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Eternity Rings vs. Anniversary Rings: What’s The Difference?

Jewelry that is given in the name of love always has extra sparkle. Eternity rings and anniversary rings definitely fall into this category. Symbolic of life-changing moments and epic love, these diamonds are not just your best friend but remind you of your best friend.

Eternity Rings vs. Anniversary Rings

Eternity Rings vs. Anniversary Rings: What’s The Difference?

While similarly popular, eternity rings and anniversary rings are different in both look and purpose. From the number of stones to the style of the band and the dates they are given, we explain the differences and clear up which ring you should buy and when.

Eternity rings are characterized by a band of uninterrupted diamonds, while anniversary rings feature a row of diamonds on the upper half of the band. Both consistently feature diamonds, which is not necessarily the case for wedding rings.

Whether you prefer sparkles so bright you need sunglasses, or something more muted, James Allen has the right ring for you.

What IS An Eternity Ring?

Eternity rings are available in a variety of diamond shapes and sizes, as well as different metal types, ensuring there is sure to be an eternity ring for you!

You might be wondering, can’t I just use an eternity ring for my anniversary or wedding ring? The answer is yes and no. Eternity rings have come to be given on very special occasions, and certainly, a wedding and an anniversary ARE special occasions!

Eternity rings are given on birthdays, landmark anniversaries (such as at the five, ten, and twenty-year marks), or even graduation!

Eternity rings shine bright with diamonds along with the entire band. The seemingly never-ending diamonds symbolize your never-ending love. And since your love is eternal, an eternity ring does not need an occasion! So feel free to profess your eternal love any day with an eternity ring! 

These diamonds are your pledge to your partner. And since diamonds are ALWAYS in style, so will be your eternity ring. This piece of jewelry is not just a momentary trend, you can safely wear your eternity ring for well…eternity! And you will always be en vogue!

Eternity Rings: How To Wear Them

While there are no hard and fast rules, eternity rings are often worn next to the engagement ring and wedding ring sitting on the ring finger on your left hand.

When choosing an eternity ring, you want to keep in mind the style of the engagement and wedding rings. If your engagement ring and wedding ring are more subtle, then you may want to go for ALL the flash of an eternity ring.

And if your engagement and wedding rings are already blinged out, you may want to match that bling with styles such as a pavé or fishtail style, as seen below.

If you like a consistent look, then you’ll want to stick to the same diamond shape. So, if your engagement ring features an Asscher cut diamond, you’ll want to stick with that and choose an Asscher cut eternity ring.

Whatever style you choose, your eternity ring will certainly enhance the radiance not just of your ring finger, but of your whole hand!

If your engagement ring features a gemstone, then you will want to keep that color in mind when choosing the metal for your eternity ring. Not sure which metal goes best with which gemstone? Click here to learn about gemstone engagement rings!

Most importantly! When choosing your eternity ring KNOW YOUR SIZE! Eternity rings are VERY hard to resize due to the entire band being covered in diamonds. Often, it simply isn’t possible.

If the ring is a surprise, click here to get tips and tricks to get your partner’s ring size. Measure their finger in their sleep if you have to! We promise it is easier than trying to resize an eternity ring.

What IS An Anniversary Ring?

Anniversary rings are often given on the anniversary of your wedding and are meant to enhance your wedding ring. They feature diamonds, with a variety of settings, along with half the band, which is available in multiple metals. The metal of an anniversary ring is also chosen to compliment an existing wedding band.

Rings are a VERY popular choice for an anniversary gift. Traditionally, gold is the gift for your first wedding anniversary, so for this event, many couples will choose a white or yellow gold band as seen below:

Whether choosing a five, seven, or nine stone option, you can’t go wrong with an anniversary ring. Enough diamonds for those who want to look ballin’ but not so much for those who prefer a quieter glam.

Anniversary rings are the goldilocks of iced out rings. However many diamonds, whichever metal, James Allen has a ring your partner is sure to love.

