Rhiannon Hendricks
The third wedding ring, also known as an eternity ring, is given as a gift to commemorate a significant milestone in a couple's life, often a major anniversary or the birth of a child. It is typically given after the wedding, with no set time frame, and is a symbol of ongoing love, devotion, and loyalty. Eternity rings are usually added to the existing wedding and engagement rings, rounding out a three-ring set.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Eternity Ring |
| Description | Symbol of ongoing love and commitment |
| Typical Recipients | Women |
| Typical Occasions | Wedding anniversary, major milestone, or birth of a child |
| Typical Time of Exchange | Any time between the first wedding anniversary and the rest of the couple's lives |
| Typical Wear | Left hand, alongside a wedding ring and engagement ring |
| Typical Design | Unbroken circle of small diamonds |
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What You'll Learn
The eternity ring is the third ring
The tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the ring finger dates back to ancient times. The English custom, like many Western traditions, places special significance on the fourth finger of the left hand. Ancient Romans believed that a vein in this finger, called the "vena amoris" or "love vein", connected directly to the heart. This romantic notion has persisted, making the ring finger the enduring choice for the three rings of marriage.
The three rings of marriage are the engagement ring, the wedding band, and the eternity ring. The engagement ring is typically flashier and features a centerpiece stone, while the wedding band is usually a simple, plain metal ring with no stones or small stones and a heartfelt engraving. The eternity ring is usually given after the wedding and can be given at any time between the first wedding anniversary and the rest of the couple's lives.
The eternity ring was originally an unbroken circle of small diamonds, gifted after 10 years of marriage. This premise has evolved, and today, eternity rings are no longer aimed solely at older married women. They can be given as early as the first wedding anniversary or to commemorate the birth of a child. The design has also evolved, with many people today preferring their eternity ring to have stones set only into the upper half of the ring, making the design more comfortable and versatile.
The addition of an eternity ring to the traditional wedding set of two rings (engagement and wedding band) is redefining modern bridal jewellery while marking deeper life milestones. For some, the third ring adds visual balance, especially when pairing a diamond ring with a simpler band. For others, it increases sparkle, luxury, or personalisation. Beyond aesthetics, three-band wedding sets offer emotional significance, with each ring representing a chapter in a couple's shared journey.
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It completes the bridal set
The third ring in a bridal set is typically known as an eternity ring. It completes the bridal set, adding both emotional and visual balance to the bridal stack. The eternity ring is a symbol of ongoing love and devotion to your partner. It is usually gifted after the wedding, often on a significant anniversary, such as the first or tenth, or to commemorate the birth of a child.
The eternity ring was originally created in the 1960s by diamond dealer DeBeers, aimed at encouraging older married couples to buy jewellery for their wedding anniversaries. The original design featured an unbroken circle of small diamonds, symbolising never-ending love. Today, eternity rings are no longer solely targeted at older married women and can be gifted at any time after the wedding.
The three-ring bridal set is composed of the engagement ring, situated between the wedding band (closest to the heart) and the third band on the opposite side. The engagement ring and wedding band have traditionally been the only two rings in a bridal set, with the engagement ring often featuring a diamond or other precious stone, and the wedding band a simpler design. The addition of the eternity ring as a third band has become increasingly popular, marking deeper life milestones and adding visual balance to the set.
The eternity ring can be chosen to complement the design of the engagement and wedding rings, with many couples opting for a matching set. The third ring can also be an opportunity to add more sparkle with additional diamonds or gemstones. Ultimately, the design of the eternity ring is a personal choice, and it is not a necessary addition to a bridal set.
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It is given on a significant anniversary
The third ring in a wedding set is typically given as a meaningful gift to commemorate a significant milestone, such as a major anniversary or the birth of a child. Known as an anniversary ring or a push ring, this ring is a symbol of ongoing love, devotion, and loyalty to one's partner. It adds emotional and visual balance to the bridal stack.
