OK, Really, What's the Difference Between Eternity Rings and Infinity Rings?

Eternity rings. Infinity rings. They might sound identical, but the two are actually quite different in design. Although their intent is the same — to express undying love — if you learn the differences between them, you might find that one design is a closer fit to your personal style. And while one of them is an option for your engagement ring, the other tends to be an additional ring (though ring stacks can be found on the trendy brides du jour).

What are Eternity Rings?

The eternity ring has diamonds all the way around the band, which symbolizes never-ending love and commitment. It's sometimes given in addition to an engagement and wedding ring, usually years into a relationship or marriage, or to commemorate an important anniversary.

As traditional rings go, the diamond eternity ring is a relative newcomer. It was created in the 1960s by the British diamond company De Beers (which also kicked off the diamond engagement ring craze in the 1930s). To make use of its stockpile of small diamonds, the company conceptualized the eternity ring and targeted married women. One ad campaign told husbands, "She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it's going."

Although, yes, you can get a diamond engagement ring that has pave stones around the band (even underneath), this isn't quite an infinity ring. The head that holds your center diamond in place needs to be attached to the band, preventing the stones from forming a full circle. So, traditionally, this is different than an actual eternity ring.

In what order do you wear your eternity ring? Tradition dictates that the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, and worn first, so it's closer to the heart. If you wear all your rings on the same finger, then comes the engagement ring, then the eternity ring.

What are Infinity Rings?

An infinity ring has a similar significance: It symbolizes love that goes on and on forever.

But instead of a perpetual circle of diamonds, the infinity ring's design incorporates the infinity sign, or figure 8, to signify that infinite relationship.

The infinity sign can be incorporated into an infinity ring in a number of different ways: Some infinity rings have infinity symbols at the top of the ring, where a center diamond would go. Others replicate the infinity symbol in the band, and some people refer to bands that even slightly mimic this shape (with a twisting pattern) as infinity rings.

At With Clarity, our infinity rings incorporate the infinity symbol into the band, though there's variation in the arc of the curves and how much accent diamonds are used. The Infinity Winding Engagement Ring, for example, uses pave stones almost all the way around the ring, and the symbol is smaller and tighter. The Winding Diamond Engagement Ring is similar, but the arcs are even tighter and could be called twists, and the diamonds only extend halfway down the band. And some, like the Flowing Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, seem to work the symbol of everlasting love seamlessly into a design with a diamond halo.

Are Diamond Eternity Rings or Infinity Rings More Expensive?

The price of a ring depends on the total weight of diamonds set within it (or CTTW). Eternity rings have a full circle of pave diamonds, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're more expensive. It depends on the style of infinity ring you choose, and whether it includes diamonds. Some infinity rings contain a center stone, which can push the price up considerably; others can be simple silver bands shaped like an all-around figure 8.

Ready to start shopping? Check out our beautiful range of affordable, ethically sourced eternity rings and infinity rings such as the Weaving Diamond Pave Engagement Ring, Forever Twisting Diamond Engagement Ring, or our Open Twist Diamond Engagement Ring.