What is the Difference Between Anniversary and Eternity Rings?

White and gold diamond rings

It’s an important occasion and you’d like to give your lady a gift—a new ring to add to her wedding jewelry, perhaps? The difference between an anniversary and eternity ring is a small, but important, thing to understand when deciding which piece to purchase.

Here’s the scoop: The only difference between an anniversary and an eternity band is how far the diamonds (or other stones) go around the band. Given its name, an eternity band implies that the stones go completely around the band—there’s no beginning or end. An anniversary band, on the other hand, has diamonds on the front part of the band only; the part of the band on the underside of the ring (the palm side) is plain.

These rings can look similar when gazing down at the hand. It all depends on how far on each side of the anniversary band the diamonds extend.

That’s all there is to it. An anniversary ring can be given at any time, not just anniversaries, and the band can be any style (pavé, twist, garland, etc.).

Here are a few similar styles for comparison.

Diamond ring

Riviera Diamond Eternity Ring in 14k White Gold (1 ct. tw.)

Diamond ring

Riviera Pavé Diamond Ring in Platinum (1/2 ct. tw.)

Diamond ring

Petite Twist Diamond Eternity Ring in 14k White Gold (1/5 ct. tw.)

Diamond ring

Infinity Twist Micropavé Diamond Wedding Ring in 14k White Gold (1/5 ct. tw.)

Diamond ring

Garland Diamond Eternity Ring in Platinum (2.5 ct. tw.)

Diamond ring

Garland Diamond Ring in Platinum (1 ct. tw.)

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