An engagement ring and a wedding ring mark a beginning. An eternity ring usually comes later, once a marriage or a partnership has some years behind it, as a way of making the same promise again.
It is a band set with a line of stones, either across the top of the ring (a half eternity) or all the way round (a full eternity), and it is usually given to mark a milestone. For the other occasions people mark with jewellery, our guide to how to choose a gift that lasts goes through them.
At Anupam, our collection has more than 1,100 half and full eternity rings. The choice that matters most in practice is between half and full, because it decides whether the ring can be resized later and how it sits beside your other rings.
What does an eternity ring mean?
The circle is one of the oldest symbols of something unending, and the stones set along it make that idea visible. Some people read one stone for each year together, or one for each person in a family. Others simply like the idea of a ring with no break in the line.
An eternity ring is a separate ring from the engagement ring and the wedding band, and it is usually worn alongside them.
When should you give an eternity ring?
There is no set time. These are the occasions people choose most often:
- a wedding anniversary;
- the birth of a child;
- a landmark birthday;
- the renewal of vows.
Plenty of people buy one for themselves, to mark something they are proud of. If you are buying one as a surprise, read the section on resizing below before you choose between half and full.
Which stones can an eternity ring have?
Diamonds are the classic choice, natural or lab-grown. A band of coloured stones such as sapphires or rubies is just as much an eternity ring, and gives you a way to bring in a birthstone; birthstones by month has the full list.
Because the stones run along the band, they take the knocks of everyday wear. Diamond is the hardest, with sapphire and ruby just behind, and all three stand up well to daily wear. Softer stones such as tanzanite and opal need more care, so for a ring worn every day, ask us about them before you decide.
What is the difference between a half and a full eternity ring?
Here is how the two compare.
| Feature | Half eternity | Full eternity |
|---|---|---|
| Where the stones are | Across the top of the ring, with a plain band underneath | All the way round |
| Resizing | Possible within limits, because the plain section can be worked | Generally not, because every stone is set |
| Day to day | The plain back sits smooth against the palm | Looks the same whichever way it turns, with stones against the palm |
| Price | Fewer stones, so generally less than a full eternity set with the same stones | More stones, so generally more |
| Buying as a surprise | The safer choice, because the size can usually be adjusted a little | The size has to be right first time |
Can an eternity ring be resized?
It depends which kind. A half eternity ring can usually be taken up or down a little; how far depends on the style of the setting. A full eternity ring generally cannot be resized, because moving the band would loosen the stones, so the size has to be right the first time.
We resize rings in our own workshop in Ashford. If you are not sure whether a particular ring can be altered, bring it in and we will tell you. Our post on ring resizing explains why some rings cannot be changed, and our guide to how to find your ring size shows how to measure before you buy.
What styles of eternity ring are there?
- Claw set: each stone is held by small claws, so light reaches it from every side. It is the brightest style, although the claws can catch on knitwear.
- Channel set: the stones sit side by side between two walls of metal. It is smooth and snag-free, a good choice for a ring you rarely take off.
Larger stones make a bolder ring; smaller ones sit lower and are easier to wear alongside other rings.
Think about the metal, too. Rings worn together can wear against each other where they touch, so matching the metal of your engagement ring and wedding band is a sensible option, though not a universal rule. Our post on which metal is best for a ring you wear every day compares 18ct gold, 9ct gold, platinum 950 and palladium 950.
How do you wear an eternity ring with an engagement ring and a wedding band?
The usual order, starting from the base of the finger, is the wedding ring, then the engagement ring, then the eternity ring. Some people wear the eternity ring on the other hand instead, if three rings on one finger feel like too many. We explain the tradition in engagement ring, wedding ring, eternity ring: which finger, and in what order.
The height of the stones matters: one that sits higher than your engagement ring will catch it.
Rings worn together feel tighter than one on its own, so bring your engagement ring and wedding band with you when you are measured.
Can I try one on with my other rings?
Yes, and it is the clearest way to choose. Browse the eternity rings online first, then book a time with us in Ashford and bring the rings you already wear, so you can see how the three sit together.
Frequently asked questions
Does a half eternity ring mean less than a full one?
No. “Half” describes how far round the stones go, not the promise.
Is an anniversary ring the same as an eternity ring?
The two overlap. An eternity ring given on an anniversary is often called an anniversary ring, but an anniversary ring can be any ring given to mark the date. What makes a ring an eternity ring is the line of stones along the band.
Can I wear an eternity ring as a wedding ring?
You can. A half eternity ring can sit beside an engagement ring as a wedding band, as long as the two fit together without a gap or the stones rubbing. If your engagement ring has a raised setting or shaped shoulders, you may need a band made to fit around it; our post on shaped wedding bands explains how.
Which hand should an eternity ring go on?
Either hand works; if you move it across, check the size, because the dominant hand is often a little larger.
How do I keep an eternity ring looking its best?
Have the setting checked now and then, particularly on a claw-set ring worn every day. Worn claws are easier to deal with when they are spotted early, and we re-tip claws at our own bench. Our post on how to clean gold and diamond jewellery covers cleaning at home.
