Infinity Symbol: The Meaning of the Infinity Sign

The infinity symbol stands for a connection with no beginning and no end. It is most often given as a symbol of eternal love and togetherness, but also of cycles and change, and of limitless possibilities. The sideways figure of eight was introduced by the mathematician John Wallis in 1655, and its technical term is lemniscate.

As an engraving, it works above all where two people are concerned. These are the three pieces chosen most often for it:

• Paracord Couples Bracelettwo pieces, the same symbol · €50 to €80
• Heart to Heart Necklace Settwo necklaces, one motif · €30 to €50
• Bangle with Custom Engravingplenty of room for a symbol and text · under €30

Where the infinity symbol comes from

The symbol's first documented appearance was in 1655: the English mathematician John Wallis introduced ∞ as a symbol for infinitely large values. The technical term for it is lemniscate, derived from the Latin lemniscus, a decorative ribbon. And that is exactly what the shape looks like: a loop that runs back into itself.

Why Wallis chose this particular shape is not documented. The natural explanation is the simple logic of the line itself: if you trace it, you never reach an end. You keep coming back to the beginning and start all over again.

What the symbol means

The four common interpretations of the infinity symbol

Eternal love	The best-known interpretation. No beginning, no end, a connection that never stops. That's why it appears so often on jewellery for couples and weddings.
Togetherness	Two loops that meet in the middle: two people, two paths through life, one shared point. Also a fitting message between parents and children, or between siblings.
Cycles and change	Everything comes back, nothing is lost. In this interpretation, the symbol stands for constancy amid change, which is comforting on memorial jewellery, for example.
Limitless possibilities	No end also means no limit. So, as a gift for a graduation or a new beginning, the symbol points in a completely different direction.

Which of these meanings applies depends on the occasion. That makes the symbol so versatile, and at the same time a little generic if you give it with nothing added.

Who gives ∞ to whom?

Who typically gives the symbol, and what goes with it

Between partners	The most common case. Two pieces with the same symbol, plus the date you met or each other's initials on the back.
Between female friends	A set of two identical necklaces. Here the symbol speaks less of love than of reliability over the years.
From parents to adult children	Usually read as togetherness. Works well with a name or date of birth on a second disc.
In remembrance	When someone is missed. Here the symbol is read as 'nothing is lost', and it feels less heavy than a cross.

More pieces you can have ∞ engraved on

With these designs, you choose the motif directly while personalising your piece, on its own or together with names, initials and a date.

• Necklace with Several Discslarge symbol, small names · €30 to €50
• Men's Necklace, Matt Finishsymbol on the back · €30 to €50
• Mini Signet Ringsymbol on the ring face · €30 to €50

More recipients in the gift guide →

When ∞ is the wrong choice

• With nothing added. The symbol alone carries every meaning, and therefore none in particular. It takes a date or two initials alongside it to make it your message.
• When it's about just one person. ∞ describes a connection between two people. For a gift to one person alone, a name, birthstone or birth flower is a better fit.
• For young children. The meaning only becomes clear later. An angel or a heart is closer to the mark here.

Is ∞ right for my occasion?

When the infinity symbol is a good fit

Wedding, anniversary, engagement	Yes, a classic. Here the meaning 'eternal love' is instantly understood.
Friendship	Yes, when it's about a long-standing, reliable connection.
In memory of someone	Yes. Read as 'nothing is lost', the symbol is very fitting.
Graduation, birthday, new beginning	Possible, in which case it stands for 'limitless possibilities'. A date alongside it makes the message clearer.

What goes on the card

These are the lines our customers most often write themselves:

• We're always here for you.
• You're more than a friend, you're family.
• So you always have us right by your side.
• Stay just the way you are.
• We love you.

Frequently asked questions about the infinity symbol

What does the infinity symbol mean?

It started out as a mathematical symbol for infinitely large values. In everyday life, it stands above all for eternal love and togetherness, and also for cycles and change, as well as limitless possibilities.

What is the proper name for the infinity symbol?

The technical term is lemniscate, from the Latin lemniscus, meaning decorative ribbon. In everyday language, people call it a sideways figure of eight or the infinity symbol.

Who invented the infinity symbol?

The English mathematician John Wallis introduced it into mathematics in 1655. Why he chose this particular shape is not recorded.

Who is jewellery with the infinity symbol suitable for?

Above all for connections between two people: partners, close female friends, parents and adult children. For a gift to an individual without that link, a name, birthstone or birth flower is a better fit.

Can you have the infinity symbol engraved?

Yes, on many of our pieces you can choose the symbol as a motif, on its own or together with names, initials and a date. Not every design offers a choice of symbols; some can only be engraved with text. The live preview on the product page shows what's possible.

How long does it take to make?

We need 3 working days for the engraving, plus delivery time. Engraving and production take place in-house in Hamburg.

A symbol only becomes personal once something is added that is yours alone: a date, two initials, a place. For sayings to suit each year of marriage, see our wedding anniversary quotes, and for anyone else you'd like to give a gift to, there's our gift guide.