The Eternity Ring, and Why It’s Time to Update this Outdated Concept
The eternity ring, also known as the eternity band, is steeped in history and symbolism. Its origins can be traced way back to Ancient Egypt, where simple rings made of braided reeds symbolised the eternal circle of life, love, and commitment. Cute.
Fast forward to the 1960s, and De Beers ditched reeds for diamonds, popularising the modern diamond-studded eternity ring symbolising eternal love without beginning or end. Sounds romantic eh?
1984 De Beers Diamond Anniversary Ring Ad - This Report
While these rings, featuring a continuous line of diamonds may seem romantic (not to mention a serious flex), they’re not exactly practical for every day wear. If you’re a lady of leisure (more power to you!) you shouldn’t have any issues, but for those of us who actually use our hands regularly—whether it's opening a car door, rolling a suitcase, or pushing a pram—these rings are prone to damage meaning you’re going to end up with a set of equally damaged diamonds that run around your digit.
The Eternity Ring and the Infamous “Push Present”
In the past eternity rings have been gifted to celebrate important wedding anniversaries but in recent years they have become a popular option to celebrate the significant milestone of becoming a mother. So called “push rings” or “push presents” are a reward for new mothers for pushing their child into the world - insert ‘roll eyes‘ emoji here…
This doesn’t mean to say I am not one for a highly valuable gift that represents the true seismic shift that occurs when a person enters motherhood - far from it. While the sentiment behind these gifts is appreciated, the concept of the 'push present' feels outdated and patronising.
Redefining Family Legacy
Traditionally, signet rings have been passed from father to son to preserve family legacy. As a designer, I’m interested in evolving this tradition to better reflect the modern family dynamic and transform the concept of a push present into something new.
I want to create pieces that celebrate mothers and their legacies, using precious, traceable materials. These future heirlooms are designed with the intention that gender does not determine who may receive them, focusing instead on capturing a familial connection.
Case Study: Gracie's Legacy Ring
My latest commission! My client had a bunch of her mother's old gold to melt down. She has also had a baby in the past year, a gorgeous lil' girl who is the absolute spit of her. Time to put my vision into practice and create a new piece intended for family legacy.
Gracie wanted a pre-loved diamond gypsy set into a heavy gold band. She wanted to use her mother's gold, and for me to source an old-cut vintage diamond (her husband was purchasing). This was going to be a ring to mark the birth of her first child.
There were too many delicious ingredients not to steer her a bit... The gold her mother had gifted her had originated from many women in her family - her great aunts, her grandmother and even great grandmother and there was something really beautiful about all these pieces coming together to celebrate the beginning of a new generation.
I suggested creating two rings instead of one from the gold, each featuring a pre-loved diamond. These rings were designed to sit snugly together, symbolising the bond between mother and child, yet each could stand alone, representing individuality. A blunt representation of parenthood I suppose; you love them, cherish them, keep them close but one day they head off into the big bad world, and are completely beautiful and wonderful without you!
Case Study: Meg's ‘Moi et Toi’ Kid Ring
Friends of mine, Meg and Henry initially sought an emerald eternity ring but were open to seeing some more unusual designs. So I got to work and here is the beautiful finished piece I made for my dear pal who now has two babes, four years apart.
The idea was to give the ring a more contemporary twist by playing around with stone sizes. The couple were particularly attracted to the idea of having a “mummy” and “baby” stone. Inspired by this concept, I created a 'Moi et Toi' ring set.
The first ring featured two emeralds representing mum and Babe #1, while the second ring, with aquamarines, represented mum and Babe #2. The gap between the stones is important because as life goes on, you are not always with your mother (one would hope!) but you are forever connected.
A New Perspective on Push Rings
The ‘season of life’ I am in myself (with two small children of my own) means working on these rings this year has been a real joy. They have inspired me to reconsider the ‘Push’ ring, what it is, and what it means to a modern new mother. Presently, I am working on a little set of rings for my daughter. More on that to come.
I’d love to know your thoughts on Eternity Rings or Push Rings and would happily offer you some advice should you be on the hunt for one. Feel free to drop me an email at hello@samhamdesign.com.