How To Wear Your Anniversary Ring

So if your engagement ring and wedding ring are on your ring finger on your left hand, where do you wear your anniversary ring? Literally, any finger you want! One of the beauties of an anniversary ring is that there is no “traditional” finger to wear them on, so choose any finger you like!

Many people do choose to wear their anniversary ring on the ring finger on their right hand (the finger next to your pinky). This allows the ring to both compliment your engagement, eternity, and wedding rings, but stand out on its own as well.

You can also wear your anniversary ring on your left hand on a different finger, allowing your left hand to be dripping in diamonds. Or you can stack your anniversary ring with your engagement ring, wedding ring, and eternity ring, giving your left hand’s ring finger the appearance of a diamond-encrusted wand!

Wherever you decide to wear it, you are sure to enjoy the sparkle that came from a place of love.

Which Ring Is Right For You?

Top Things To Remember

Eternity Rings Anniversary Rings
Diamonds All Around The BandDiamonds On Top Half Of The Band
VERY Difficult To ResizePopular For Wedding Anniversaries
Great For Any Special OccasionAvailable In Five, Seven, Or Nine Stones
Symbolize Unending LoveSymbolize Continued Commitment

Eternity and anniversary rings are a gorgeous way to express your love for your partner. Something they can always wear, that will always be in style. These rings tell your partner how special they are, without you even having to utter the words.

Whether expressing your love with an anniversary ring or celebrating your love with an eternity ring (or both!), you are sure to be nominated for the partner hall of fame after gifting one of these beauties!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Sarah Axelrad

Sarah is a stickler for grammar and prefers to use the Oxford comma. She enjoys her career as a writer since being a professional snowboarder/powerlifter/pastry chef didn’t pan out.

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Engraved Rings: All You Need To Know

Getting your jewelry engraved with a personalized message is the ultimate way to create a unique and thoughtful sentiment. 

Engraved rings

Engraved rings are the romantic gesture you never knew you needed. Not only is it reasonably easy to get your wedding ring or engagement ring custom-engraved, but it’s affordable too. 

Perhaps you and your partner have an inside joke you want to be engraved on your wedding rings. Maybe, you’re planning on adding that personal touch but have no idea what to put on your engraved ring? That’s where we come in.

We have plenty of romantic, funny, and traditional ideas to share with you as well as some helpful facts and tips about engraving your rings and jewelry. Read on to learn more and get inspired. 

Engraved Engagement Rings

Planning a proposal is one thing, but gifting your love with a custom-engraved engagement ring will take the touching moment to a whole new level. When engraving engagement rings, sentiment plays a huge role, but personality is definitely more important, so skies the limit.

Dare to be cute, funny, and even a little cheesy! Your proposal is sure to be a happy and memorable occasion, so use this opportunity to make sure the inscription you choose adds to the laughs, smiles, and happy tears. 

Here are some romantic and funny ideas for engagement ring engravings:

Romantic:

  • I love you 
  • Yours forever 
  • My eternity 
  • Keeper of my heart
  • All my love
  • Yours eternally 
  • Mine forever, always yours 

Funny: 

  • Resistance is futile 
  • Non-refundable 
  • Dibs
  • Do not remove 
  • Finders keepers 
  • Why is this off? 
  • Insert finger here 

Our tip: keep this engraving a secret (if your partner has helped you pick out or design the engagement ring, this will make the reveal so much sweeter. 

Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring (Six Prong)

“STRONGEST TOGETHER”

Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

“As Flawless as You”

Engraved Wedding Rings

Wedding rings – the final piece of forever that seals the deal when you and your partner say, “I do.” For this magical moment in time, your engraved rings should hold the utmost sentiment.

Unlike an engagement ring, this engraving should bring a tear to the eye and tug on those heartstrings.

We recommend going traditional here: 

  • Add your wedding location 
  • A line from your wedding song 
  • A line from a poem you both love 
  • A bible verse 
  • The date of your wedding
  • The date you first met  
  • Your initials 
  • Mr & Mrs _____
  • Split message; you will be one half of a whole, after all! 

