Eternity Rings vs Regular Wedding Bands: What’s the Difference?

Everybody wants a ring that is as unique as their love story, and in a debate between eternity rings vs wedding bands, it is important to understand that both have their purpose but it's the meaning behind the rings that sets them apart. Both these ring types represent different stages of commitment, but their contributions to a marriage are profound nonetheless. With that being said, this short guide will highlight the key differences between eternity rings and the regular wedding bands in the UK, so that you can make an informed decision and celebrate your milestones the right way.

What Are Wedding Bands?

The regular wedding band is what partners exchange as they take their vows during the wedding ceremony to symbolise the union of marriage. Dating back centuries across a myriad of cultures and traditionally simple in design, wedding bands today are considered the ultimate symbol of love and dedication. They represent the start of a new chapter in a couple’s life.

When it comes to the design, the wedding bands are plain although they are sleek and modern in appearance. The most popular choices of metal are gold and platinum, with gold being the standard pick. The classic wedding band is the most common style that customers go for, but in some cases, many go for a contemporary design like the diamond-set bands that feature various diamond accents or a single diamond. However, the wedding bands still keep the traditional circular design aspect as conventionally, they represent the culmination of commitment between two partners.

Understanding Eternity Rings

Unlike the wedding bands, eternity rings are all about milestones and the celebration of a unique achievement. Compared to the regular wedding bands, eternity rings are characterised by their iconic look which involves the diamonds being set around the ring in a continuous line. Since wedding bands are traditionally the rings used when exchanging vows, eternity rings are given to mark a significant milestone in a relationship like the birth of a child or a 25th wedding anniversary. However, eternity rings can also be worn as a wedding ring as well, but it's only the wedding bands that enjoy the function of a single universal purpose. 

How Do They Compare?

Eternity rings vs wedding bands seem similar at first during comparison, but there are a lot of differences between the two that customers need to be aware of before they can make a decision on choosing the right ring for their special occasion. 

1. Design: The design is probably the most prominent difference between the two, with eternity rings having their distinct diamonds-around-the-surface look while wedding bands come in plain metal. One reason why wedding bands are plain is that they follow a traditional design aspect that is a few centuries old and plus, they need to be comfortable to wear as they will be an everyday staple in everyone's lives. Too many design embellishments and the ring will not be comfortable to wear. Of course, wedding bands may have a diamond in the centre or some may even deviate from the standard style depending upon the customer’s preference, but the main design aspect for both eternity rings and wedding bands will largely remain the same.

2. Durability: Eternity rings, owing to their intricate designs, are more prone to wear and may require frequent maintenance works if worn daily. It is one of the reasons why they are not a popular choice as a wedding ring. Exposed diamonds are still at risk of scratch or damage no matter how strong the setting is. Eternity rings with smaller stones are ideal if you are using it as a wedding ring and firm metals like platinum will secure the stones better. Wedding bands don't face as much wear and tear like their eternity ring counterparts as they are designed for daily wear and they don't have any embellishments that would be prone to hits and scratches. 

3. Purpose: Traditionally, eternity rings are given after the wedding, although that trend is also changing today, with eternity rings being used as wedding rings. They are mostly used to commemorate a significant milestone in a committed relationship, or to mark certain occasions that are deemed worthy in a marriage. Wedding rings are more about vows and marriage ceremonies, and it is still the widely picked option as the go-to ring to officially cement the commitment of the two partners. 

4. Versatility: Both are ideal in terms of versatility, with both eternity rings and wedding bands able to blend in with a number of outfits or occasions. However, wedding bands may be considered more versatile than eternity rings as they are widely used across hundreds of cultures and regions around the world, while eternity rings are still mostly limited to the west. People might prefer the regular wedding bands as well, as they are more comfortable to wear and more suited for an active lifestyle.

5. Cost: Eternity rings, because of their setting and design and the fact that they will have diamonds as well, makes them very costly compared to the regular wedding bands which are made of only one metal. Although the design elements can vary widely, eternity rings are generally sold at a higher markup compared to wedding rings, and this makes the latter extremely popular among those who want to stick to a budget and don't want to spend unnecessarily on a wedding ceremony.  

6. Resizing: Due to their continuous design, eternity rings are difficult to resize and if customers have doubts regarding their future implications regarding size and maintenance, it is better to go for a wedding band as it is not only easier to resize but cheaper too. 

Now that you are aware of what the practical implications are when it comes to eternity rings vs wedding bands, all that is left is to choose the right one based on your lifestyle and preference. If you have a hard time picking the right option, our experts at Eternity Jewels can help you choose the best ring based on your budget and your commitment goals!