Eternity Rings received their name for the never-ending circle of gems (usually diamonds) that are set all around the ring. The wedding ring is another symbol of a continuous loving relationship and some couples decide to replace the traditional plain band with an Eternity Ring. The gem studded Eternity Rings are sparkling favorites for gifts to mark milestones in a loving relationship. There are many choices available although the ones containing a circle of diamonds are the most popular.

Gems can be all diamonds or a mix of gems including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or other precious gems. A “full” ring has gems all the way around but this means that the ring cannot ever be resized if the wearer has a change in finger size due to weight changes. A “half” ring does not have that problem and has gems only around one half of the circumference of the ring. The full styles are bulkier and may cause some problems for the wearer that the half rings do not pose. The problems with sizing are one reason many jewelers only special order Eternity Rings rather than keeping some in stock. This also adds to the cost of the rings.

Gem shapes are easier to manage in creating the rings if they are the square or oblong shapes rather than round. The visual treat of viewing these rings is important and for this reason some women prefer the half ring so the stones can all be seen. Comfort while wearing the ring is another consideration in making a choice between a full setting and half setting of gems.

There are many styles and prices will depend upon the gems that are used and ring materials. A good estimate begins at about $500 and can go as high in price as $9,000 or more. Good looking Eternity Rings are also made from showy stones that look like and sparkle like diamonds but cost much less.

Eternity rings or jewelry depicting a line without end have been found in diggings from primitive civilizations as much as 4000 years ago. Today they still represent eternal love and longevity in a relationship. It is a tangible representation and a symbol of love and caring in a relationship. The Eternity Ring can truly be given at any time and for any occasion that is special to a caring couple.

Like channel set eternity rings, bezel set eternity rings offer a smooth, flush surface on the outside of the ring.  This makes the bezel setting an ideal choice for full eternity rings where comfort is of the utmost importance.  Bezel set eternity rings allow the diamonds in the eternity rings to be set into the band itself.  The individual stones are then overlapped with precious metal on their outer edges, just enough to hold the stones firmly in place in the eternity rings, bot not so much as to distract form the beauty of the diamonds themselves.  This setting type ensures that the stones cannot become dislodged unless great force is applied and that the eternity rings cannot become snagged or caught on eternal items.

The biggest downside to the bezel setting for eternity rings is that some people feel if provides to bulky of an appearance.  On the other hand, it makes the setting choice ideal for consumers looking for eternity rings with a bit more substance to them.  Some also feel that bezel set eternity rings may not always allow enough light to pass into the stones, somewhat diminishing their shine and brilliance.

Keep in mind, there are many other setting choices available for eternity rings.  We have simply taken a more in depth look at the three most popular types.  If you are interested in learning more about other setting choices for eternity rings, contact your local jeweller who will be able to give you more details on the other setting types, including both the benefits and drawbacks of each setting type.  Just make sure to specify that you are shopping for eternity rings as some setting types present unique challenges for eternity rings that they may not display for other ring types.

Like channel set eternity rings, prong or claw set eternity rings have a spot high up on the popularity list when it comes to eternity rings in general.  Utilising the setting method most often relied upon for diamond engagement rings, prong or claw set eternity rings rely on this same method to hold stones securely in place in a fashionable and attractive manner.  As the name implies, claw set eternity rings rely on small prongs that extend upwards from the bands of the eternity rings which grip the individuals diamonds to held them in place.  Most often, these prongs in the eternity rings are made from platinum, even if the eternity rings themselves are not.  This is because platinum tends to be a stronger metal and strength is a key factor in the success of the prong setting for eternity rings.  Prong set eternity rings offer a traditional design and a classic appearance.  These particular eternity rings also allow the diamonds to be set slightly above the finger, presenting a larger amount of space below the diamonds in the eternity rings to allow a greater amount of light to pass through them.

On the downside, some people find that with more active lifestyles, the prongs or claws may become snagged at times, on items such as clothing.  If a prong was to become snagged and bend somehow, the eternity rings become at risk for loosing a stone.  Some people also find the prong setting for eternity rings uncomfortable for long term wear, particularly in full eternity rings.  Prong or claw set eternity rings should be inspected on a regular basis by a professional jeweller.  During routine cleanings, professionals can inspect the setting in the eternity rings to ensure no prongs have come out of place and no stones in the eternity rings have become loose.

Check back soon as we continue to explore the many benefits and drawbacks to the various settings used for eternity rings.

