How to Choose the Perfect Antique Eternity Ring

An eternity ring, often called an infinity ring, may seem simple but they come with a deep symbolism, a rich history, and a wide variety of designs each carrying their own meaning and charm. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect antique or vintage eternity ring for any occasion.

The Symbolism of the Eternity Ring

The unbroken circle design of the eternity ring represents infinite or eternal love. Their message of commitment and devotion is why, nowadays, they’re a traditional gift for anniversaries, the birth of a child, or any significant life milestone. The continuous line of gemstones, usually diamonds, adds to the representation of resilience found in everlasting love, as diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth.

A Brief History of Eternity Rings

Eternity rings date back to Ancient Egypt around 2000 BC as a symbol of eternal love and life with their continuous, unbroken circle. Sometimes depicted with a snake swallowing its tail, known as the ouroboros, the circle depicts the eternal cycle of life and death.

The ouroboros in its original Egyptian context symbolised repetition and renewal. This is fitting as in marriage couples change and their love consistently regenerates. In essence, eternity rings celebrate love and life in all forms. Whether a token of self-love, a gift from a partner, or a present from a parent, they are a gift for everyone—single, partnered, or married.

This tradition faded over time but resurfaced in Europe around the Victorian Period, where eternity rings joined engagement rings, wedding bands, and promise rings as popular symbols of commitment.

For more information on serpent imagery in jewellery read up on The Seductive Romance of Snake Jewellery.

The modern eternity ring took shape in the 1960s, thanks to the discovery of small diamonds in the Soviet Union. Since these diamonds were too small for traditional engagement rings, jewellers began setting them around bands, marketing them to husbands as meaningful gifts for anniversaries and other post-wedding commitments.

Today, new mums receive eternity rings as a gift for giving birth (or a “push present”), very apt considering its history as the symbol of continuing life.

To learn more about gifts for mums-to-be here are 5 Perfect Push Present Ideas.

Understanding the Different Styles

Antique eternity rings come in several styles, allowing you to find a design that perfectly fits your lifestyle and taste:

Full Eternity Ring

This style features stones encircling the entire band, creating a luxurious, dazzling effect. Full eternity rings are perfect for special occasions, but the presence of stones around the entire band may make them less suited for those who work with their hands or need a practical, everyday ring.

Half Eternity Ring

Designs have stones that cover the front half of the band only. This is a practical choice for everyday wear, providing comfort and elegance without the full circle of gemstones. Half eternity rings are also often more budget-friendly while still delivering a beautiful sparkle.

There is also the Three-Quarter Eternity Ring, which is a fab balance middle-way to the full and half eternity styles. This design provides more brilliance than a half eternity ring while offering a little more comfort and practicality than a full eternity ring.

Choosing the Right Metal

The choice of metal can affect the look and durability of your antique eternity ring. Here are a few popular options:

• Yellow Gold: Classic and traditional, yellow gold complements all skin tones and adds a warm, rich glow to coloured gemstones like ruby and emerald.
• White Gold or Platinum: Sleek and modern, these metals enhance the brightness of diamonds giving a contemporary look to the ring.
• Rose Gold: With its warm, pinkish hue, rose gold brings a romantic, aged feel to an eternity ring. This metal has grown in popularity and is well-suited to both classic and modern styles.

Selecting Gemstone Shapes and Settings

The shape and setting of the stones play an essential role in both the look and durability of an antique eternity ring. Here are some popular choices:

Round Cuts are timeless and classic they offer exceptional sparkle and are the most popular choice for eternity rings.

Square-shaped or rectangular “baguette cut” stones add a modern, geometric feel to the ring, creating a bold and elegant look.

• Bezel Setting encircles each gemstone with metal, offering a modern look and added protection.
• Pavé Setting sets stones closely together, covering the band with sparkle. This setting is ideal for maximum brilliance.
• Channel Setting creates a smooth channel, providing a sleek, snag-free surface that’s comfortable for everyday wear.

Learn more about cuts and settings:

• Pave
• Bezel
• Antique cuts

Matching with Your Other Rings

When choosing an antique eternity ring, consider how it will look alongside your engagement and wedding rings. Many choose metals and stone shapes that harmonize with their other rings to create a coordinated look. Period is also important to consider. An Art Deco band might best complement a geometric Deco engagement ring.

While an Edwardian band may more easily complement older design like Victorian or Georgian. However, contrast can also be striking, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations that reflect your personal style.

Considering Lifestyle and Comfort

An eternity ring is a significant investment, so choosing one that aligns with your lifestyle is essential. If you’re very active (say skiing) or use your hands frequently a half or three-quarter eternity ring is the more practical choice.

Comfort is key when it comes to antique eternity rings. Be sure to get sized properly by a professional jeweller, as full eternity rings are not easily resized. An ideal fit should feel comfortable and secure without being too tight or too loose.

Caring for Your Eternity Ring

Eternity rings are built to last- and antique eternity rings are proof they do. But they still require some care to maintain their beauty. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will help keep the stones sparkling. Remove pavé or channel settings rings before rigorous activities to prevent accidental damage.

Discover the Perfect Eternity Ring

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or want to express everyday love, an eternity ring makes a lasting (or rather eternal) statement. With so many choices in style, metal, and gemstone settings, there’s an antique eternity ring to match every personality and occasion. Explore your options and find the one that perfectly symbolises your unique story of love and commitment.

Each ring represents a circle of love, endless and unbroken—just like the commitment it signifies. With this guide, you’re ready to find the antique or vintage eternity ring that best reflects your circle.