Never Ending, Forever Trending Eternity Rings

Never Ending, Forever Trending Eternity Rings

Unlocking the Symbolism & Meaning Behind Infinity Rings

Few jewellery designs carry as much emotional weight and symbolism as eternity rings, often worn as women’s wedding bands, anniversary mementos and dress rings. Eternity rings for women are not just captivating examples of master craftsmanship; they are an expression of enduring love and affection, rich with history and timeless allure.

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What is an eternity ring?

An eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, is a women’s ring made with precious metal, adorned by a continuous circle of identically cut gemstones. The precious gemstones (preferably diamonds) serve as a symbol of unending love and commitment, without beginning or end.

The History of Eternity Rings

Eternity rings have a long and storied history that dates back centuries. Their origins can be traced to ancient Egypt, where they were worn by pharaohs and their queens as a symbol of eternal love and the never-ending cycle of life. They believed that life on earth was just one part of an eternal journey which ended not in death, but in everlasting joy.
These early rings were often crafted from materials like leather and braided hemp, featuring intricate designs representing eternity, such as the ouroboros - a serpent that consumes its own tail.
"First known representation of the ouroboros on one of the shrines enclosing the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. Source.
First known representation of the ouroboros on one of the shrines enclosing the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. Source.
According to Vanity Fair, however, the origin of eternity rings can be more recently linked to two problems that faced diamond sellers in the 1950s…

  1. Married women were not buying enough diamonds.
  2. The newly discovered Soviet diamonds threatened De Beers’ monopoly over the diamond industry.
To regain control of the natural diamond supply, De Beers bought out the Russian diamond inventory, including an abundance of smaller stones unsuitable for the quintessential solitaire engagement ring style of the time.

Then, in response to the first predicament, De Beers crafted a marketing campaign around eternity rings (utilising their newly acquired supply of smaller diamonds), encouraging men to buy eternity rings for their wives with the simple yet effective slogan, “She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going.”

Celebrity Eternity Rings

Initially marketed by De Beers as the gift for 50th wedding anniversaries, daring celebrities rejected convention by wearing eternity rings as fashion statements and wedding rings; Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe a platinum band with 35 baguette-cut diamonds; Audrey Hepburn wore two eternity rings in each white and rose gold; Grace Kelly sported a Cartier infinity ring featuring rubies; and Elizabeth Taylor selected eternity wedding bands for both marriages to Richard Burton.
More recently, in 2019, Meghan Markle stepped out in stackable rings, featuring her three-stone engagement ring, a gold wedding band and what appeared to be a yellow gold channel-set eternity ring.
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The Significance of Giving Women Eternity Rings

Eternity rings have held profound romantic and celebratory significance for generations. Here are some key reasons and symbolism behind why you would give an eternity ring:

Eternal Love: The most obvious symbolism of an eternity ring is its continuous circle of diamonds, representing endless love and commitment. It serves as a reminder that love, like the circle, has no beginning or end, making eternity rings perfect wedding bands for women.

Milestone Anniversaries: Eternity rings are often given to mark significant milestones in a relationship, such as the 5th, 10th, or 50th wedding anniversary.
Childbirth: Eternity rings are often gifted to a mother after the birth of her first child as a symbol of the continuing cycle of life. If the new mum is married, she can add the eternity ring to her wedding ring finger to sit alongside her wedding band and engagement ring.
Renewal of Vows: Many couples choose to exchange eternity rings as a way to renew their vows and reaffirm their commitment to each other. This gesture can be especially meaningful after decades of marriage.

Strength and Durability: The choice of durable, precious materials and diamonds used in eternity rings symbolises the strength and endurance of the love they represent.

Popular Eternity Ring Styles for Women

Eternity rings come in a variety of designs to suit varying preferences and budgets. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Full Eternity Rings

Diamonds encircle the entire band, symbolising uninterrupted love. This makes them a popular choice for wedding bands, vowel renewals and milestone anniversary gifts.

3/4 Eternity Rings

Diamonds cover only 3/4 of the band, making them more practical for wearers with hands-on occupations. Due to fewer diamonds being used, 3/4 infinity rings are more budget-friendly, while still recognised as a symbol of enduring love.

Pavé-Set Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set low and close together using small metal beads or prongs barely visible beneath the canopy of sparkle.

Scalloped Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set using shared prongs that form a scallop shape when viewed from the side.

Channel-Set Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set in a channel, creating a sleek and contemporary look that protects the stones from everyday wear and tear.

Grain-Set Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set in micro-grain claws, providing a more textured look than channel-set eternity bands, while providing a similar level of protection.

Bezel-Set Eternity Rings

A metal fringe gently overlaps the entire circumference of each diamond to secure it in place, providing maximum protection from accidental bumps.

Twisted Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set in an infinity formation, representing two endlessly intertwined lives bonded together eternally by marriage.

Multi-Row Eternity Rings

Diamonds are set in two or more rows around the entire perimeter of the band, creating a powerful, all-over glow that sparkles brilliantly under even the dimmest light.

Colored Gemstone Eternity Rings

While diamonds are the most popular choice for eternity rings, coloured gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can add a personal touch to convey specific meanings, such as fidelity, passion, truth or wisdom.

Buying Considerations for Eternity Rings

When choosing an eternity ring, there are several factors to consider:

Metal Choice: Eternity rings are typically made from precious metals like white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum. Select a metal that complements the recipient's style, skin colour and existing jewellery. 18kt gold is the ideal choice of metal for eternity rings, as it offers the ultimate balance of durability and gold purity.

Gemstone Selection: Diamonds are the classic choice for eternity rings, but you can also opt for other gemstones that hold significance or personal meaning. Consider the recipient's favourite colour or birthstone.

Ring Size: Some full eternity rings are impossible to resize due to their design complexity. While we do offer a 30-day exchange at SH Jewellery for online purchases, a ring size is required to finalise your order. The most accurate way to find your partner’s ring size is with an existing, well-fitting ring, measured against our printable ring size guide. If they don’t have an existing ring, we recommend buying a plastic ring sizer tool, with the full cost redeemable on your ring purchase.

Budget: Eternity rings are available in a wide price range. Determine your budget and explore options within that range to find the perfect ring without compromising on quality. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive $100 off your first purchase.

Quality & Authenticity: Always purchase from a reputable jeweller with an education-first philosophy and reputation for industry-leading support.

Eternity rings for women are not merely jewellery; they are symbols of never-ending love, commitment and relationship milestones. Whether given as a wedding band, anniversary gift, or token of appreciation, eternity rings carry with them the promise of everlasting affection.

Their rich history, meaning and variety of styles make them a cherished addition to any jewellery collection, with a lifetime aftercare guarantee when you purchase from Australia’s Best Google Reviewed Jeweller.

To view the entire SH collection of eternity wedding bands and eternity dress rings, visit our Melbourne showroom or shop online with free delivery and 30-day exchange.

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