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What is an Eternity Ring? A Guide from Manchester’s Oldest Jewellers

What is an Eternity Ring?

What is an eternity ring?

If you have found your way here, chances are someone has mentioned an eternity ring in passing and left you none the wiser. 

You nodded along with the conversation, but quietly in the back of your mind, you thought, “What is an eternity ring?” Well, don’t worry. You’re in good company. 

Most people could tell you what a pendant is, or a tennis bracelet, without a second thought. Yet ask them what sets an eternity ring apart from an engagement or wedding ring, and you tend to get a pause. 

So let’s put an end to that confusion, shall we? 

So what actually is an eternity ring?

An eternity ring is a band set with a continuous line of gemstones, running either partway or the whole way around. 

A full ring is crafted to showcase there’s no distinguished start or finish, and that’s the whole point. 

It’s meant to be a symbol of eternity, a circle with no break, going endlessly around without stopping.  

It’s perfect because it shows a quiet appreciation, there’s no grand gestures, just a ring that does all the talking.  

What an eternity ring actually means

It’s very common that most jewellery marks a beginning.  

An engagement ring asks a question. A wedding ring answers. 

But the eternity ring tells the story.  

It’s a ring to mark time, not an end goal. It’s a promise that’s been kept for years. 

There is no gap, no clasp, no obvious join. Just a steady circle of light that keeps going, the same way you intend to. 

People read their own meaning into it too, and we rather love that. For some it is one stone for every year. For others it is simply the most beautiful way they could find to say still you, still us. 

When do you get an eternity ring?

There’s no rule for when to buy an eternity ring for that special someone. But there are some traditional moments in which it would be the perfect gift.  

As a Milestone Anniversary Present 

A milestone should always be celebrated, a couple that’s reached ten years, twenty years needs something to mark the occasion. 

Because of this, an eternity ring rests alongside your engagement and wedding rings, a quiet reminder of how permanent you have become in each other’s lives. 

For the Arrival of a Baby 

Eternity rings are often seen as celebration rings, and there’s no bigger cause of celebration than introducing the newest member of a family into the world. 

This is a perfect present given to the mother of the child, it’s a symbol of a new chapter, and a connection between a mother and her baby. 

Just Because 

We also want to emphasise that you can decide to buy one for a loved one for no other reason than you simply want to! 

That’s the beauty of jewellery. 

You decide what makes it special. And honestly, this is our favourite reason.

Half Eternity vs Full Eternity. What’s the difference?

Now this is a very common question. 

Full Eternity 

A full eternity ring carries gemstones all the way around the band. It’s designed to capture the light from sides. 

There’s no beginning or end, emphasising that motif of eternity. 

Half Eternity  

A half eternity ring sets its gemstones across the front of the band, the part that faces out and catches the eye. 

It also tends to feel smoother for everyday wear, sits flush against an engagement ring without fuss, and because the back is plain metal, it can usually be adjusted if a size ever needs changing.

How to traditionally wear one

It’s very common for eternity rings to stack alongside your engagement ring and your wedding ring. 

Think of it as a timeline, the past, present, and future, all resting on your ring finger. 

But as we’ve said before, there are no rules carved in the stones. You can wear your eternity ring however you want.  

It’s only there to be cherished and admired. 

And if you love wearing it, then you’re wearing it correctly. 

Gemstones

Diamond eternity rings are a classic choice, they’re elegant, sophisticated, and catch the light perfectly at any occasion. 

But you’re not restricted to just diamonds. 

You can choose the red velvety warmth of a ruby, a rich green of emeralds, or a beautiful sea of sapphires.  

You can also set it against white gold, platinum or yellow gold, these stones give you something a touch more personal, while keeping all the meaning that makes an eternity ring what it is. 

Our eternity rings are crafted in platinum and 18ct gold, with a vast array of different gemstones and designs. 

We’ve been celebrating love stories since 1860, which means we know a thing or two when it comes to finding that piece of jewellery perfect for you. 

We know how to help you choose, what to showcase, and most importantly, you can take it home that very same day. 

Why not visit our store and take a look at our wonderful collection? Or browse our full collection here. Whatever suits you best.