Eternity rings are far more than beautiful pieces of jewellery. Featuring a band of precious metal, preferably gold and platinum, adorned with a continuous circle of diamonds or gemstones, they symbolise everlasting love.
Like wedding bands and engagement rings, eternity rings have become popular among couples who want to make a timeless promise or say ‘forever’ in style. Couples usually give each other eternity rings for all sorts of romantic reasons, such as celebrating their first anniversary, the birth of a first child, or any special moment that deserves a touch of timeless love.
While many know the basics about these rings, there are some lesser-known facts not many know about. Well, wonder no more. Below, we’ve listed those fascinating facts that make Eternity rings even more special.
9 Surprising Facts About Eternity Rings You Should Know
- They are ‘Older’ than you think
The concept of an eternity ring is not new but can be traced back 4000 years to the ancient Egyptians, who were known to offer them as a token of life and love. They often carved eternity rings out of metal, bones, and beads. Certain designs even showcased a serpent consuming its own tail, signifying the circle of life and death, called ‘ouroboros’.
- They are called ‘Infinity’ rings
Eternity rings, also known as Infinity rings or bands, signify never-ending love. The ring’s circular shape with a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones has long been a symbol of endless love and the perpetual cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- They come in ‘Half’ & ‘Full’ forms
Eternity rings today are available in full or half-eternity options. They are typically decorated with precious stones, usually diamonds. While multiple coverage options exist, half and full are the most common. A half-eternity band will have gemstones only on the face or the visible part of the ring, while the full-eternity band covers the whole band with stones.
- They are usually set with ‘Diamonds’
While eternity rings can feature any gem of choice, the most popular stone is, unsurprisingly, diamonds. Beyond their sparkle, diamonds, with their incredible strength and durability, have symbolised love, devotion, fidelity, and friendship for centuries. When set in an eternity ring, diamonds enhance the meaning of the ring and create a circle of commitment.
- They are worn on the ‘Vein of Love’
While you can wear the eternity ring on any finger you may like, they are most commonly worn on the same finger as the engagement and wedding ring. Ancient Egyptians believed that a blood vessel from the left hand’s ring finger ran directly to the heart. While there is no biological evidence, this tradition continues even today. So, couples wear eternity rings on the finger with the vein of love to keep that eternal love close to their heart – literally!
- They inspired a ‘Perfume’
In 1987, after marrying Kelly Rector for one year, fashion mogul Calvin Klein purchased a gold and diamond eternity band for his spouse. He picked it up from the landmark estate sale of The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor. The ring was supposedly inscribed with the word ‘Eternity’ as former King Edward VIII instructed. The romantic symbolism attached to this ring inspired Klein to name his next fragrance after it. In 1988, Calvin Klein launched the perfume Eternity, which went on to become one of his most successful perfumes of that era.
- They are difficult to ‘Resize’
Eternity rings are fully covered in gemstones, so resizing them is rather complicated and difficult as there is no spare metal to remove. Therefore, when an eternity ring is made, skilled jewellers must work with even more precision. Because eternity rings are usually custom-made, their price is also higher.
- They are not always about ‘Bigger is Better’
In today’s date, celebrity wedding rings say ‘the bigger, the better’. But this wasn’t always the case. In the 1950s, Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn was all about chic simplicity and understated elegance. When American actor Mel Ferrer popped the big question to Hepburn in 1954, he presented her with a sleek platinum eternity band adorned with elegant baguette-cut diamonds. If this wasn’t enough, though, when they tied the knot after a couple of months, Ferrer presented her with two wedding bands, one in gold and the other in pink gold, both with their wedding date engraved on it. Talk about timeless love!
- They are beyond ‘I Do’
Usually, eternity rings are given as wedding rings or to celebrate anniversaries. But they are much more than that. These days, eternity rings have become the go-to gift for all sorts of milestones and special moments in life, for instance, getting a promotion, giving birth to a little one or maybe just wanting to express your love to a loved one. Eternity rings are now the ultimate way to celebrate life’s small and big triumphs, proving that the circular band of forever love shouldn’t always be about celebrating romantic victories but personal wins as well.
To End With
Whether you’re marking a special occasion, simply expressing your love, or celebrating a milestone, an eternity ring offers an enduring way to honour your love story. It’s a piece that will continue to shine brightly through the years, serving as the perfect reminder of your love.
When you buy one, consider new as well as second hand diamond rings. Due to their value, quality and elegance, many buy pre-loved eternity rings over brand-new ones. You can find unique vintage styles that might not be available in new collections. However, the decision is always yours to make. Whatever you fix on, remember that an eternity ring is one of the most meaningful investments you can make.
