An eternity ring — sometimes called an infinity ring — symbolises a love that never ends. They are traditionally given to mark a wedding anniversary, celebrate the birth of a child, or simply to express enduring devotion to someone special.
What Is an Eternity Ring?
The eternity ring is classical in its design. Usually made with identically cut diamonds set evenly all the way around a gold or platinum band, the close alignment of stones in an open-backed setting creates exceptional sparkle from every angle. When diamonds are set only in the front half of the band, with the remainder left plain, the ring is known as a "half eternity." Both styles are timeless and suit daily wear beautifully.
A History Stretching Back 4,000 Years
Unlike engagement rings, which emerged around the 15th century, eternity rings have a far longer history — some examples date back as far as 4,000 years. The earliest versions were not made from precious metals but from the materials available at the time: carved bone, beads, and occasionally metal. It is widely thought that the tradition originated in Ancient Egypt, where a popular symbol of the era was a serpent biting its own tail — a representation of infinity itself.
How to Wear an Eternity Ring
There are no strict rules. The most popular choice is to wear the eternity ring on the left ring finger alongside an engagement and wedding ring. The order in which the three rings are stacked is entirely a matter of personal preference. Eternity rings pair particularly well with diamond solitaires and traditional three or five stone styles. Since wedding bands and eternity rings typically share the same profile, they almost always complement one another perfectly.
Choosing Your Eternity Ring
At Friar House we have a beautiful selection of antique diamond eternity rings to suit all occasions — whether you are celebrating a first anniversary, a milestone year, or the arrival of a new baby. If you would like help finding the right ring, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to assist.