Is an Eternity Ring a Good Push Present?
An eternity ring is a fitting push present for a new mother. A half eternity band, with stones across about 50% of the ring, is the practical pick.
Yes. An eternity ring is one of the most fitting push presents, the gift a partner gives a mother to mark the birth of a baby. An unbroken line of diamonds has long been given at a birth as a sign of continuing love. A half eternity band, with stones across about 50% of the ring, is usually the practical choice because it can still be resized later.
What is a push present?
A push present is a gift from a partner to a mother to mark the birth of a baby, usually given in the first days or weeks after the birth. The phrase is newer and mostly American. In the UK many people simply call it a gift for a new mum, and jewellery is the most common choice. A ring is worn daily, so it marks the birth on the 1 piece she sees most.
Why is an eternity ring the usual push present choice?
An eternity ring is the usual push present choice because its circle of matching diamonds carries the idea of a family continuing. The birth of a child, often the first, is one of the oldest reasons for giving one. An eternity band also sits beside an engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger, so it adds to a stack of 3 rings rather than competing with them.
Our guide to when to give an eternity ring covers other occasions.
When should you give an eternity ring for a new baby?
An eternity ring for a new baby is usually given just after the birth, either in hospital or once the family is home. Giving it before the birth is possible, but rings are often taken off late in pregnancy and during labour, so it may sit in a drawer. Waiting also helps with sizing. Some parents wait for a date such as the baby’s 1st birthday.
What size should the ring be if fingers are still swollen?
Ring size after a birth is hard to judge, because fingers often stay swollen for weeks. A useful rule is to wait until the size has held steady for about 2 months before you settle on it. If you want to give the ring straight away, buy her usual pre-pregnancy size and plan to wear it later, or choose a half eternity band, which can be resized through its plain back.
The detail on timing is in our guide to ring fit after pregnancy.
Which eternity ring is practical with a newborn?
The most practical eternity ring with a newborn is a low, smooth band that will not catch on blankets, baby clothes or a baby’s skin. Bathing, feeding and nappy changes mean the ring is in water and against fabric all day. A slim band of around 1.8 mm with stones set close to the metal suits that life far better than a tall or wide design. A full eternity ring cannot usually be resized.
Two of our bands show the range, and the slimmer one is far easier to live with beside a newborn.
| Band | Width | Thickness | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twisted Round Cut Half Eternity Band | 1.8 mm | 1.5 mm | Everyday wear beside an engagement ring |
| Stackable Heart Cut Eternity Band in Rose Gold | 4.10 mm | 2.90 mm | A statement ring worn on its own |
The Twisted Round Cut Half Eternity Band is £657 and the Stackable Heart Cut Eternity Band in Rose Gold is £2,450, correct at the time of writing. Our guide to half and full eternity rings compares band lengths. At CarbonstoneUK in North Harrow, London, browse our wedding and eternity ring collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is a push present expected in the UK?
No. A push present is not expected in the UK, and many families have never heard the phrase. It is simply a gift to mark the birth, if you want to give one. Some couples give an eternity ring at the 1st birthday instead, once fingers have settled.
Which finger does a push present eternity ring go on?
Most people wear an eternity ring on the ring finger of the left hand, beside the engagement ring and wedding band. The usual order is the wedding band closest to the hand, then the engagement ring, then the eternity ring. Some prefer the right hand so that 3 rings do not crowd one finger.
Can you add a diamond to the ring for each child?
Yes, with planning. A jeweller can design a band with a set number of stones and spaces left for more, or you can add a second slim band when another child arrives. Adding a stone to an existing band is harder, so plan it from the start with 1 design.
Should the eternity ring match the engagement ring metal?
Yes, usually. Matching metals stop harder and softer alloys rubbing against each other, and the colours sit together better. If the engagement ring is 18ct yellow gold, an 18ct yellow gold eternity band is the safe choice. Mixed metals can work as a deliberate look.
Is a half eternity ring better than a full one for a new mum?
Yes, for most new mums. A half eternity ring has stones across about 40% to 60% of the band and plain metal underneath, so it is more comfortable when holding a baby and can be resized if fingers change. A full eternity ring has stones all the way round and cannot usually be resized.
Is a push present only for the first baby?
No. A push present can mark any birth, and many families give one for the first child only, while others give a smaller piece each time. An eternity ring for the 1st baby and a slim stacking band for later children is a common way to keep the stack balanced without overloading one finger.
More guides on this topic
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