Everything You Need to Know About Eternity Rings

Purchasing and gifting an eternity ring is an incredibly exciting experience, but getting the right one for your partner can be difficult as there are several factors to consider. There’s the design, style and colour and how it symbolises your love for each other.

So, we’re providing you with everything you need to know about eternity rings to give you an insight into their history and offer you some inspiration.

What Is an Eternity Ring?

An eternity ring is a type of ring that is either gifted as a reminder of the commitment that two people have made during their wedding ceremony, or to mark a significant occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or the birth of a child. 

They are stunning pieces that are traditionally crafted using precious metals and diamonds.

What Is an Eternity Ring's Meaning?

An eternity ring symbolises the everlasting love and commitment that two people have made to one another. Typically, an eternity ring is made of precious metals, such as gold or platinum and features a continuous band of gemstones, such as diamonds, that circle the entire ring’s circumference. This unbroken circle is the visual representation of the everlasting love and commitment that two people have made to one another. 

Eternity rings are typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand, alongside a wedding band and engagement ring, although they can also be worn on other fingers or as standalone jewellery pieces depending on the reasoning of the gift.

A Brief History of Eternity Rings

The concept of eternity rings has been around for centuries, with evidence of similar rings dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. In these cultures, the rings were often made from woven reeds or other natural materials and were given as symbols of eternal love and fidelity.

The modern concept of the eternity ring as a jewellery piece made of precious metals and gemstones emerged in the 1960s. At the time, the De Beers diamond company launched a marketing campaign promoting the idea of an eternity ring as a gift to mark a milestone anniversary. The campaign was a success, and the popularity of eternity rings grew throughout the 20th century. Today, eternity rings are a common choice for gifts to mark a significant occasion. They come in various styles and designs, from classic diamond eternity bands to more unique designs featuring coloured gemstones or intricate detailing.

While the fundamental concept of the eternity ring remains the same, a symbol of eternal love and commitment, the meaning behind the ring may vary from person to person, depending on the occasion and the individual relationship.

When to Give an Eternity Ring?

You would typically give an eternity ring to your partner to celebrate a milestone anniversary or other significant occasion in the relationship, such as the birth of a child. It symbolises everlasting love and commitment, so when it comes to buying eternity rings, most people give them for one of several reasons, such as:

• First wedding anniversaries. Whilst traditionally eternity rings were gifted for significant milestone anniversaries, there is a growing number of couples who choose to gift eternity rings for their first wedding anniversary. It demonstrates a continuation of their love for one another and their lifetime commitment to one another. 
• Milestone anniversaries. Eternity rings are often given on milestone anniversaries such as the 10th, 25th, or 50th wedding anniversary. It is a way to celebrate a relationship’s longevity and reaffirm one’s love and commitment to their partner.
• Birth of a child. An eternity ring can also be given to mark the birth of a child, often referred to in the modern day as a ‘push present’. To personalise it to the occasion, you could alternate the continuous diamonds with the baby’s birthstones. 
• Renewal of vows. Couples who renew their vows sometimes exchange eternity rings to symbolise their continued commitment to each other.

Ultimately, an eternity ring symbolises everlasting love and commitment, which can be given on any occasion that holds special significance for a couple.

When Do You Get an Eternity Ring?

You typically get an eternity ring at a significant milestone in your relationship. However, there are a growing number of reasons why you may be gifted an eternity ring and there are no longer any hard or fast rules. 

Usually you would get an eternity ring after you’re already engaged and then married, but there are an increasing number of couples who choose to commit to one another with an eternity ring without being married. If you are already married, you may get an eternity ring at a vow renewal as part of the ceremony as another form of exchanging rings and recommitting to one another. 

What Makes A Special Eternity Ring?

Eternity rings are often special and meaningful because of the reason that they’re given, such as a significant wedding anniversary and enduring love for one another. Adding personalised features to your eternity ring, such as engraving your partner’s initials or your wedding date can also add to the sentimental value. There’s also the option of creating a completely unique piece by designing a bespoke eternity ring, which would, of course, make it completely special for you and your partner. 

The quality of the stones used in an eternity ring is another important factor to consider. Diamond eternity rings should be high-quality to give your recipient the most impressive sparkle and dazzle. You can download our free diamond buyer’s guide for more insight into what diamonds to choose for your eternity ring. 

Products in the Spotlight

We have a wide range of stunning eternity rings available online at Banks Lyon and in our Lancaster showroom. 

For example, this 18ct White Gold 0.33ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Eternity Ring is guaranteed to put a smile on your partner’s face. With its historic design and impressive row of seven brilliant cut diamonds, this piece is not only beautiful but symbolic too. 

This ring is currently available for £2,595 or from £21.63 per month on 0% finance.

Alternatively, the 18ct Yellow Gold 3.00ct Lab Grown Oval Cut Diamond Eternity Ring, offering a bolder and more modern shape. Available for £3,550 or from £29.58 per month on 0 % finance.

For those looking for an eternity ring that symbolises the birth of a child, you may want to consider a ring that is intertwined with your child’s birthstone. For instance, this stunning Platinum, Sapphire & Diamond Eternity ring would be perfect to commemorate a September baby. It is available from Banks Lyon for £2,420 or from £20.17 per month. If you’re not sure what the birthstone is for each month of the year, our birthstone brochure will be able to guide you. 

The aftercare service we provide at Banks Lyon will ensure that your eternity ring really does last an eternity. With a lifetime of free cleaning and polishing, you can be sure that your ring will always look its best.

To view our entire range of diamond eternity rings, we invite you to visit our Lancaster showroom. Our specialists will be able to guide you through the purchasing process and answer any questions you may have when shopping for an eternity ring.