What is an eternity ring buyers guide

What is an eternity ring

An eternity ring is a piece of jewellery, usually a band, that symbolises everlasting love. Also known as an "Infinity Ring," eternity rings have been popular since the Victorian era and often feature gemstones that encircle the band. The setting of an eternity ring is a continuous line of gemstones that are prong-set and appear to be connected, which symbolises eternity. This type of ring is typically given to celebrate an anniversary, a wedding, or the birth of a child. The metals most commonly used for eternity rings are gold or platinum and often the stones are diamonds or coloured gems such as rubies, emeralds, or sapphires. Eternity rings are often given in the same metal and stone as the original wedding band, although the style of the eternity ring may be quite different.

The rings first became popular as wedding bands during the Victorian era and are still given as gifts to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and births. An eternity ring is a type of jewellery that symbolises eternal love and commitment. It is a band of precious metal, usually, gold or platinum, with a continuous line of identically cut stones, usually diamonds set around the entire circumference of the band. The setting is usually a full, half, or three-quarter circle, with the diamonds running all the way around, although some eternity rings may feature alternating gemstones. These rings are traditionally given to a partner after a milestone anniversary such as the 25th or 50th, or to celebrate the birth of a child, but can be given at any point to show your love and commitment.

Moreover, an eternity ring is a symbol of eternity, love, and commitment usually gifted on special anniversaries. It is an endlessly circled band of precious metal that may contain small diamonds or gemstones around the entire band. This type of ring has been used as a way to express one’s eternal love since ancient times, and although they have been popular since the 19th century, they are still exchanged today as a token or gesture of everlasting devotion. Eternity rings come in various types of metals such as gold or platinum and can be set with different coloured stones such as rubies or sapphires to add personalisation.

The history behind eternity rings

The history of the eternity ring dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were given as tokens of love and commitment. Typically, eternity rings are exchanged during a special anniversary, such as a 10th or 30th wedding anniversary, or when a couple welcomes a new baby into their family. Although the original eternity ring was crafted from gold, modern eternity rings come in a variety of metals, including yellow and white gold, platinum, and even silver. Most eternity rings feature a full eternity of gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, that are set into the metal all the way around the band. The effect of a full eternity is a continuous line of sparkle and beauty that symbolises the never-ending love between a couple.

Traditionally, an eternity ring was given after a certain number of years of marriage to signify eternal love between two people. Eternity rings are typically set with diamonds or other precious gemstones that symbolise the never-ending nature of the bond between the gift giver and receiver. The rings are typically worn on the ring finger of either hand and have a continuous circle of stones that go all the way around the band, giving them a unique and stunning look. Eternity rings are available in a variety of metals, such as gold, silver, white gold, and platinum, and can be customised with different gemstones to the specifications of the buyer. An eternity ring is a beautiful, symbolic gift for any special occasion and ensures that the bond between two people will last an eternity.

Next, eternity rings have a long history that dates back to the Victorian era when they were seen as a symbol of enduring love and devotion. Usually given on special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, these rings are made from precious metals like gold or platinum and contain gemstones that encircle the entire band in one continuous line. The gems can range from diamonds to coloured stones like sapphires and emeralds, and these rings come in many designs to suit everyone's personal style.

When do you get an eternity ring?

An eternity ring is usually given as a symbol of everlasting love and devotion and is often given on special occasions such as anniversaries or the birth of a child. This special ring is typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand and consists of a band of precious metal with a continuous line of identically cut gemstones. It is usually a full or half-eternity ring. While a full eternity ring has precious stones that run around the entire circumference of the band, a half-eternity ring has stones that only go around a portion of the band. They are commonly made from precious metals, such as gold and platinum, and often contain diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other gems. The eternity ring is a classic and timeless piece of jewellery that has been passed down for generations and is a beautiful reminder of the strength of lasting love.

