Eternity Rings, what you don’t know…

Eternity rings have a rich history and symbolise lasting love, commitment, and continuity. The concept of eternity rings dates back centuries, but the modern version as we know them today has evolved significantly over time.

Ancient Beginnings

The idea of eternal love or everlasting commitment isn’t new. In ancient cultures, symbolic jewellery was often used to signify deep, enduring connections. The ancient Egyptians were known for exchanging rings as a symbol of eternal love. The circle of the ring represented infinity—no beginning and no end. They often wore these rings as tokens of affection, but they weren’t quite the same as the modern eternity ring.

Early Roman and Medieval Use

In Roman times, rings also symbolised commitment and marriage. Romans were the first to associate rings with marriage, with the tradition of giving a ring during a wedding becoming widespread. However, these early rings were typically plain bands or had gemstones. The idea of using a band set with stones to represent eternity didn’t come about until later.

Victorian Era and the Rise of the “Full Circle” Concept

The modern eternity ring began to take shape in the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era. The Victorians were fond of symbolism, and jewellery became an important way to communicate personal sentiments. The “full circle” ring, where stones (usually diamonds) are set all the way around the band, emerged during this time. It was said to represent eternal love, with no beginning or end, and was sometimes given as a wedding anniversary gift or after the birth of a child.

The Modern Eternity Ring (20th Century)

The modern concept of the eternity ring as we know it today—especially in its association with diamond-studded bands—emerged in the 20th century. The first widely recognised eternity rings, featuring diamonds set around the entire band, were popularised in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1968, the renowned jewellery house Cartier played a major role in popularising the eternity ring with the launch of its “Trinity Ring”, which featured three intertwined bands symbolising love, friendship, and fidelity. Around this time, the trend of diamond eternity rings became more mainstream.

By the late 20th century, the eternity ring became closely associated with wedding anniversaries and milestone celebrations, particularly the “diamond eternity ring”. It is often given to commemorate significant life events such as the birth of a child or the completion of a major life milestone.

Designs of Eternity Rings

While traditional eternity rings are characterised by their continuous band of diamonds or gemstones, modern variations include:

1. Full Eternity Rings: These have gemstones set all the way around the band, often with diamonds or coloured stones. This design can be quite intricate but may be harder to resize due to the stones encircling the entire band.
2. Half Eternity Rings: These feature stones only on the top half of the band, leaving the bottom half plain. They are often more comfortable and practical for daily wear and can be resized more easily.
3. Channel-set Eternity Rings: Stones are set in a channel or groove in the band, offering a sleek, modern look while keeping the stones secure.
4. Prong-set Eternity Rings: Stones are held in place by prongs, allowing for maximum light exposure, which can make the stones appear brighter.

The 21st Century and the Continued Popularity

Today, eternity rings are still one of the most popular symbols of enduring love, often given to mark important anniversaries or milestones. With the rise of personalised and custom jewellery, some people opt for eternity rings with coloured gemstones (such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds) instead of diamonds, adding a unique twist to the traditional design.

The eternity ring continues to be a powerful symbol of everlasting commitment, whether it’s given as a gift for a wedding anniversary, the birth of a child, or a significant relationship milestone.

How can we help?

 As always here at Bespoke By Baskerville we are help take you realise your wildest ideas and turn them into a bespoke design, an Eternity Ring you will love for ever. Do please get in touch with us either online https://bespokebybaskerville.co.uk/contact-us/ or by phone on 01244 631638