diamond eternity ring becomes a dazzling emblem of 60 years of unwavering commitment.
Golden Anniversaries: A Warm Hues Affair
Reaching the golden milestone calls for warmth and radiance. Citrine or yellow sapphire gems in an eternity ring perfectly complement the celebratory glow of 50 years of marriage. A golden anniversary eternity ring becomes a testament to the enduring warmth and brightness of a love that has flourished over five decades.
Ruby Anniversaries: Fiery Red Passion
The 40th anniversary, known as the ruby anniversary, demands an infusion of passion. An eternity ring featuring vibrant rubies captures the fiery essence of a relationship that continues to burn bright. Each ruby becomes a symbolic marker of 40 years of shared love, trials, and triumphs.
Sapphire Anniversaries: Deep Blue Elegance
Reaching the 65th year, or the sapphire anniversary, calls for an infusion of deep blue elegance. A sapphire eternity ring becomes the epitome of grace and enduring love. Representing the journey of 65 years, each sapphire resonates with the calm strength and timeless beauty that characterise this remarkable union.
Eternity Rings to Commemorate the Arrival of a First Child
Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, and finding the perfect gift to mark this significant moment is a delightful challenge. Amidst the plethora of options, fathers seeking a uniquely special token for the mother will find eternity rings to be a great choice. Eternity rings not only symbolise enduring love but also serve as tangible reminders of the beautiful journey of parenthood. To add a personal touch, consider incorporating birthstone gems into the design. This approach transforms the ring into a bespoke piece that captures the essence of the child's birth month whilst becoming a cherished keepsake for the new mother.
How to Wear an Eternity Ring
How to wear an eternity ring really is a matter of personal preference. While tradition suggests placing it on the finger after the wedding and engagement rings, the choice is entirely yours. Some may opt to wear it on the same finger, creating a harmonious stack of rings, while others may choose to let it stand alone as a statement piece. Whether worn alongside existing rings or on a different hand, the sentiment behind the placement remains the same – a visible declaration of enduring commitment and love.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Eternity Ring
Just like choosing the perfect engagement or wedding ring, picking out the ideal eternity ring requires a little bit of thought so you can ensure you get it right. Before you make a purchase, keep in mind these helpful tips:
- Peek at Existing Jewellery Collection: See what your partner is already wearing by having a little peek in their jewellery box. If it's gold, maybe stick to that style, unless they’re a big fan of mixing and matching metals.
- Style Check: Take a moment to have a real think about your partner's style. Do they prefer a more casual approach to fashion? Maybe a half eternity ring could be the right choice. Alternatively, if your partner is all about the glam, consider a dazzling diamond full eternity ring.
- Budget Talks: Whenever you decide to purchase a ring, think about setting a budget. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your options and a reputable jeweller can offer you plenty of help with this.
- Gemstone Choices: Diamonds? Sapphires? Maybe even birthstones? Explore the options to find the one that makes your partner's heart sing.
Choosing the Perfect Eternity Ring Metal
Selecting the metal for your eternity ring is a nuanced decision that marries personal style with the timeless allure of precious metals. Whether it's the contemporary appeal of white gold, classic charm of yellow gold, romantic tint of rose gold, or enduring sophistication of platinum, each metal choice can completely transform the meaning, and of course aesthetics, of the ring.
White Gold Eternity Rings: Embodying a modern and sophisticated allure, white gold eternity rings seamlessly complement contemporary styles. Its lustrous sheen provides a timeless backdrop for the brilliance of diamonds or vibrant gemstones.
Yellow Gold Eternity Rings: Radiating warmth and classic appeal, yellow gold eternity rings evoke a sense of tradition and enduring elegance. This timeless metal choice has an inherent charm that harmonises seamlessly with various styles.
Rose Gold Eternity Rings: Infusing a romantic tint into your choice, rose gold eternity rings offer a distinctive and captivating aesthetic. This warm and feminine hue has gained popularity for its ability to add a touch of romance to any ensemble.
Platinum Eternity Rings: Renowned for its enduring sophistication, platinum eternity rings exude a rare and timeless charm. Resistant to tarnish and corrosion, platinum symbolises the resilience and permanence of lasting love.
What Are the Different Eternity Ring Settings?
Understanding the various settings is crucial in the pursuit of the perfect eternity ring. The choice of setting not only influences the overall look but also reflects the wearer's personality and style. Explore the following settings to find the one that resonates with you:
Bezel Setting: Stones are encased in the metal, offering a sleek and modern look.
Claw Ring Setting (Prong): Each stone is held in place by its own claw, allowing maximum visibility and brilliance.
Bar Setting: Metal bars between each stone provide a distinctive and contemporary design.
Channel Setting: Stones are nestled within a channel with metal walls on either side, ensuring a secure and elegant presentation.
Grain Setting: Stones are set closely together with barely visible tiny prongs, creating a seamless and sophisticated appearance.
Matching Eternity Rings with other Jewellery
Although eternity rings serve as beautiful stand-alone pieces, you may want to match and pair up your new treasure with another item of jewellery from your collection. If you’re looking for some matching advice, consider the following tips:
Earring Harmony: When pairing eternity rings with earrings, consistency is key. Opt for a similar metal tone and gemstones to create a harmonious balance. For instance, if your eternity ring features diamonds, consider diamond studded earrings for a coordinated and elegant look.
Necklace Coordination: Achieving a seamless coordination with necklaces involves aligning metal tones and gemstone choices. If your eternity ring boasts diamonds, complement the brilliance with a diamond necklace. Consistency in design and gemstones ensures a polished and unified ensemble.
Bracelet Elegance: Extend the grace of your eternity ring to your wrists by coordinating with bracelets. Whether it's a matching metal or a shared gemstone, this approach exudes a sophisticated and cohesive charm, especially when diamonds are a common element.
Explore Our Collection of Eternity Rings
Now that you’ve found out all you need to know about eternity rings, take a moment to browse and find the perfect symbol for your everlasting commitment.
Our master jewellers have meticulously curated an exquisite selection of eternity bands, including diamond eternity rings in both half and full eternity styles. For those seeking a contemporary touch, we even offer unisex eternity bands and wave pave eternity rings that provide a modern twist on tradition.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something bespoke and personal to your love story, head on over to our bespoke jewellery design page for more information on how we can bring your vision to life.