One of the most popular choices for setting eternity rings is the channel set method.  This type of setting for eternity rings consists of a groove that is cut into the band of the eternity rings.  The individual diamonds are laid into the groove of the eternity rings, which in turn overlaps the outer edges of the diamonds in the eternity ring just slightly enough to hold them in place.  The underside of the groove or channel in the eternity rings is left partially open to allow light to pass into the underside of the diamonds in the eternity rings.

Channel set eternity rings are ideal when used with Princess Cut or Emerald Cut stones as they allow a seamless diamond channel to run throughout the band of the eternity rings.  When used with other shapes of diamonds, such as Round Cut or Oval Cut stones, channel set eternity rings also present a unique visual appeal as they give the diamonds the appearance of floating in the eternity rings themselves.  Another benefit of channel set eternity rings is the fact that they offer one of the most secure setting types as they make it very difficult for any of the stones in the eternity rings to become dislodged or lost.

On the downside, channel set eternity rings have a habit of allowing dirt and debris to become trapped in the channel itself and these particular eternity rings may require more frequent cleaning than other styles of eternity rings.  With proper care, however, channel set eternity rings can present a lifetime of beauty.

Stay tuned as we explore some additional setting types for eternity rings to determine which setting type may best suit your needs.

Naturally, one of the easiest ways to trim the price tags on eternity rings is to opt for half eternity rings as opposed to full ones.  Since half eternity rings contain a significantly lesser number of diamonds, the overall cost as compared to full eternity rings is often significantly lower as well.  While there are pros and cons to each of the two styles of eternity rings, when it comes to budget friendly design, half eternity rings are your best bet.

Another easy way to keep eternity rings affordable is by carefully choosing the precious metal you want the eternity rings to be made from.  For yellow gold eternity rings, opt for 9ct gold, as opposed to 18ct  The lower the karat of the yellow gold being used, the less the gold will cost per gram.  If you prefer eternity rings set in white metal and want to stick to a budget, you may need to forgo any dreams of platinum eternity rings.  Instead, opt for the more affordable white gold eternity rings.  Palladium eternity rings also present a nice alternative, possessing many of the same qualities as platinum eternity rings at a much lower cost.

Finally, choose a simpler cut for the stones in the eternity rings.  Always keep in mind that the simpler the cut of diamond, the lower per carat cost it will have associated with it.  Since the bulk of the price of the eternity rings is driven by the diamonds themselves, it is important to choose simpler cuts to keep the overall cost of the eternity rings manageable.  Avoid Brilliant Cut diamonds and opt for more basic Emerald Cuts instead.

Eternity rings to commemorate the birth of a child are the second most popular occasion for the purchase of eternity rings.  The dilemma, however, lies in what to do when a couple welcomes additional children into their family.  This can easily be solved in a number of ways, all using variations of the basic eternity rings.  For some couples, they choose to have their first child’s birthstone used as accent stones in the eternity rings.  In cases such as this, diamonds in the eternity rings can be swapped out for birthstones of the additional children upon their birth, giving the mothers single eternity rings to wear to represent all of her children.  In other cases, smaller, narrower eternity rings can be given to commemorate the birth of the first child.  For subsequent children, additional eternity rings can be given and the mother can then stack the eternity rings, giving her separate eternity rings to wear to represent each individual child.

A more recent tradition regarding eternity rings revolves around their use as wedding rings.  Instead of waiting until an anniversary to upgrade plainer wedding rings to eternity rings, many couples are simply opting to use eternity rings as part of their bridal jewellery set to begin with.  While some brides will pair their eternity rings with their diamond engagement rings for maximum sparkle, others prefer to use the eternity rings in place of both the wedding rings and the diamond engagement ring for a more streamlined look.

Of course, nothing says a woman can’t simply buy eternity rings for herself.  Stacking eternity rings are especially popular when used as simple diamond jewellery with no necessary symbolism or intent involved.  These eternity rings, as well as many other styles of eternity rings, make the perfect diamond jewellery accessory.

The design of eternity rings uses a row of diamonds set the entire length of the band to create an endless stream of diamonds in the eternity rings.  While there are half style eternity rings on the market that don’t use diamonds across the entire band, these budget friendly eternity rings still tend to have diamonds set to give the illusion of a full band of stones in the eternity rings.  As you can see, the symbolism behind eternity rings is based on, naturally, eternity as represented by the unending row of diamonds.  This is also the main theme that carries through to most of the traditions behind eternity rings.

The most common use for eternity rings was once as anniversary gifts.  The eternity rings were often used as upgrades to the plainer wedding bands when a couple was celebrating a milestone anniversary, such as the 25th or 50th.  The eternity rings were given as a sing that, even after so many years together, the couple’s love was still strong and would last for all time.  Today, with eternity rings as popular as ever, it is common for them to be given as anniversary presents as soon as the first year together.  After all, there’s no need to make your wife wait 2 years or more to bless her with the gift that only eternity rings can give.

