An elegantly simple yet beautiful design, the infinity symbol ∞ is associated with eternal love. Infinite, limitless and endless. Using the infinity symbol to express forever love, what could be more romantic than that?

Some people think that incorporating the infinity symbol in jewelry is a recent phenomenon. Or that it is just a mathematical symbol that represents the concept of infinity.

So you might be surprised to find out that the infinity symbol has actually been around since ancient times. It doesn’t just have multiple interpretations and a long history, it has also appeared in some form or another in many different cultures. This has made the infinity symbol a popular and highly meaningful design to incorporate into anything from tattoos to jewelry.

Origin & Symbolism

The infinity symbol is sometimes called a lemniscate (used in mathematics). This word comes from the Latin word “lemniscus”, which means “ribbon”.  Notice how the infinity symbol looks like a ribbon?

Roman numerals such as III and IV are pretty well-known. For expressing large numbers, the Romans actually used another system called apostrophus. The symbol for the number 1000, which the Romans also used to mean “many” or “countless” is C|Ɔ or ↀ. John Wallis, who is credited with introducing the infinity symbol to mathematics in the 17th century was thought to have been inspired by theses Roman symbols.

The word “infinity” comes from the latin word “infinitas” which means “unboundedness“, having no limits and ends. And the infinity symbol itself resembles Celtic knots which consist of never ending loops with no beginning and end. Both similarly representing the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth.

The East. In ancient India and Tibet, the Infinity symbol represented perfection, and the dualism and unity between male and female just like Yin and Yang, two opposing forces that together become one.

Ouroboros. The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol which originated from ancient Egypt before entering Greek and other western cultures. It depicts a serpent or snake devouring its own tail. Originally represented as a circle, it has also been represented as being twisted in a figure-of-eight similar to the infinity symbol. The Ouroboros symbolizes the cyclic and infinite nature of the universe with the Ouroboros eating its own tail to keep itself alive. From death comes life and from destruction comes creation, an infinite cycle of renewal.

Tarot. Occult tarot decks which are used for divination since the 18th century also feature the infinity symbol in some of its cards. The symbol represents the eternal and endless nature of energy, with the perpetual interaction between energy and matter. It can also refer to the infinite nature of human spirit or thoughts.

Love & The Infinity

Limitless, eternal and becoming as one, there is no better symbol to represent eternal love. And it’s not just about eternal love but also the infinite and limitless possibilities that love brings. With so many possible way to interpret the infinity symbol, it is no wonder that it has become such a popular love symbol.

If you want to learn more about other symbols of love, read our blog post on meaningful gifts.

The Infinity By Sara Verdier. Adorned with the dazzling diamond simulants from Sara Verdier, The Infinity cuff by Sara Verdier is an exquisite take on the popular symbol. while retaining the minimalist design of the Infinity symbol. A great gift for your forever love!