Our tip: take your time to choose the perfect engraving for your wedding ring. Either work with your partner to do a split message or use a combination of ideas you both like. 

Engraved Anniversary Rings

Celebrate your anniversary with a stunning anniversary ring or check out our range of sparkling eternity rings for alternative options. We have a couple of lovely ideas for engravings to make this milestone truly memorable.

  • The date of your honeymoon 
  • The initials of your children 
  • The dates of your child/children’s birthdays 
  • The written number of years you’ve been together 
  • An image of your choice (two hearts) or something that represents you two 
  • A sentimental quote like, “still going strong” or “as beautiful/handsome as the day we met” 

Our tip: we know it’s not always easy to think of a suitable inscription and so remember that it’s okay to wait until you know what the perfect engraving is. It can always be added in the future. 

The Most Asked Questions About Engravings

Traditionally, engravings are done by machines that use a diamond tip instrument and a clamping technique. However, with the introduction of the latest technology, laser engravings, your choice of engravings on your wedding, anniversary, or engagement ring are now boundless. 

What is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is performed using a machine equipped with a pencil-like laser that a person or artist controls. A laser beam allows the device to trace words, images, symbols, and patterns, to create the perfect custom engraved rings. Laser engraving can be done on just about any surface and works on all precious and alternative metals. 

Fun fact: Laser engraving is different from machine engraving, as it allows for more accurate engravings with clear-cut and deeper lines. Plus, it’s not limited to any particular font either.  

Pavé Knife Edge Lotus Basket Engagement Ring 

14K White Gold Pavé Knife Edge Lotus Basket Engagement Ring

““Mein Schatz” (my sweetheart)”

Matching Pavé Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold Matching Pavé Wedding Band

“I FOUND LOVE 3-14-19”

Why is Laser Engraving Easier to Read?

Laser engraving is much easier to read than machine engraving because it has a higher precision rate. It doesn’t chip away at the metal, and there is no wear and tear from tool usage because it’s a laser. 

The laser burns the metal, turning the messaging or imagery darker, making it easier to read. The laser is also more detail-driven and can produce the tiniest features, making unique personalized engraved rings or jewelry all the more appealing. 

Thin Channel Set Engagement Ring 

14K White Gold Thin Channel Set Round Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring

“YOU HAVE MY HEART”

Matching Filigree Wedding Ring

Platinum Matching Wedding Band

“I KNEW I’D MARRY YOU”

Will the Engraving Scratch off?

Our rings go through natural erosion the longer we wear them. Men’s wedding rings, for example, often need to be polished and mended for damage or breakage. The tougher your lifestyle, the more strain your ring will take long-term. 

If you’re planning to make a personalized engraving on the outside of your ring, chances are, somewhere along the line, you may need to have the engraving redone. But, the durability of the engraving relies mainly on the durability of the metal itself.

Opt for stronger metals like tungsten or platinum when engraving on the ring’s exterior, as softer metals, like white gold, are more vulnerable to chips and scratches. 

On a more encouraging note, engravings on the inside of a ring are likely never to wear away or become scratched, no matter the ring’s metal. 

What’s the Cost for Engraving?

Laser engraved wedding bands are the most popular jewelry to receive personalized messages and details. Experts estimate that getting a ring engraved can cost between $25 for up to 30 characters, including spaces. 

Here at James Allen, our customers can opt for a free engraving at checkout, on us! We offer you the choice between block or script fonts. You choose the engraving and we’ll take care of the rest. 

Pro tip: choose the block font if your band is less than 2mm thick. 

Keep Us In Mind

Here at James Allen, we love the little extra things we can do to make your experience all the more special. If you want to learn more about engraved rings, see our featured articles below. 

Don’t forget that you get your own customer engraving for free with any ring purchased from our on-site store. Contact our 24/7 customer service agents for any questions. We’re happy to help you find the ring of your dreams or the perfect gift for your loved one. 

Searching for more wedding ring engraving ideas? Read more below!

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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