What Is an Eternity Ring? Meaning, When to Give One and How to Wear It

An eternity ring is a band of precious metal set with a continuous line of identically cut gemstones, usually diamonds. The unbroken circle of stones stands for unbroken love, which is why the ring is also called an infinity ring.

It is traditionally the third ring of a bridal set, given after the engagement ring and the wedding band. Here is what it means, when it is given, and how to wear one.

What an eternity ring looks like

The classic eternity ring carries diamonds all the way around the band, so there is no beginning and no end to the sparkle. Because stones on the underside of the finger can make the ring harder to wear and impossible to resize, many people choose a half-eternity ring instead, with stones set across the top and sides only.

Carat weight is quoted as a total across all the stones, and lab-grown diamonds make a full circle of stones far more attainable than it once was.

A modern tradition with older roots

Eternity-style rings with paste gems and white topaz appeared as early as the 18th century. The diamond eternity ring as we know it, though, is a 20th-century idea. According to Edward Jay Epstein's account in The Atlantic, diamond merchant De Beers created the concept in the 1960s. At the time, the company was buying large volumes of small Soviet diamonds, often under 0.25 carats, and needed a jewel that used many small stones at once. The eternity ring, marketed to husbands as an anniversary gift for their wives, was the answer.

When an eternity ring is given

There are no rules, only traditions to borrow from:

• A milestone wedding anniversary. Ten years is the classic moment, according to Michael Hill, though any anniversary works.
• The arrival of a first child. A popular modern occasion, sometimes called a push present.
• Renewing your vows, buying a first home, or any milestone that matters to the two of you.

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Eternity ring vs wedding band vs anniversary ring

| | Wedding band | Anniversary ring | Eternity ring | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Meaning | Marriage commitment | A milestone together | Endless, unbroken love | | Given | At the ceremony | On an anniversary | Anniversary, birth of a child, or any milestone | | Diamonds | Minimal or none | Optional | Always, full or half circle | | Worn | With the engagement ring | Stacked or on the right hand | With the bridal set or solo | | Resizing | Usually possible | Usually possible | Half yes, full no |

The categories overlap on purpose. As Ritani notes, one ring can be all three: an eternity ring can serve as a wedding band, an anniversary gift, or both.

How to wear an eternity ring

The traditional stack, per Michael Hill, puts the wedding band on first, closest to the heart, then the engagement ring, then the eternity ring on top, closest to the fingertip, framing the engagement ring.

Plenty of people skip the rules: the eternity ring worn solo on the right hand, or stacked between two plain bands, looks just as considered.

One warning before you buy: sizing

A full eternity ring cannot be resized, because there is no bare metal to work with. If you choose a full circle, confirm the size carefully first. If there is any doubt, or if the ring is a surprise gift, a half-eternity ring is the safer choice and can be resized later.

Choosing an eternity ring

1. Full or half. Full for symbolism, half for comfort and resizing.
2. Stone size and setting. Shared-prong and channel settings are the classics; smaller stones sit lower and snag less.
3. Metal. Match the engagement and wedding rings, or mix metals deliberately.
4. Natural or lab-grown. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical and make a full circle far more affordable.

Create an eternity ring with Shewah

Tell us the occasion and the metal you love, and we will prepare a made-to-order full or half eternity ring with lab-grown diamonds, quoted before work begins.

Explore Shewah's jewellery, or contact us on WhatsApp at +91 96622 66360 to design a custom eternity ring.

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Sources

• Wikipedia: Eternity ring
• Ritani: Eternity Ring vs. Wedding Band vs. Anniversary Ring
• Michael Hill: Eternity Rings: What are they and when are they given?