Unlocking the Symbolism & Meaning Behind Infinity Rings
Few jewellery designs carry as much emotional weight and symbolism as eternity rings, often worn as women’s wedding bands, anniversary mementos and dress rings. Eternity rings for women are not just captivating examples of master craftsmanship; they are an expression of enduring love and affection, rich with history and timeless allure.
What is an eternity ring?
An eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, is a women’s ring made with precious metal, adorned by a continuous circle of identically cut gemstones. The precious gemstones (preferably diamonds) serve as a symbol of unending love and commitment, without beginning or end.
The History of Eternity Rings
Eternity rings have a long and storied history that dates back centuries. Their origins can be traced to ancient Egypt, where they were worn by pharaohs and their queens as a symbol of eternal love and the never-ending cycle of life. They believed that life on earth was just one part of an eternal journey which ended not in death, but in everlasting joy.
These early rings were often crafted from materials like leather and braided hemp, featuring intricate designs representing eternity, such as the ouroboros - a serpent that consumes its own tail.
First known representation of the ouroboros on one of the shrines enclosing the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. Source.
According to Vanity Fair, however, the origin of eternity rings can be more recently linked to two problems that faced diamond sellers in the 1950s…
Then, in response to the first predicament, De Beers crafted a marketing campaign around eternity rings (utilising their newly acquired supply of smaller diamonds), encouraging men to buy eternity rings for their wives with the simple yet effective slogan, “She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going.”
- Married women were not buying enough diamonds.
- The newly discovered Soviet diamonds threatened De Beers’ monopoly over the diamond industry.
Then, in response to the first predicament, De Beers crafted a marketing campaign around eternity rings (utilising their newly acquired supply of smaller diamonds), encouraging men to buy eternity rings for their wives with the simple yet effective slogan, “She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going.”
Celebrity Eternity Rings
Initially marketed by De Beers as the gift for 50th wedding anniversaries, daring celebrities rejected convention by wearing eternity rings as fashion statements and wedding rings; Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe a platinum band with 35 baguette-cut diamonds; Audrey Hepburn wore two eternity rings in each white and rose gold; Grace Kelly sported a Cartier infinity ring featuring rubies; and Elizabeth Taylor selected eternity wedding bands for both marriages to Richard Burton.
More recently, in 2019, Meghan Markle stepped out in stackable rings, featuring her three-stone engagement ring, a gold wedding band and what appeared to be a yellow gold channel-set eternity ring.