It's also become popular to give an eternity ring as a token of commitment, such as when partners move in together or get engaged. An eternity ring is a unique piece of jewellery with a continuous band of small diamonds or other precious stones. It symbolises never-ending love and is usually given on special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays. The diamond-encrusted band is usually made of gold or platinum, although yellow or rose gold is also a popular choice. The stones are often set into a half or full-eternity setting, with the latter featuring diamonds set all the way around the ring. The design of eternity rings varies, some featuring a single row of diamonds while others have multiple rows of diamonds and gemstones. Ultimately, the eternity ring is a timeless and meaningful symbol of love and commitment.

However, there is now a huge range of eternity rings available to suit all styles and budgets. The traditional full eternity design features a row of stones or diamonds that continues all the way around the entire band, but some more modern designs also feature multiple rows of stones or diamonds for extra sparkle. They are made with precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, so you can choose a colour that will match your existing jewellery collection if needed. Eternity rings have been popular for centuries and make an ideal romantic gift to celebrate anniversaries or milestones in any relationship.

The difference between eternity rings & other commitment rings

Many people don't exactly know what an eternity ring is, so they are regularly confused with other types of commitment rings. But each type has a different meaning behind it. The following are four of the most common types of commitment rings:

Now you know the meaning behind eternity rings, it's time to see what they look like.

What do eternity rings look like?

An eternity ring is a circular band that often features small gemstones set in metal, symbolising eternity. This type of ring has been worn since ancient times and is traditionally given to celebrate a full eternity, such as a wedding anniversary, the birth of a child, or even as a long-term commitment. Eternity rings are typically made of precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum, although some are made of other metals. The stones can be diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or any other precious or semi-precious gemstone. The full eternity ring features small stones that go all the way around the band in a continuous line, with no gaps or breaks. These rings are available in a variety of styles and are often passed down from generation to generation as a sign of everlasting love and devotion.

These rings can feature a single type of gemstone or multiple stones of varying colours, sizes, and shapes. An eternity ring is a symbolic piece of jewellery that is typically given to signify an important milestone in a relationship such as a wedding, anniversary, or the birth of a child. It features a continuous row of stones that encircle the entire circumference of the band. The stones are generally diamonds, but coloured gemstones such as rubies and sapphires can also be used. Eternity rings come in different styles, including full eternity and half eternity. A full eternity ring has stones that go all the way around the band, while a half eternity ring has stones only going around half of the band. Eternity rings are usually made from precious metals such as gold or platinum.

Finally, an eternity ring is a beautiful symbol of timeless love and commitment, usually given as a gift to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant events. It has been used for centuries to represent the infinite circle of love that binds two people together. Typically set with precious stones and crafted from gold, silver or platinum, the metal used to create an eternity ring can also be another metal of your choice that reflects your unique style and taste.

Full eternity rings vs half eternity rings

These are the two main designs for eternity rings, and the difference is self-explanatory: full eternity rings have diamonds or gemstones that cover the entirety of the band, whereas half eternity rings are only partially covered.

Full eternity rings are the most traditional, and often the most expensive too, as they have a larger quantity of precious stones. They're also more expensive to resize (and sometimes can't even be resized at all), as it can be challenging for jewellers to get the stones an equal width apart. Although they're costly, they more than makeup for this in their design. The best thing about these rings is that they're beautiful from every angle.

However, half-eternity rings definitely have benefits too. As they're more budget-friendly, you can splash out and get one of an even higher quality than you would be able to for a full eternity ring. And they can always be resized, which means the ring can be worn for life, and even be passed down to future generations. Plus, many people find half-eternity rings more comfortable to wear, as some find the stones on full eternity rings irritating on the surrounding fingers.

If you're unsure which option is best for you or your partner, make sure to speak to our advisors for some help in making your final decision

Types of metal used for eternity rings

Most eternity rings are made from precious metals like gold, platinum, or silver for lasting beauty and shine. An eternity ring is a type of jewellery that symbolises eternal love and commitment, usually given as a gift after marriage or as an anniversary gift. An eternity ring has a full eternity design, meaning that it has an unbroken circle of gemstones that are typically diamonds or a combination of gemstones set all the way around the band. As the gemstones are usually set in gold, platinum, or silver settings, they often come in white, yellow, or rose gold and are sometimes even made out of sterling silver. Eternity rings can be a meaningful token of love and a lasting reminder of the bond between two people.

