How to Choose the Perfect Eternity Ring for an Anniversary

Marking a milestone anniversary with a meaningful gift is one of the most beautiful traditions in jewellery. Of all the options, few pieces carry as much emotional weight and elegance as the eternity ring. A symbol of everlasting love, it celebrates the journey you've taken together — and the many chapters still to come.

At Bannon Jewellers, we help clients across Ireland find the perfect piece to honour their most cherished milestones. In this guide, we explore how to choose the right eternity ring for a special anniversary, from gemstone choices to metals, styling tips, and symbolic meanings — making your selection as personal and timeless as the love it represents.

Why an Eternity Ring Is the Perfect Anniversary Gift

An eternity ring is far more than a decorative band. Traditionally set with a continuous line of gemstones, the meaning of eternity rings involves unending devotion and shared history. This makes it the ideal gift for wedding anniversaries — a visible reminder of everything you've experienced as a couple, and a promise of all that's yet to come.

Whether you're celebrating your first, fifth, tenth, or twenty-fifth anniversary, an eternity ring can be customised to reflect the depth and uniqueness of your love.

When Do You Get an Eternity Ring for an Anniversary?

While there's no rule about when to give an eternity ring, it is most commonly gifted to mark key anniversaries or meaningful personal milestones:

• 1st anniversary: A half eternity ring or silver eternity ring can be a beautifully understated start.

• 5th anniversary: A 5 stone eternity ring or white gold eternity ring is a popular choice.

• 10th anniversary: A diamond eternity ring or full eternity ring is a powerful symbol of lasting commitment.

• 25th anniversary: Often marked with a platinum eternity ring — known for strength and endurance.

Tip: Matching the number of stones to the number of years can add an extra symbolic layer to your gift and show pride in how many years was spent together. 

How to Choose the Right Eternity Ring Style

Pictured: 18ct Gold Split-Claw Half Diamond Ring & 18ct White Gold Diamond Millgrain Channel Ring

Half Eternity Ring vs Full Eternity Ring

When selecting the right ring, you'll want to consider both the aesthetic and the practical elements.

A full eternity ring features gemstones that encircle the entire band. It offers continuous sparkle from every angle, making it a bold and luxurious choice — ideal for significant milestones like a 10th or 25th anniversary.

A half eternity ring, with stones only across the top of the band, is perfect for daily wear. It’s often more comfortable and easier to resize in the future. For someone who prefers subtle elegance, this style combines symbolism with practicality.

You might also opt for symbolic designs like a 4 diamond eternity ring or 7 stone eternity ring, which showcase larger stones spaced in a structured layout — ideal for making a meaningful statement.

Pictured: 18ct Gold Diamond & Sapphire Five Stone Ring

Stone-Count Eternity Rings: A Personalised Touch

• 4 Stone Eternity Ring – Can symbolise four years of marriage, four children, or any meaningful number.

• 5 Stone Eternity Ring – A popular style for fifth anniversaries, offering a classic, balanced appearance.

• 7 Stone Eternity Ring – Associated with good luck and long-standing love; a striking choice for a larger anniversary.

Each stone-count style carries its own visual rhythm and emotional resonance (and a lovely way to personalise your gift).

Choosing the Right Metal: Style and Symbolism

The metal of the band influences not only the look of the ring but also its wearability and meaning. Besides checking the jewellery box of the wearer, here’s how to choose based on personal style and sentiment

Pictured: 18ct White Gold Round Split Claw 0.58ct Diamond Ring

White Gold Eternity Ring

Refined and versatile, white gold eternity rings offer a timeless finish that pairs beautifully with diamonds, sapphires, and modern engagement rings. Its angelic, bright-silver look makes it one of the most popular choices for anniversary jewellery.

Platinum Eternity Ring

Platinum is synonymous with endurance and strength — the perfect metaphor for a love that has lasted through the decades. Accordingly, platinum eternity rings are exceptionally durable, naturally white, and ideal for those who wear their jewellery every day.

Pictured: 9ct Gold Cubic Zirconia Band Ring

Gold Eternity Ring

Gold has deep cultural significance in Ireland. A yellow gold eternity ring carries warmth and tradition, while rose gold brings a modern, romantic twist. At Bannon Jewellers, our selection of gold eternity rings reflects both heritage and contemporary taste.

Silver Eternity Ring

A silver ring is an elegant, affordable option often chosen for earlier anniversaries or as a more modern statement piece. Its cool tone suits a wide range of gemstones and styles.

Pictured: 18ct White Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring

 

Gemstones and Their Meanings: Add Symbolism to Your Choice

The stones you choose for your eternity ring can reflect the emotional tone of your relationship and the story you’ve shared. Here are some of the most meaningful and popular options:

Diamond Eternity Ring

The classic choice. A diamond eternity ring represents clarity, purity, and lasting strength. Perfect for major milestones, it complements both traditional and modern bridal jewellery effortlessly.

Sapphire Eternity Ring

Symbolising loyalty, wisdom, and deep emotional connection, a sapphire eternity ring is perfect for those who value depth and meaning. Its deep blue hue is regal and timeless.

Emerald Eternity Ring

With its vibrant green tone, an emerald eternity ring symbolises growth, harmony, and new beginnings — especially meaningful if your anniversary coincides with a new chapter in your lives, such as a family milestone.

Ruby Eternity Ring

Bold and passionate, the ruby eternity ring reflects enduring love and vitality. It’s a striking choice for a partner who appreciates vibrant colour and symbolism.

 

How to Wear an Eternity Ring with a Wedding and Engagement Ring

If your eternity ring is intended to be worn daily, it’s worth considering how it will stack with existing rings.

Traditional Stacking Order:

1. Wedding ring (closest to the heart)

2. Engagement ring

3. Eternity ring (top)

This layout preserves the sentimental sequence of your relationship. That said, modern tastes often embrace more personalised combinations, especially if the eternity ring features coloured gemstones or a distinct design.

For those who prefer a minimalist look, wearing the eternity ring on the right hand is an elegant alternative—especially for bold styles like an emerald or ruby eternity ring that stand out on their own.

 

Celebrate Your Next Chapter with Bannon Jewellers

Whether you're marking one year or twenty-five, an eternity ring is a deeply meaningful way to honour your shared history. At Bannon Jewellers, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of eternity rings with the option to customise, so you can gift a ring that’s most sentimental to you and your relationship. 

Our expert team is here to guide you through every step, helping you select a ring that feels as special as the moment you’re celebrating.

Explore our Eternity Ring collection online, or book a personal consultation for expert help picking out the perfect ring.