Eternity rings have been around for centuries and are a beautiful way for couples to express their love and individuality. While everyone’s heard of them, not many are familiar with what they are exactly and how to choose the ideal one for their partner.
This blog aims to tell you everything about it before you go about buying one.
What is an Eternity ring?
You know it’s not a wedding ring or an engagement ring. So what is it actually?
As the name suggests, an eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, symbolises eternal or everlasting love. This precious ring consists of an unbroken circle of gemstones, typically diamonds, symbolising eternity.
Eternity rings are commonly gifted to mark a special milestone like a wedding, an anniversary or child birth. Then there’s the ultimate reason for giving your loved one an eternity ring – to tell how much you love them.
So, you must choose it carefully as it will be cherished for years to come.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Eternity Ring
- Understand the Types
There are two main types of eternity rings: Full and Half eternity.
- Full Eternity Ring: A full eternity ring features diamonds or other gemstones that surround the band’s perimeter, providing a beautiful and luxurious appearance. Since a full eternity ring cannot be resized, it’s important to choose the correct size.
- Half Eternity Ring: A half eternity ring has gemstones set on the front half of the band, making it slightly more comfortable but carrying the same meaning. This ring type can be altered in size, making it more flexible.
- Choose the Gemstones
While diamonds are the most common choice for eternity rings, various other precious gemstones can also be used. The choice of gemstone depends on your personal preference and budget.
- Diamonds: Diamonds are known for their timeless beauty and durability, making them the most classic choice. Their sparkle makes them an ideal option for an eternity ring.
- Coloured Gemstones: If you want to add playfulness to the ring, consider using coloured gemstones that hold meaning. Like sapphires for loyalty, rubies for love and emeralds representing rebirth.
- Birthstones: Birthstones symbolise the month in which the person is born. There is a birthstone associated with each month of the year. Including birthstones in an eternity ring adds a sentimental touch.
- Consider the Metal
There are various types of metals to choose from, and the one you choose should suit your partner’s style and complement the gemstone.
- Platinum: With its natural white sheen, platinum has become one of the most popular metals being used in eternity rings. They don’t tarnish or lose their brilliance over time. Given their rarity, platinum is more expensive than gold.
- 18ct Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is the classic gold colour and also a traditional choice for diamond eternity rings. It has been used in jewellery for years for its warm colour and corrosion resistance.
- 18ct Rose Gold: This pink-hued gold is a more romantic alternative that made a big comeback in the 2010s and is a very popular option today. The unique blush of rose gold adds elegance to the eternity ring that not all metals can achieve.
- 18ct White Gold: Although white gold has the same overall appearance as platinum, it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its brighter white shine and more affordable price.
- Select the Stone Setting
The setting of the stone impacts the appearance as well as the durability of the eternity ring. Some popular ring setting styles of an eternity ring include:
- Channel: It consists of two metal bands encasing the diamonds or gemstones within the band. The Channel offers a modern and classic look, perfect for baguette and princess-cut diamonds.
- Claw-Set: Also known as prong-set, this is the most popular setting. It uses small metal prongs to hold the stones within the band. Claw-set setting is most popular with round brilliant-cut diamonds.
- Pave: This style evokes the vintage elegance of Art Deco designs. Each diamond is claw set within the band in a pave setting, often covering part of the band for a continuous sparkle.
- Rub-Over: In this style, each stone is held in place by a continuous rim of metal rubbed over the gemstone, creating a seamless appearance. The rub-over setting is the most secure of all.
- Bar: In a bar setting, each gemstone is held within a tension bar setting, letting in a great deal of light to reflect beautifully. It is a more modern and contemporary design that leaves the diamond exposed on two sides
- Select the Diamond Cut
One of the main factors to consider when looking for a diamond eternity ring is the diamond shape. While there are several options, some diamond shapes are more popular than others:
- Round: The round cut is the most popular choice for eternity rings. A round-cut diamond has more facets than any other shape, ensuring maximum sparkle and shine.
- Princess: This square-cut diamond gives the wearer a modern and sophisticated look. It sits perfectly in a channel-set eternity ring.
- Oval: The main stone here is an oval-shaped diamond, which is an elongated version of a round diamond. This diamond shape is a versatile choice.
- Emerald: An emerald-cut diamond ring features a rectangular diamond with ‘step cut’ facets, creating a sleek and elongated look, often associated with a vintage aesthetic.
- Find The Right Size & Fit
For the eternity rings to sit comfortably, it’s essential to know the exact ring size of your loved one. If you’re unsure of the size, consider borrowing one of their rings or seek help from a close family member or friend. You’ll also want to know their preferred width of the band.
If they have a minimalist style, you’d want to consider a thinner band and if they love bold, statement pieces, a wider band may be more fitting.
- Buy New or Pre-owned
Eternity rings are priced differently depending on the quality of the stone, the design complexity, the brand, and the metal choice. While many consider buying brand-new ones, a rising trend among the younger generation is buying pre-owned diamond rings.
With a pre-owned eternity ring, you can afford a higher-quality diamond or a more intricate design at a lower cost. Plus, the pre-owned market offers a wide variety of designs that may not be readily available in new collections.
Final Words
Eternity rings are stunning symbols of love, making them a perfect way to show your affection to someone special. While presenting an eternity ring is meaningful, selecting one might be a little stressful with so many aspects to consider.
Whether you want to stick with tradition or try a creative design, consider the above aspects to choose the perfect eternity ring for your loved one. Above all, ensure that the ring is a true reflection of the love and bond you share.
After all, diamonds may last a lifetime, but Eternity rings span eternity and beyond.
