Feature: The Sadie, The Passion, The Zoey, The Forever & The Artemis
In the last half-century, a diamond eternity ring has become one of the most popular jewelry purchases to celebrate a momentous occasion, like a marriage or a wedding anniversary. Some people even give eternity bands as engagement rings instead of presenting traditional diamond solitaires. But what exactly is an eternity ring? In short, an eternity ring features gemstones embedded into the full circumference of the band in a continuous line rather than featuring a single center stone. This infinite pattern symbolizes that the love and commitment of a relationship will last for an eternity.
Table of Contents
- Origins of the Eternity Ring
- What Are Eternity Rings for?
- Eternity Ring vs. Wedding Ring: What's the Difference?
- Are There Different Types of Eternity Rings?
- How to Stack an Eternity Ring
- Caring for an Eternity Ring
- Does Modern Gents Have Eternity Rings?
- Find the Perfect Eternity Ring at Modern Gents
- Frequently Asked Questions
Origins of the Eternity Ring
The eternity ring’s origins date back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed that circles were important symbols of eternity and thus wore rings with designs around the entire band. Interestingly, this is also how we derived our tradition of women wearing engagement rings on the fourth finger, or ring finger, of their left hand. The Egyptians believed that a vein ran straight from this ring finger to our hearts. While science has since proven this to be untrue, the tradition has nevertheless remained.
That circular shape, an unbroken circle, is a big part of what gives the eternity ring its meaning. Unlike a traditional center-stone ring, where a single large central gemstone commands all the attention, a gemstone band wraps stones in a continuous circle all the way around (or halfway around) the band itself. The result is a ring that literally has no beginning and no end. That's the eternity ring meaning in its simplest form: a love that lasts forever.
So, Which Hand Does the Wedding Ring Go on Anyway?
It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that eternity rings became culturally significant in modern times. An investigative journalist named Edward Jay Epstein discovered that a famous jeweler had struck a deal with the former Soviet Union to purchase at least 90 percent of its diamond reserves in return for the establishment of a “single channel” controlling the global diamond supply. The Soviet diamonds, though, were much smaller than those typically used in engagement rings. So the jeweler instead designed a product that utilized a large number of small diamonds instead of a small number of large diamonds. This is how the modern eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, was born.
Traditional eternity ring designs from this era typically featured continuous diamonds set flush around the band, a look that became iconic. The uninterrupted row of stones running the full circumference of the ring created that signature continuous, sparkle-from-every-angle effect that made the style so popular.
What Are Eternity Rings for?
While eternity rings were first designed for married or older couples celebrating milestone anniversaries, these rings have also become popular gift ideas to celebrate everlasting love and to mark almost any momentous occasion. From proposals, weddings, and anniversaries to graduation or the birth of a child, people present their loved ones with eternity bands for all sorts of reasons these days.
And honestly? That versatility is one of the best things about them. An eternity ring makes a genuinely meaningful milestone gift because it's designed to mark significant milestones. It says "this moment matters" without requiring a speech. Whether you're celebrating ten years of marriage, a new baby, or just want to say "I love you and also I remembered our anniversary this year," an eternity band communicates it beautifully.
Among the most famous eternity ring purchases was professional baseball player Joe DiMaggio’s platinum wedding band to actress and style icon Marilyn Monroe. Today, eternity rings are a popular alternative to the traditional engagement ring and are also worn as a wedding band. As wedding rings, they are worn alongside and pair beautifully with nearly any style of engagement ring.
While eternity rings are most often worn by married women, they are also worn by men and have become popular gift selections to celebrate the birth of a child, Valentine’s Day, or a birthday. In other words, if you love someone and want to express their importance to you, an eternity ring will always be a wonderful idea. There is never a bad time to express your never-ending love to someone special.
Eternity rings are often associated with love and special occasions, but you don’t have to wait for a special reason to wear this ring style. If you simply love the look of eternity bands, feel free to wear one on your right hand, the opposite hand from your wedding ring, as a standalone piece or part of your everyday jewelry. There’s no “wrong” reason to treat yourself to a piece of fine jewelry you love!
Eternity Ring vs. Wedding Ring: What's the Difference?
People use these terms interchangeably all the time, but they actually mean different things, and it's worth knowing the distinction.
"Wedding ring" describes the role a ring plays. It's the band exchanged during a marriage ceremony, a symbol of commitment between two people. "Eternity ring" refers to a design, specifically, a gemstone band style with stones set all the way around (or partway around) the band.
Here's where it gets fun: an eternity ring can be a wedding ring. It can also be an engagement ring, an anniversary ring, a promise ring, or just a ring you bought because you felt like it. A lot of couples choose eternity-style bands as their wedding rings specifically because the design is so versatile and pairs well with so many solitaire and halo ring styles.
