Couple rings for Lovers are a meaningful symbol of love. They can be exchanged for a variety of reasons, from commitment to monogamous marriage to simply marking a milestone in your relationship.
Irish and Celtic jewelry is suffused with meaningful symbolism perfect for couples rings. The Claddagh, representing love, loyalty and friendship, and the Celtic Knot, which represents eternity and strength are common choices.
Engagement Rings
The ring that signifies your eternal love, your commitment to one another, is a special piece. It’s also a one and done ring-there’ll be no swapping it out for something different in 10, 20, or 50 years, which makes picking the right design crucial.
These are typically given when you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level and make it exclusive – this could be as soon as you feel comfortable with it or after a year of dating, for example. The Irish claddagh ring, representing love, loyalty, and friendship, as well as the Celtic lovers knot are both fitting symbols for couple rings.
Some people opt for matching rings, and that’s fine too. But other options include choosing a band that gives a little space between the engagement ring and hand (Jemma Wynne specializes in two-stone moi et toi rings) or a nontraditional engagement ring that has a more unconventional construction. James Allen’s textured bands, for instance, offer a unique and interesting alternative.
Wedding Bands
In addition to engagement rings, couples can also exchange wedding bands to show their commitment to each other. These are typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, a traditional symbol for marriage and commitment. These are a great option for those not quite ready for the more formal commitment of an engagement ring.
Depending on the style, these can be engraved with anything from each other’s initials to a special message or quote. Often, these are more affordable than engagement rings and can be purchased individually for a unique look.
For a more modern, contemporary feel, Wheeler recommends Jade Trau’s “shaken up classic styles that are never too ‘out there,'” while both Dukes and Bernstein like this sleek, baguette-accented band from Blue Nile. For a more vintage-inspired style, Bernstein likes Sofia Kaman’s antique-inspired pieces, including the Evangeline band’s modern knife edge softened by undulating indented trios of diamonds and the Twig collection’s nature-inspired rougher finish.
Eternity Rings
A ring that signifies eternal love and commitment is a great way to mark special milestone anniversaries. It can also be a pre-engagement gift to show that you and your partner are ready to take the next step in your relationship.
A full eternity ring features diamonds or gemstones that go all the way around the band, while half eternity rings have stones on only half of the band. Full eternity rings are more expensive than half eternity rings.
Eternity rings can be stacked with your engagement and wedding ring for a fun look, or worn on their own. Designers play with traditional silhouettes to create unique bands that make a statement, like the octagonal shape of the Link to Love collection from Gucci.
If you are looking for a more traditional option, opt for a claw-set eternity ring that uses small prongs to secure the diamonds and gemstones. A channel-set eternity ring is more secure, as the stone is set into a groove in the band of precious metal.
Promise Rings
Many couples exchange promise rings to show their commitment to one another. These can symbolize a number of things, including abstinence until marriage or a commitment to a monogamous relationship. They can also be a precursor to engagement, though they don’t necessarily have to be.
Some people give these rings to their partners for a specific occasion, such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. Other times, they may simply want to express their fidelity to one another.
There are plenty of options for these rings, so you can find a pair that fits your style and budget. Choose a simple band with a small diamond for elegance, or opt for something more meaningful like a gemstone ring that represents your shared values. Alternatively, you can go for a trendy unisex option like these tungsten rings that feature a chic wood strip made from reclaimed whiskey-barrel oak. They’re a perfect choice for lovebirds who enjoy the outdoors.