What Does an Infinity Necklace Mean?

An infinity necklace means forever. The sideways figure of eight has no beginning and no end, so it has come to stand for love, friendship and connection that simply keeps going. Worn on a necklace, it sits close to the heart, which is exactly where most people want that meaning to be. Here is what the symbol says, who it suits, and a few necklaces that tell the same story in their own way.

Where does the infinity symbol come from?

The shape we now call the infinity sign was first used in mathematics in the 1650s by the English mathematician John Wallis, as a way of writing something without limit. Long before that, looping shapes like it appeared in art and jewellery as a sign of eternity: a single line that turns back on itself and carries on.

Over the centuries the symbol travelled from textbooks into everyday life. Today almost everyone recognises it straight away, even if they couldn't tell you where it began. That is a large part of its charm. It needs no explanation, and it means the same thing to the person giving it as to the person wearing it.

What does an infinity necklace mean as a gift?

Given as a present, an infinity necklace usually says one of three things.

• Forever love. For a partner, it is a quiet way of saying you are in this for the long run. It is a popular choice for anniversaries, Valentine's Day and the moments in between.
• A bond that doesn't break. For a best friend or a sister, it says that distance and time won't change what you have.
• Love that was always there. For a mum or a daughter, it speaks to the kind of love that started before either of you could put it into words.

Because the meaning is so open, it rarely feels like the wrong gift. It works for a first anniversary and a fortieth, for a new friendship and an old one.

What does it mean when infinity is combined with a heart?

On its own, the infinity sign means forever. Add a heart and the message becomes unmistakably about love: love that goes on and on. It is one of the most romantic ways to wear the symbol, and a lovely choice when you want the meaning to be clear without saying a word.

Our Infinity Heart Necklace with Sparkling Stones draws both shapes as one flowing line. The loops of the infinity sign pass straight through an open heart, which is outlined in small sparkling stones, while the loops themselves stay smooth and polished.

Which other symbols mean forever?

The infinity sign is not the only way to say forever in jewellery. A few older symbols carry almost the same meaning, and they make a nice alternative if she already owns an infinity piece.

• The love knot. Loops that pass over and under each other and close on themselves, with no loose ends. For centuries it has stood for two people bound together. Our Love Knot Necklace with Sparkling Stones weaves three sparkling loops into a single knot.
• Linked circles. A circle has no end, and two circles passing through each other show two lives joined for good. The Interlocking Circles Necklace with Linked Ring Pendant keeps that idea clean and simple, with no stones at all.

Is an infinity necklace only for couples?

Not at all. Many people buy infinity jewellery for friends, family, or themselves. Some wear one as a reminder of someone they miss. Others treat it as a small promise to themselves: to keep going, to keep growing, to remember that a hard season doesn't last forever.

If you are buying for yourself, you don't need a reason. A piece you love and wear every day is reason enough.

What does it mean if someone gives you one?

If someone gives you an infinity necklace, they are telling you that you matter to them and that they expect you to keep mattering. It is not a casual gift. It is chosen, and it usually comes with a feeling the giver finds easier to show than to say.

The nicest way to say thank you is simply to wear it.

How do you choose the right infinity necklace?

Start with what she already wears. If her rings and earrings are warm and golden, choose gold-tone. If she leans towards cooler, brighter pieces, silver-tone will sit more naturally beside them. When you are unsure, look at her watch: it is often the clearest clue.

Then think about where it will sit. A small pendant that rests just below the collarbone is the easiest to wear every day, on its own or layered with a longer chain.

How do you look after an infinity necklace?

A little care keeps it looking its best. Take it off before swimming, showering or exercising, and put it on after perfume, hand cream and hairspray rather than before. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and store it on its own so the chain doesn't tangle with other jewellery.

A small symbol with a big meaning

An infinity necklace is one of the simplest ways to tell someone that what you share isn't going anywhere. It is small enough to wear every day and meaningful enough to keep for years.

Every order comes with free UK delivery, and you have 30 days to change your mind.

With love,
Team Primrose Noir