Featured: The Eternity, The Sienna & The Artremis
Are There Different Types of Eternity Rings?
Yes. A traditional “full eternity ring” features a complement of stones around its entire band. “Half eternity rings,” however, have also become very popular. These rings, as their name suggests, feature stones across only the visible top half of the band, giving them the look of a full eternity ring at a lower price point. Ring wearers also tend to find half eternity rings more comfortable than full eternity rings because stones are never pressed against the inside of their hand. When it comes to eternity ring resizing, a half eternity ring is also much easier to resize than a full eternity ring. This makes them a popular choice for wedding bands because wearers can have them resized if their weight fluctuates throughout their marriage.
Those, however, who prefer a full eternity ring appreciate that when it moves on the finger, no plain metal part of the band is exposed. And for many who care deeply about what eternity rings symbolize, a full version is still the optimal choice because it has no beginning and no end.
Finally, an eternity ring, both full and half, is like other rings in offering different stone settings and design styles to match the personal style of the person whose hand it will adorn. Round-cut stones are the most popular option, but you can also find eternity bands featuring oval-cut diamonds and stones in various shapes. Many eternity bands feature channel-set stones, but pave and bezel settings are also available. And while a diamond eternity ring or band may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of infinity rings, there are many other gemstone options. From diamond alternatives like cubic zirconia or moissanite to birthstones and other colored gems, there is truly something for everyone.
How to Stack an Eternity Ring
Ring stacking, wearing multiple bands on the same finger, is one of the most popular ways to wear an eternity ring right now. And eternity bands are basically made for it.
Their slim, stone-covered profile sits flat and close to the finger, so they layer beautifully with engagement rings and wedding bands without creating a bulky stack. A few things to keep in mind when ring stacking with an eternity band:
- Match your precious metals (or mix them intentionally since mixed metals are very much a thing right now)
- Pair slim eternity bands with slim solitaire shanks so the proportions feel balanced
- Curved or contoured bands hug the sides of solitaire-style rings more naturally than straight bands
- There's no rule that says you have to wear them all on the same finger, so stacking across multiple fingers works
The beauty of an eternity gemstone band in a stack is that it adds sparkle without competing with your center stone. It frames it instead.
Caring for an Eternity Ring
Maintaining the sparkle and integrity of your eternity ring is key to its longevity. For everyday cleaning, use a soft brush and a gentle dish soap solution. Soak the ring, then brush and rinse. For deep cleaning or complex settings, seek professional help. Regularly inspect your ring for loose stones, damaged prongs (the tiny claws holding the gems), or metal wear. A jeweler can address these issues to ensure your ring remains secure and beautiful.
Store your eternity ring in a lined jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent scratches. With these simple cleaning, inspection, and storage practices, your eternity ring will continue to symbolize your love story for a lifetime.
Featured: The Melanie, The Sadie, The Eternity & The Forever
Does Modern Gents Have Eternity Rings?
Absolutely! Modern Gents specializes in offering stunning yet affordable eternity rings made from conflict-free materials that are perfect options for eternity rings. Whether you prefer the look of sterling silver, yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, we have something for everyone.
This includes The Eternity, our signature full eternity ring featuring a stunning array of stones set around a 925 sterling silver or rose gold band, perfect for proposing to, or celebrating with, the person you love most. This ring also makes a stunning anniversary ring.
For a modern look, consider The Zoey, featuring a half eternity chevron band that combines classic beauty with contemporary design.
And for the girl with an old soul, The Giselle features a vintage-inspired full eternity band that harks back to the Roaring Twenties.
Find the Perfect Eternity Ring at Modern Gents
The eternity ring may have first been promoted by jewelers as a showcase for conflict diamonds at extravagant prices. But its enduring legacy has always been its place as a symbol of infinite devotion on the part of those who give the ring and eternal love for those who receive it.
Expressing that commitment shouldn’t come at a cost. And with Modern Gents’ eternity rings, it doesn’t have to.
Are Cheap Engagement Rings Bad? We Set the Record Straight
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finger do you wear an eternity ring on?
Most people wear it on the ring finger of the left hand, stacked with their wedding band, but the right hand works just as well.
When should you give an eternity ring?
Eternity rings are traditionally given on a milestone anniversary or after the birth of a child, though any significant moment is a good reason.
Who buys the eternity ring?
A partner traditionally gives it as a gift, but many people buy one for themselves to celebrate a personal milestone.
Can an eternity ring be used as a wedding band?
Yes. Many couples choose a half or full eternity ring as their wedding band because it stacks neatly with most ring styles.
Can a full eternity ring be resized?
It is difficult because stones cover the whole band. A half eternity ring is much easier to resize, so confirm your ring size before buying a full eternity ring.