An eternity ring is more than just a stunning piece of jewellery, it is a powerful symbol of everlasting love, commitment, and devotion. Designed to be treasured for a lifetime, these jewellery pieces represent an unbreakable bond, making it a meaningful gift for life’s most special moments.

With over 60 years of expertise in fine jewellery, we are passionate about eternity rings that blend elegance with timeless significance. Each ring tells a unique story, one that can be cherished and passed down through generations, making your love eternal.

If you are curious about the significance of an eternity ring, when to wear one, and how to choose the perfect piece, this guide has all the essential details.

An eternity ring is an exquisite band of precious metal, typically crafted from gold or platinum, and adorned with a continuous or half-set row of identical gemstones - most commonly, dazzling diamonds. Also known as an infinity ring, this timeless piece has been cherished for over 4,000 years, with origins tracing back to ancient Egypt.

Originally fashioned from bone and beads, eternity rings have long represented an unbreakable bond. Their design is rooted in the ancient Ouroboros symbol - a serpent consuming its own tail - signifying eternity and the cyclical nature of existence. Similar themes of infinity appear across global cultures, from the Buddhist concept of Samsara, which describes the continuous cycle of life and rebirth, to other interpretations of endless love and devotion.

The evolution of these pieces took a significant step in ancient Rome, where the tradition of embedding precious gemstones into these symbolic bands first emerged. Over the centuries, their allure persisted, but the 1960s sparked a resurgence in popularity. With an abundance of diamonds available, jewellers began creating even more intricate and breath-taking designs, solidifying eternity rings as a treasured emblem of everlasting love.

Eternity rings are traditionally gifted to celebrate significant milestones in a relationship. Symbolising the unbroken circle of life, their design, meaning, and carefully chosen materials reflect the lasting bond between you and your partner.

They are often given on occasions such as:

• The birth of a first child

• A milestone birthday

• A wedding anniversary

• Valentine’s Day

Eternity rings come in a variety of styles and can feature a range of stunning gemstones. While diamonds are the classic choice, many people opt for vibrant stones such as rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, depending on personal preference.

There are two main styles to choose from:

Full eternity rings feature a continuous row of gemstones that encircle the entire band, creating a breath-taking and radiant piece of jewellery. The seamless design offers a stunning, uninterrupted view from every angle, making these rings truly remarkable. However, due to their design, these rings are crafted to a specific ring size, and resizing can be challenging. Therefore, when you are looking at full eternity rings, ensure that you have correctly size your partner's finger. You can find out how in our ring size guide here.

Half eternity rings provide greater functionality and versatility. With gemstones covering only half (or sometimes three-quarters) of the band, the bottom portion remains plain metal, making resizing much easier. Additionally, they are often more comfortable for daily wear, as the gemstones do not sit on the underside of the finger.

Most eternity rings are traditionally adorned with diamonds, but modern designs, including those in our collection, also incorporate exquisite gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. When selecting your stones, consider how your ring will complement your engagement ring and wedding band, creating a beautifully coordinated look.

Each gemstone carries its own symbolism:

• Diamonds – Strength, purity, and eternal love

• Rubies – Passion and protection

• Sapphires – Wisdom and loyalty

• Emeralds – Renewal and harmony

Selecting a gemstone that resonates with your personal story of course makes it more meaningful, however you may also want to consider whether you are getting an eternity ring for a significant anniversary:

• 25th Anniversary: Silver

• 40th Anniversary: Ruby

• 45th Anniversary: Sapphire

• 50th Anniversary: Gold

• 60th Anniversary: Diamond

Traditionally, eternity rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, placed either above the engagement and wedding bands or nestled between them. If you prefer to follow tradition, the typical order is:

1. Wedding band (closest to the heart)

2. Engagement ring

3. Eternity ring 

However, there are no strict rules. Whether you wear your ring daily, as a standalone statement, or reserve it for special occasions, it remains a timeless symbol of your enduring love and commitment.

If you are looking to commemorate a milestone in your relationship or celebrate your unwavering love, an eternity ring is the perfect symbol of your devotion.

At Michael Spiers, we offer an exquisite selection of rings, each crafted to capture the essence of everlasting love. For a more personalised experience, visit one of our showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, or Taunton, where our friendly experts will be delighted to help you find the perfect piece to cherish forever.

Explore our collection today and discover the eternity ring that tells your love story.