Depending on the budget and preferences of the wearer, diamonds or other gemstones can be set in the ring for a sparkly finish. An eternity ring is a beautiful symbol of commitment and love, often gifted for anniversaries or other special occasions. Historically, these rings were worn as bands of precious metal encircling the finger - either with or without inset stones. While intricately-set diamonds are traditionally used, other gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, can also be used. The band itself is usually made of either yellow or white gold, or platinum, and the stones are usually set in a continuous loop, though other designs are also available. To sum up, an eternity ring is a beautiful way to signify love and commitment and make the wearer feel special.

Also, an eternity ring is a special type of ring typically given after a certain amount of time has passed in the marriage. Its purpose is to signify to the recipient that their partner's love and commitment will last forever. Traditionally they were crafted with diamonds, but other gemstones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds can be used as well. Additionally, metals such as cobalt and tungsten are now being used more often in eternity rings due to their strength and affordability.

Diamonds or gemstones

Eternity rings have evolved over time. While gemstones were traditionally used in eternity rings in the 18^th century, diamonds surpassed them in popularity in the 1960s, and have since become the go-to.

It's easy to see why diamond eternity rings became so popular — this precious stone is one of the most beautiful and brightest available. Diamonds have also been synonymous with romance for centuries, ever since Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in the 15^th century. Round diamonds are the most commonly used in eternity rings, but princess cuts work well too. Make sure to check out our diamond buying guide for advice on picking out the right cut, clarity, carat, and colour.

While gemstones are no longer the traditional choice for eternity rings, they're still popular, and a great choice for people who like their jewellery to have a bit of colour. The stone can also be used to symbolise something special, such as the wearers birthstone, or if gifted to a new mother, the birthstone of their child. Ruby, emerald, and sapphire are three of the most common types of gemstones used in eternity rings, as they're incredibly precious, and durable enough for everyday wear.

If you can't choose between gemstones and diamonds, good news — you don't have to! A lot of the gemstone eternity rings available have diamonds between each stone, which gives the jewellery both colour and sparkle.

The setting

While the main focus is on the metal and stone when choosing an eternity ring, the setting is actually one of the most important things to consider. It can change the whole look of the ring, and affects its durability too. The following are the most popular types of settings for eternity rings:

• Pave: This is the most common setting for eternity rings. It works perfectly with small diamonds, as it allows them to be placed close together.


• Channel: In this setting, the metal creates a channel, which secures the stones. This is a particularly safe and durable setting, so great for rings that are going to be worn daily or for people who work with their hands.


• Claw: This setting uses four claws to hold each stone in place. This works well with eternity rings that have larger stones, as it can securely keep them in place without making the ring too bulky.


• Bar: Small bars are placed horizontally to separate each stone in this setting. The bars are incorporated into the design of the ring, giving it a clean and complete look.

Now you know what an eternity ring looks like, it's time to set your budget.

How much should I spend on an eternity ring?

When deciding how much you should spend on an eternity ring, make sure to not set your budget impossibly high. Your loved one will see any eternity ring you choose for them as priceless, so don't spend what you can't afford. As a general rule, you shouldn't spend more on the eternity ring than you would on an engagement ring — anywhere between 50% to 100% of the cost of the engagement ring is a good guideline.

If there's no limit to your budget and you want to opt for the most extravagant and luxurious piece of jewellery you can afford, a platinum diamond full eternity ring is the way to go. For tighter budgets, half eternity rings are a great option, made with gold and gemstones.

At Ramsdens, we have a wide range of both brand new and pre-owned eternity rings to suit every budget, so make sure to check out our collection.

How to wear an eternity ring

Unlike wedding bands and engagement rings, there are no set rules when it comes to wearing eternity rings. However, there are still traditions that you can follow. Most people wear eternity rings on their ring finger, as the Romans believed that this is the only digit that is connected to the heart by a vein — although this has since been proven false.