The second most common celebration that eternity rings are used to commemorate is the birth of a child or the welcoming of a new child into the family.  Instead of the diamonds in the eternity rings being used to symbolise a couple’s undying love for one another, they are instead used to represent the eternal love a mother will have for her child.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the many rich traditions behind eternity rings.

One of the most popular styles of hoop diamond earrings currently trending right now are designed after the ever popular diamond eternity rings.  Typically utilising channel or bezel settings, these eternity styled diamond earrings feature diamonds set into the hoops around the front facing of the diamond earrings or the entire hoop itself.  Princess Cut and Emerald Cut stones are particularly popular choices for these styles of diamond earrings as they offer a rather seamless finish, creating the illusion of a river of diamonds in the channel of the diamond earrings.

Another popular choice for diamond earrings this Spring is large, thin gold hoops set with small accent stones that serve more as sparkle and highlights than central focus pieces.  These diamond earrings are meant to be playful, fun, and flirty and are great for Spring and Summer alike.  The large hoop style diamond earrings may feature several small stones in each hoop, designed to catch the light and draw attention to the diamond earrings as a whole, not necessarily to the diamonds themselves.

Pave set hoop diamond earrings are another popular option this time of year.  These hoops tend to be smaller in size and hug closer to the ear itself, similar to the eternity style diamond earrings.  Instead of featuring larger stones, such as the eternity style diamond earrings however, they are set instead with multitudes of much smaller accent diamonds that cover the entire surface of the diamond earrings.  Pave set diamond earrings have a sort of encrusted appearance, giving them an all over sparkle and radiance that is unmatched.  Since they only utilise small accent stones, pave set diamond earrings are also likely to be more budget friendly than diamond earrings using larger stones than cost more per carat.

When you look at most diamond wedding rings the first thing you’ll notice is that the diamonds are often used more as accent pieces rather than central features.  Diamond wedding rings are ideal for adding that extra touch of sparkle to up the elegance of the diamond wedding rings, while not pushing them too far over the top.  The accent stones in the diamond wedding rings may be smaller centre pieces designed to draw the eye to a single focal point.  Other diamond wedding rings may have several smaller stones interspersed throughout the diamond wedding rings to give them an overall shimmer.

On the other hand, there are some instances where diamond wedding rings can feature an abundance of stones and still be considered tasteful.  In this case, we’re speaking of eternity style diamond wedding rings.  Growing more and more popular over the years, eternity style wedding bands are modelled after the famous eternity rings commonly used for anniversary gifts.  Featuring stones set throughout the entire span of the bands, these diamond wedding bands are the ultimate in luxury and elegance and, when paired with a dazzling diamond engagement ring, create the ultimate in bridal jewellery fashion.

The bottom line when it comes to diamond wedding rings is that you can have as little or as much sparkle and shine as you wish.  The key thing to keep in mind about diamond wedding rings is that there are ways to have a significant number of diamonds without the diamond wedding rings looking garish or overdone.  There are also just as many designs for diamond wedding rings that only use diamonds as accents that can be just as lovely.  It really is a matter of personal preference but rest assured, the perfect pair of diamond wedding rings is out there somewhere just waiting to be found.

For brides looking for the ultimate sparkle and shine in their wedding bands, many are turning to eternity rings to replace their traditional plain metal wedding bands.  The eternity rings not only fit nicely against any diamond engagement rings in the bridal jewellery set, the fact that the eternity rings are completely studded with diamonds offers the ultimate in luxury and sparkle.  Using eternity rings in place of traditional wedding bands also provides the perfect complement to any style of diamond engagement ring.

For brides who want to keep thing more streamlined, eternity rings offer a way to help spice up a traditional diamond engagement ring as well.  While solitaire diamond engagement rings are still very popular, many brides are choosing to combine the beauty of the large centre stone of the solitaire diamond engagement rings with the diamond studded band of the luxurious eternity rings in order to create diamond engagement rings with bands fashioned in the style of eternity rings featuring brilliant centre stones.  These hybrid engagement eternity rings can either be worn with plain wedding bands or paired with additional eternity rings  for the ultimate in bridal jewellery sparkle.

For brides who also want to take advantage of the luxury of stacking eternity rings, thinner eternity rings can be purchased in pairs and worn both above and below the engagement rings to create a framing effect.  The slimmer eternity rings are perfect for creating a beautiful lines of diamonds over and under a diamond engagement ring in order to help further maximise the sparkle created by the stone or stones featured in the engagement ring itself.