Many people will have lusted after the statement sparkle of an eternity ring, but not everyone knows what they symbolise. The question of ‘what is an eternity ring?’ is one that is posed to jewellers on a daily basis. These rings are often worn on the same finger as the wedding set. They will add an eye-catching sparkle to the traditional pair of rings. Eternity rings are a symbol of the eternal love and eternal life together that is shared between a couple. Their symbolic importance and stunning sparkle make these rings incredibly popular. If you are searching for the perfect eternity ring, keep reading to understand what an eternity ring is and see some beautiful recommendations.
What is an Eternity Ring?
Eternity rings are traditionally a band of precious metal that is set with a continuous line of identically cut diamonds. These diamonds can extend the entire way around the band. Alternatively they may only cover one-half or three-quarters of the band. Whether the wearer chooses a Full Eternity band or a Half Eternity band is entirely up to personal preference and budget. The gemstones used in eternity rings tend to be Princess cut or Emerald cut. This allows the gemstones to be set flushly next to each other. However, some people may prefer to use alternative gemstone cuts in the design of their ring.
These beautiful rings are used to symbolise neverending love, hence the name ‘eternity’. The concept of the eternity ring dates back over 4000 years to the Ancient Egyptians. The very first eternity rings often depicted a snake consuming its own tale to symbolise the idea of eternity and the continuous cycle of life.
When Should I Gift an Eternity Ring?
Eternity rings are often given as an anniversary present. Diamonds are traditionally the gift for the 60th anniversary, but many couples are deciding not to follow this tradition and are instead gifting eternity rings for 10th, or even 1st, wedding anniversaries. Some people also choose to gift an eternity ring on an important milestone, such as the birth of a first child. Many couple decide to personalise an eternity ring by replacing some, if not all, of the diamonds with a significant gemstone. For example, some may choose to include the birthstones of their children.
When selecting an eternity ring, the metal, style and gemstones of the original engagement and wedding rings should be considered. Many people prefer their eternity ring to complement their original wedding set to create a cohesive look that can be worn as a stack on a single finger. Quality should be carefully considered when selecting an eternity ring as it is likely to be worn every single day. These beautiful rings also tend to become heirloom pieces that are passed down through the generations of a family.
Eternity Ring Recommendations
James Moore TH Platinum 50% Diamond Channel Eternity Ring WP217
This beautiful eternity ring is a very classic example of the style. This ring is crafted from platinum to create a perfectly polished, silver-toned look. Platinum has become a very desirable material in jewellery, especially in wedding sets. This is because it is very durable and long lasting, making it perfect for being worn every single day. This ring is set with round brilliant cut diamonds to create a dazzling sparkling band across the finger. These diamonds are set in a channel in the ring. This will mean that they are less likely to get caught on clothing and should not irritate the hand. The diamonds cover half of the band, making this a great option for someone who is working to a slightly smaller budget.
James Moore TH 9ct White Gold Diamond Sapphire Half Eternity Ring RD582WS
The sapphires set in this ring could make it the perfect choice for someone who enjoys wearing bold and colourful jewellery. It would make a beautiful pairing if a persons engagement ring was also set with sapphires. This stunning blue gemstone is the birthstone for the month of September, so this ring would also be a lovely choice for some with a partner or child with a September birthday. The band of this ring is made from 9-carat white gold to achieve an on trend silver-toned finish. The sapphires are alternated with round brilliant cut diamonds across the centre of the band. The gemstones are spread across just half of the band for a beautiful Half Eternity design.
James Moore TH 9k Yellow Gold Claw Set Diamond Half Eternity Ring RD555
The diamond in this striking Half Eternity ring are set differently to those in our other recommendations. The diamonds in this ring are claw set. This means that they are raised up from the band itself to create a bolder look on the finger. The diamonds are set over 50% of the band to create a stunning look whilst ensuring that the ring remains comfortable on the finger. Claw set diamonds can cause irritation to other fingers, but the Half Eternity style will prevent this. The band of this ring is crafted from 9 carat yellow gold to provide the ring with a classic and slightly vintage look.
What did you think of our guide to eternity rings? Which style of eternity ring has caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