While it may seem natural to wear your eternity ring on this finger, it can become tricky when figuring out where to wear your other rings.

Caring for Your Eternity Ring

Avoid wearing your eternity ring while in the shower, swimming pool, or any other chlorinated environment to prevent corrosion of the metal. An eternity ring is a symbol of eternal love, typically given to a partner to celebrate an anniversary such as a wedding. It is a ring made with a continuous line of identically cut gemstones, typically diamonds, set in a metal band. Most eternity rings are made of precious metals such as gold, platinum, rose gold, and white gold. In fact, the eternity symbol itself is a metaphor for the never-ending circle of love that is shared between two people. Eternity rings are available in various styles and designs and can be found in both fine jewellery stores and online retailers.

An eternity ring should be cleaned regularly with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime. An eternity ring is a special and timeless piece of jewellery that symbolises everlasting love. Typically given as a gift from a partner, the eternity ring is a band of precious metal, usually, gold or platinum, set with diamonds or gemstones and typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It is a full circle of gems symbolising eternity and everlasting love. The history of the eternity ring dates back centuries but is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. It is believed that the Egyptians first gave eternity rings as symbols of devotion and everlasting love. Nowadays, eternity rings are usually given to celebrate milestone anniversaries such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 50 years of marriage. They also make a great gift for an engagement or wedding. When looking for an eternity ring, it is important to consider the metal of the ring. Most rings are made from either gold or platinum. Both metals are stylish and sturdy, making them an ideal choice for eternity rings.

Furthermore, an eternity ring is a special piece of jewellery that symbolises everlasting love. The ring typically consists of gems such as sapphires and diamonds set in a metal band. It is called an eternity ring because it encircles the finger completely and features stones set all the way around it, often alternating larger and smaller stones in an “eternity" pattern. While some rings feature diamonds or other precious stones all the way around, others may consist of half eternity design, meaning there are just stones on the top half of the band. To keep your eternity ring safe from scratches or damages when not worn, it is best to store it in a soft cloth pouch.

Which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings?

Traditionally, the wedding band is worn first, as it should be the closest to your heart. It is followed by the engagement ring, and the eternity ring is worn at the top. However, wearing three rings on one finger, or even just two, can feel a little bulky and uncomfortable. If this is the case, the eternity ring should be worn separately from the engagement and wedding ring, on the third finger of the right hand.

You can also swap the order around, and place the eternity in the middle of the other two rings. This usually feels more comfortable, as wedding bands and eternity rings are a similar shape, so fit well together. If this still doesn't feel right, try different combinations until you find the right one for you. There are traditional ways to wear these rings, but there is no wrong one. Simply find the most comfortable and secure option for you.

How to match an eternity ring with other rings

If the rings are going to all be worn on the same finger, you should make sure that they complement each other well. When it comes to choosing metals, they don't all necessarily have to be the same type or shade. For example, silver and yellow gold are a great pairing, as the classic look of the gold works perfectly with the sleek, sophisticated silver. Mixing your metals is also a great way to distinguish each ring.

In regards to the precious stones, play close attention to the colours. The good news is that if one or two of your rings are white diamonds, they pair well with gemstones of any colour. If you're opting for different coloured gemstones, it's a good idea to go for analogous colours, meaning colours that are grouped together on the colour wheel. For example, blue and green work well together, so emeralds and sapphires complement each other. With gemstones that are the same colour, try to go for different shades to make the look more balanced. If you want a blue colour scheme for instance, pair a dark sapphire with a light aquamarine.

After reading this guide, you should know what an eternity ring is, and feel confident in finding the one to wow your special someone. Now, all you need to do is make the purchase! Ramsdens offer a wide selection of eternity rings that are suitable for every budget. And if you haven't popped the question yet, we have a wide variety of engagement rings to match. If you're not sure what size to get, then our printable ring size guide will help you work it out. For more help and advice on buying and caring for your jewellery, make sure to check out the rest of our guides.