Eternity rings are a symbolic piece of jewellery representing the commitment and everlasting love shared between partners. 

Whether you're in a committed long-term relationship, celebrating a major milestone in your marriage or another special occasion, presenting your significant other with an eternity ring is a wonderful way to show your eternal love for them.


At Bevilles, we're committed to ethically sourcing diamonds and we have a wide range of eternity rings to suit you.

What is an eternity ring?

An eternity ring, also sometimes referred to as an infinity ring, is a circular band that is typically embedded with diamonds or gemstones. While eternity ring settings can differ, as a rule, a ring must feature a continuous line of precious gemstones either halfway or all the way around the band to be considered an ‘eternity ring'.

Who came up with the eternity ring concept?

The ancient Egyptians were among the first people to think that love between partners could last forever, even beyond death. Inspired by Ouroboros, the symbol of a snake eating its own tail, they invented the metal bands that we now know as eternity rings to represent endless love.


Present throughout history, eternity bands were also popular in the Middle Ages, but were not exclusively associated with marriage as they are today. Instead, they were seen as symbols of religious faith and often inscribed with religious iconography such as crosses. The idea that the band symbolises everlasting love concerning marriage and anniversaries did not emerge until around the 18th Century.


However, it was not until the middle of the 1950s, when a high quantity of smaller diamonds came on the market, the kind of diamonds perfect for eternity rings, that gemstone eternity rings became more commonplace. This was largely down to American jeweller, De Beers, who repopularised eternity rings by running a campaign to 'reinvent' them. While drastically changing their appearance from those first crafted in Ancient Egypt, they still keep the same sentiment.

Eternity rings vs marital rings

If you're wondering how these rings are different from your typical engagement rings or wedding bands, you're not alone. We hear this question a lot in our Bevilles stores.


While both rings represent love, eternity rings aren't bound by the convention of marriage and can be given as an anniversary ring or special occasion gift at any stage of a relationship. So, if you love someone, no matter who it is or how long you've been together, you can give them an eternity ring.


  • Engagement rings: Represent commitment or intention to marry.

  • Wedding rings: Celebrate the union of marriage or civil partnership.

  • Eternity rings: The continuation of the union of marriage or partnership.

Which finger do you wear an eternity ring on?

An eternity ring is typically worn alongside your marriage or partnership set. Most people wear it between the wedding band and the engagement ring. But, really, it's up to you, your personal style and what feels most comfortable for everyday wear.

You can place it first, wedding band second and engagement last or vice versa. Some people even wear it on the ring finger of the opposite hand.

And if you don't have the marital rings? Then wear it on the same finger in place of an engagement ring or wedding band.

Eternity ring design features

You can generally get eternity rings in two styles:


  1. A full eternity ring features precious gemstones, typically diamonds, in a continuous band all the way around the ring.

  2. A standard or a half eternity ring holds half the amount of diamonds spread across the top and sides of the band, rather than around the entire band.

Eternity ring styles and settings

Just as you can have a different number or type of diamonds and coloured gemstones in the band, there are also different eternity ring settings to choose from. Some of the settings you can choose from for an eternity ring include:



You'll also need to consider which precious metal type the band will be made of, such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, silver or platinum. While many opt for an eternity band in the same metal as their existing rings, you can also choose to mix metals for a unique look as desired.

Popular diamond cuts for eternity rings

As with any diamond jewellery, eternity ring diamonds can be cut in a variety of ways to show off the diamond's brilliance. Some of the more popular diamond shapes or cuts include:


  • Round: Also known as 'round brilliant', this is the most popular diamond cut.

  • Princess: Princess-cut diamonds come in two shapes – rectangular and square. The colour of the diamond shows in the corners as well as in the centre, a trait unique to this cut.

  • Asscher: Similar to an emerald cut, an asscher cut is an older style originating from the 1920s. It's perfect if you love antiques! However, it can't hide blemishes the way a round brilliant cut diamond can.

  • Heart: This cut is a romantic and distinctive gemstone shaped like a symmetrical heart, symbolising love and affection.

  • Oval: Oval-cut diamonds pair easily with other rings, so it's a perfect style for an eternity ring.

  • Pear: Also known as a 'teardrop', the slender pear-shaped diamonds have been cut to produce maximum brilliance.

  • Emerald: This cut features rectangular facets step-cut into the diamond's pavilion. It has a large rectangular table, which will emphasise any colour you add to your design.

  • Radiant: Combining the brilliant sparkle of a round cut with the elegant silhouette of an emerald cut, the radiant cut features either a rectangular or square-shaped stone with trimmed corners. 

  • Cushion: Sometimes called a pillow cut diamond, this is a timeless style that features rounded corners and larger facets.

  • Marquise: This is the perfect cut for maximising carat weight by emphasising the size of the diamond. It can make your fingers look longer and more slender thanks to its unique shape.

Alongside our eternity rings guide, we also suggest taking a look at our detailed diamond guide, which covers how to understand the value of each unique diamond and proper diamond care practices. At Bevilles, our diamond jewellery experts are dedicated to helping you find a diamond that suits your style and budget, whether this is for wedding and engagement rings or for crafting the perfect eternity ring.

Eternity ring colour choices

When you buy an eternity ring, you can choose to incorporate gemstones in the design for a pop of colour and a one-of-a-kind result. This works best with white diamonds, and gems like rubies and blue or pink sapphires are popular options. For added meaning, you may like to use matching gemstones that align with the birthstones of children or other loved ones.

Who normally wears an eternity ring?

Traditionally, eternity rings were given to couples who had been married between 10-55 years. Nowadays, couples give each other eternity rings for a variety of occasions, regardless of how long they've been together.

Continuing to grow in popularity, today, people all around the world wear eternity rings, including some of the most famous celebrities. Who wears it best?

Meghan Markle

To celebrate the birth of their first son, Archie, Prince Harry ordered a custom-designed eternity ring. The underside of the delicate ring features a birthstone for each member of their new family – emerald for Archie, blue sapphire for Harry and an olive-green peridot for the duchess.

Kim Kardashian

When engaged to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian wore a 20.5-carat emerald (square) cut engagement ring with an emerald-cut eternity band. It was beautiful, completely over the top, and utterly Kardashian.

Nicole Kidman

The Aussie actress proudly wears an eternity ring to celebrate over a decade of marriage to Keith Urban. It features brilliant round-cut diamonds in a channel setting and pairs with her antique-style engagement ring perfectly.

Bevilles – Eternity rings for every budget and style

At Beville's, we know how important it is to find the right eternity ring and have a wide range of eternity bands of all styles to select from. Priced competitively so you don't have to break the bank to celebrate your commitment, we make it easier to choose an eternity ring that perfectly suits your style and love story.

Simple

We've talked at length about the kinds of eternity rings you can get. If your motto is ‘simple is best', you'll want to check out these three amazing options.


Dazzling

Then again, sometimes you do want to go all-out. If you're the kind of person who loves to be the centre of attention, you'll love these OTT eternity rings.


Unique

Your love is unique, so your ring should be, too. From the ring shape to the design, you won't have to worry about seeing these rings on other people's fingers.



Whether you're looking to renew your love, celebrate the birth of your first child with your partner, or you simply want to let someone know that you will love them forever, say it with an eternity ring.


At Bevilles, we pride ourselves on our exquisitely well-cut diamonds and practice ethical diamond sourcing protocols. So whether you're after a half or full eternity band, a specific diamond shape or setting, you don't have to feel guilty buying one of our diamond rings. Browse our wide range of diamond eternity rings online or in-store today!

 
Kristen Settinelli   |   Posted on September 25 2019

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