Eternity rings were designed to symbolize unending love and devotion, whether it be between a mother and child or a man and woman. This is the primary reason eternity rings are set completely around with diamonds, as in full eternity rings, or just across the visible upper portion, as with half eternity rings. One of the easiest ways to give eternity rings a twist is by looking at the various settings that eternity rings can accommodate.
Traditional prong set eternity rings do well to hold the multiple stones in place. This setting is typically reserved for half eternity rings, as full eternity rings utilizing prong settings may be somewhat uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Four prongs rise up from the band to hold each stone securely in place, also allowing the stones to be set above the band for added height in the rings. The benefit of prong set eternity rings is that they can easily accommodate a variety of stone shapes and sizes.
For full eternity rings, there are several setting types that provide a more flush surface, as well as added comfort for extended wearing.
Channel set eternity rings are likely the most common choice for many women. Channel set eternity rings are created with a long groove or trench in the bands of the eternity rings themselves. The stones in the rings are place into the channel, often resting flush up against one another, and held in place by a slight overlap on either edge of the stone. Channel set eternity rings not only offer a great deal of comfort, they also give the stones in the eternity rings a seamless appearance, as there is no metal used in between each stone. Channel set rings work best with stones that can truly lay flush with ne another, such as princess or emerald cuts.
Bezel set eternity rings are also another popular choice. These rings are essentially created by having the diamonds sunk into the precious metal with a small overlap on the top edge of the stones to hold them in place. Like channel set eternity rings, bezel set eternity rings offer the comfort of a flush surface with the added benefit of the unique look a bezel set stone can present.