The third ring, also known as the eternity ring, completes the trio wedding ring style, which includes the engagement ring and the wedding band. The eternity ring is traditionally given on a significant anniversary, such as the 10th anniversary. However, there is no set rule, and couples can choose to give or receive the eternity ring on any anniversary they prefer. Some couples may even opt to give an eternity ring to commemorate the birth of their child rather than an anniversary.
The eternity ring is a symbol of eternal love and ongoing commitment. It is a tangible way to renew and reaffirm marriage vows. The original design of the eternity ring was an unbroken circle of small diamonds, symbolising never-ending love in the same way that a wedding band does. Over time, the design has evolved, and today, many people prefer eternity rings with stones set only into the upper half of the ring, making the design more comfortable and versatile.
While the eternity ring is traditionally given on a significant anniversary, there is no concrete rule regarding the timing of its gift. Couples may choose to give or receive the eternity ring at any time between the first wedding anniversary and the rest of their lives together. The eternity ring is a meaningful gift that can be given to celebrate a new chapter in a couple's shared journey and honour their evolving love.
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It is given after the birth of a child
The third ring in a wedding set is typically given as a meaningful gift to commemorate a significant milestone—often a major anniversary or the birth of a child. Known as an anniversary ring or push ring, this piece adds both emotional and visual balance to the bridal stack.
The birth of a child is a profound and transformative experience in a woman's life. Gifting a push ring to the mother of your newborn child is a meaningful gesture that symbolises gratitude, love, and the enduring bond between mother and child. It can also serve as a family heirloom and acknowledge the mother's strength.
When choosing a push ring, several factors should be considered to ensure it is both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, the ring can be personalised with the baby's birthstone, such as garnet, peridot, topaz, amethyst, or aquamarine, or engraved with the child's fingerprint, name, or birth date. Custom designs and heirloom integration can also add unique significance to the ring. The alloy choice should also complement the mother's existing jewellery collection.
The idea of a ring denoting eternal love is not new. The ancient Egyptians believed that the bond of marriage was so strong that it could not be interrupted by death. Similarly, the ancient Romans believed that a vein in the ring finger, called the "vena amoris" or love vein, connected directly to the heart.
Today, eternity rings are no longer aimed solely at older married women. Couples can choose to give this ring on any anniversary they want or to commemorate the arrival of their child with a push ring.
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It symbolises eternal love
The third wedding ring, also known as an eternity ring, symbolises eternal love. It is typically gifted on a significant anniversary, such as the 10th, or to commemorate the birth of a child. The unbroken circle of diamonds or other precious stones represents never-ending love, much like a wedding band.
The tradition of the third wedding ring can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The ancient Egyptians believed that the bond of marriage was so strong that it continued beyond death. This belief was reflected in their jewellery design, with early eternity rings often featuring a simple hammered gold band in an ouroboros design – a snake eating its own tail, representing eternity and the endless cycle of life.
In the medieval period, the exchange of wedding rings became widespread, although it was not the elaborate affair it is today. Wedding rings at the time were simple bands made of iron or brass, a far cry from the gemstones and precious metals commonly used today. The circular shape of the ring, with no beginning and no end, symbolises endless love and commitment.
Today, eternity rings are often chosen to complement the design of the engagement and wedding rings, adding visual balance and increasing sparkle. They can also be used to mark deeper life milestones, with each ring representing a chapter in a couple's shared journey. For example, some couples choose to gift eternity rings on their first wedding anniversary, symbolising their ongoing love and commitment to one another.
The eternity ring is a powerful symbol of eternal love and devotion, completing the trio of wedding rings and elevating them into something timeless and treasured.
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Frequently asked questions
The third wedding ring is called the eternity ring.
The eternity ring symbolises enduring love and is often given to commemorate a significant anniversary or milestone, such as the birth of a child.
The eternity ring is usually given between the first wedding anniversary and the tenth anniversary. However, there are no set rules, and it can be given at any time to celebrate a special occasion or milestone.
The eternity ring is often a simple band that complements the engagement and wedding rings. It may be encrusted with diamonds or other gemstones. Some people choose to wear it on their right hand or stack it with their other rings.
