glossary: ring styles

Written by Daena
08.07.2019, 11:00

A ring is just a piece of jewellery you wear on your fingers right? Well, yes you’re right, but there are lots of different styles of rings and once you’ve read this post you will know what they are and what they symbolise!

| eternity ring | half eternity ring | midi ring | russian wedding ring |
| signet ring | stacking ring | toe ring |

Eternity Ring

An eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, is typically worn by women to symbolise continuous love. They are often gifted as a sign of commitment before engagement, or as special anniversary gifts. Eternity rings are also sometimes given to new parents, as another alternative popular meaning behind the eternity ring is to represent the circle of life.

In terms of its style, it generally has gemstones set around the whole of the outside of the band.

Half-eternity Ring

Half-eternity rings have gemstones set around half of the outside of the band. Although it looks different from a full eternity ring, it has the same symbolic meaning.

Midi Ring

Midi rings are worn on the finger above the lower knuckle, and are very popular for creating a heavily jewelled-up hand. Very popular amongst celebrities, they’re often seen on red carpets layered with other stacking rings.

Russian Ring

Russian rings are generally used as wedding rings, and consist of three interlocking bands made from gold, rose gold and white gold. The three bands are seen to symbolise the Holy Trinity of Christian orthodox religion, or for non-Christians it represents the past, present, and future of the couple who have been wed.

Signet Ring

Signet rings are often heirlooms passed down through families, or seen as a symbol of fraternity. The design of signet rings includes a large face which is typically engraved with initials, crests or monograms.

Stacking Ring

A stacking ring, as you might have guessed, is a ring designed to be worn or stacked with other rings to create a layered effect. The bands of stacking rings are thinner to allow comfortable and lightweight stacking.

There are no set rules when it comes to stacking rings, but the idea is that they are stacked on top of each other with no large gaps between each ring.

Toe Ring

Now, don’t think we’re crazy for putting this in here, we know that you know what a toe ring is (if you don’t – it’s literally just a ring that goes on your toe – generally worn on the second toe), but as they are adjustable, they can also be worn as midi rings.

Not too sure what metal type to go for when choosing your new ring? Check out our guide to metal types here.