Choosing the perfect moment to give an eternity ring is easier than you think.. Eternity rings are versatile and meaningful gifts, traditionally given for milestones like anniversaries or the birth of a child.
Keep reading for a more detailed answer to the question, “When do you give an eternity ring?” Also, we will share some tips about choosing the right metal for the ring and deciding your budget for it.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is An Eternity Ring?- A Brief History
Around 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians began using eternity rings to symbolise the unending bond between two people. These early rings were often designed to mimic a snake eating its tail, a powerful symbol of eternity.
The fundamental design of eternity rings has remained relatively consistent over time. Typically, they feature a solid band adorned with precious stones, encircling the entire ring or set halfway around. While diamonds are the most common gemstone, it’s not unusual to find eternity rings embellished with emeralds, rubies, or sapphires.
In the Victorian era, eternity rings became popular as wedding bands and gifts to mark significant milestones.
Today, they are still given for anniversaries, the birth of a child, or other major life events, symbolising the enduring nature of the giver’s love and commitment.
Whether crafted from gold, platinum, or other precious metals, eternity rings continue to be a timeless expression of everlasting love.
When Do You Give An Eternity Ring?
An eternity ring symbolises everlasting love and commitment, often given for special occasions like anniversaries or the birth of a child.
Traditionally worn on the left hand’s ring finger, these rings feature a continuous line of gemstones set in precious metals like gold or platinum.
While anniversaries, especially milestones like the 10th or 30th year, are common times to give an eternity ring, modern couples also exchange them for events like moving in together or celebrating a lasting bond.
Eternity rings make meaningful gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or other personal milestones, offering a timeless way to show deep affection and commitment.
Types of Eternity Rings
Eternity rings come in various styles, each symbolising never-ending love and commitment. Here are the main types of eternity rings:
Full Eternity Rings
Full eternity rings are the most traditional and luxurious type. These rings feature gemstones, typically diamonds, set around the entire circumference of the band.
The continuous line of stones ensures the ring looks stunning from every angle, making it a popular choice for those seeking a truly opulent piece.
However, full-eternity rings are generally more expensive due to the larger quantity of precious stones. They can also be challenging to resize, which sometimes makes resizing impossible.
Despite these drawbacks, their exquisite design makes them highly desirable.
Half Eternity Rings
Half-eternity rings have gemstones set only along the top half of the band. This style offers several benefits, including being more budget-friendly than full-eternity rings.
The lower cost allows for the selection of higher-quality stones or metals within the same budget. Additionally, half-eternity rings are more practical and comfortable for everyday wear, as they are less likely to irritate surrounding fingers.
They are also easier to resize, making them a versatile choice that can be adjusted over time, ensuring a perfect fit throughout the years.
Eternity Rings vs Commitment Rings
Many people confuse eternity rings with other types of commitment rings. Each type has a distinct meaning and purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Promise Rings
Promise rings signify a couple’s intention to have a future together. They are usually given before any formal commitment, acting as pre-engagement rings. These rings declare love and future intentions, making them ideal for couples who are not yet ready for engagement but want to show their devotion.
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are a traditional symbol of a promise to marry. They often feature a prominent centre stone, typically a diamond, and are the most elaborate of commitment rings. Yellow gold is a common choice for engagement rings, although other precious metals have gained popularity. Engagement rings are given during a proposal, marking the intent to wed.
Wedding Bands
Wedding bands are exchanged during the wedding ceremony to symbolise lifelong commitment.
These rings are usually simpler than engagement rings, often plain metal bands, although some are embellished with small diamonds or engravings. Wedding bands represent the formalisation of the commitment made during the engagement.
Eternity Rings
Eternity rings symbolise eternal love and are typically gifted to mark significant milestones such as anniversaries or the birth of a child.
Unlike other commitment rings, eternity rings feature a continuous line of gemstones around the band, representing unending love. While traditionally given to married women, they can be given to anyone, irrespective of marital status, to celebrate enduring relationships and significant life events.
Which Metals Are Used for Eternity Rings
Here’s a look at the various metals commonly used for crafting eternity rings:
Gold
Gold is one of the most popular choices for eternity rings due to its lasting beauty and versatility. It comes in several shades, including yellow, white, and rose gold. Each variety offers a unique look:
- Yellow Gold: Classic and traditional, yellow gold provides a warm, rich hue.
- White Gold: Sleek and contemporary, white gold is often plated with rhodium to enhance its shine and durability.
- Rose Gold: Trendy and romantic, rose gold has a distinct pinkish tint due to its copper content.
Platinum
Platinum is a premium metal known for its durability and natural white sheen, making it an excellent choice for eternity rings. It’s also hypoallergenic, ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. Platinum’s density and strength ensure that the gemstones are securely set and the ring retains its beauty for years.
Silver
Silver is a more affordable option that still offers a bright and shiny appearance.
Sterling silver, an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), is commonly used for eternity rings. While silver is softer and more prone to tarnish than gold and platinum, it remains a popular choice due to its cost-effectiveness and lustrous finish.
Cobalt
Cobalt is an emerging choice for eternity rings, valued for its strength, durability, and affordability. It has a bright white finish similar to platinum but is much more cost-effective. Cobalt is also highly scratch-resistant, making it a practical option for everyday wear.
Tungsten
Tungsten is another modern metal used in eternity rings. It is renowned for its extreme hardness and scratch resistance.
Tungsten maintains a polished look over time and is available in various finishes, including white, black, and grey. Its durability makes it a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting ring.
Factors Influencing The Budget for an Eternity Ring
The price of an eternity ring can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of metal, the quality and type of gemstones, and the design of the ring itself.
Type of Metal
The choice of metal greatly impacts the cost of an eternity ring. Precious metals like platinum and gold (yellow, white, and rose) are more expensive than silver or alternative metals like cobalt and tungsten.
Platinum, known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties, typically commands a higher price. Gold prices can also vary based on the karat weight, with 18K gold being more costly than 14K gold.
Gemstones
The type and quality of gemstones used in the eternity ring significantly determine the price.
Diamonds are the most traditional and popular choice, but other precious stones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds can also be used. The quality of these stones, including their cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight, will influence the overall cost. Higher quality stones with better clarity and colour grades will naturally be more expensive.
Design Complexity
The design of the eternity ring also affects its price. Full-eternity rings, with stones encircling the entire band, are more expensive than half-eternity rings because they require more gemstones and intricate workmanship.
Additionally, custom designs or rings with elaborate settings can increase the cost due to the additional labour and craftsmanship.
Also Read: How Should an Engagement Ring Fit
FAQs
What Is The Purpose of An Eternity Ring?
An eternity ring symbolises everlasting love and commitment. It is often given to mark significant milestones, such as anniversaries or the birth of a child. The ring features a continuous line of gemstones, representing unending affection. Its purpose is to celebrate and honour lasting relationships.
Which Finger Is for The Eternity Ring?
An eternity ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This is the same finger where engagement and wedding rings are typically placed. However, some people wear it on the right hand or stack it with other rings based on personal preference.
Can You Wear Eternity Ring Every Day?
Yes, you can wear an eternity ring every day. These rings are designed for daily wear and are made from durable metals like gold or platinum. They are set with sturdy gemstones, usually diamonds, that can withstand regular use.
Last Words
So, when do you give an eternity ring? You got your answer, right?
You can give an eternity ring as a mark of significant milestones such as anniversaries or the birth of a child. Eternity rings are given to symbolise everlasting love and commitment. They feature a continuous line of gemstones, typically diamonds, set in precious metals like gold or platinum.