The eternity has been used for centuries to symbolise a milestone in a couple’s relationship such as the birth of a child, to celebrate a momentous occasion, or just to let your partner know you love them.
Identical twins Lester and Spencer are the founders of Love Fine Diamonds. They have over 70 years of experience between them, assisting couples to find their perfect eternity ring.
When you decide to buy eternity ring, you should have a little bit of clarity regarding its design and your individual needs because there is an array of styles you will find in stores.
Here at Love Fine Diamonds, we have created this Journal post to give you a guide to purchasing an eternity ring and the options that are available to you.
THE ETERNITY RING
Eternity rings are also known as ‘Infinity’ rings. It is a band of precious metal set with a continuous line of generally identically cut gemstones.
An eternity ring has diamonds set in a channel, claw or pavé setting (pronounced as “pa-vay”.) But you can select rubies, sapphires, or emeralds to cover up the entire ring or half of the band. The ring has no beginning or end; hence, it is a perfect way to represent life and love.
WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
The concept of eternity ring dates to the Ancient Egyptian times, as early as 2000BC.
The Egyptians believed the circle, with its endless silhouette, was a powerful symbol of eternity. Plaited reeds, bone or metal with carvings, with gems or beads trimmed around the band, as a token of love.
Archaeologists have found rings in Egyptian tombs, featuring the ‘Ouroboros’. It is an ancient symbol of a serpent or dragon eating its tail, to denote infinity and wholeness.
Diamond Company De Beers, created the idea of the modern eternity ring in the 1960s. Their marketing campaign intent was to compel everyone – rich or poor to buy the eternity ring. The slogan “diamond’s forever” became the slogan of the century.
WHEN DO YOU GIVE AN ETERNITY RING?
An eternity ring often marks a significant moment in life; the first wedding anniversary, the birth of a baby. We have seen many people wear them as wedding rings alongside their engagement ring.
It is an impeccable gift for several occasions and a stunning way to say ‘I love you’ to your partner. Hence, there are no rules as per say to define when you must give an eternity ring.
WHAT FINGER TO WEAR AND ETERNITY RING ON?
Many traditionalists prefer to wear it on the fourth finger of the right-hand whilst keeping the wedding ring on the left-hand. The non-traditionalists, wear them on their right-hand, exhibiting its exquisiteness. You can wear it on any finger of your choice, as there are no guidelines exacting how to wear it best, it's about you feeling comfortable.
HALF OR FULL
When choosing an eternity ring, you must consider the design - Full Eternity or Half Eternity.
| FULL ETERNITY RING |
A full eternity ring has gemstones encircling the metal band. It is a preference of many because of the vibrancy. Furthermore, while you are wearing the ring, if it spins around your finger; the spin is unnoticeable.
Full eternity rings are a conventional choice. They cost more as gems encircle along the entirety of the band. However, choose with care as it does not offer the flexibility of resizing the ring.
| HALF ETERNITY RING |
Five, seven, or nine same shape and size gemstones, set midway make a half eternity ring. However, some half eternity rings may include a conical design with progressing sized-stones.
Half eternity rings are perfect for those on a budget and is a preferred choice as it offers the option to alter the size. Some women also prefer the smooth platinum band.
It is also great for women who are always on the go, where their ring will be more likely to be knocked around. Polishing out some scratches is a much cheaper than replacing a broken diamond or precious stone.
METAL CHOICES
Eternity rings are largely available in gold and platinum. You can choose a metal matching your existing jewellery, depending more on your style. Particularly, if you will wear it in the middle of the engagement and wedding rings.
| PLATINUM ETERNITY RING |
Platinum’s brilliant natural white shine makes it a prevalent choice of many. It showcases the brilliance of the diamonds. The metal is hard and durable which makes it perfect for day-to-day wear. If you have a sensitive skin; it is hypoallergenic.
| WHITE GOLD ETERNITY RING |
White gold is an affordable alternative to the expensive platinum. You can choose 9ct or 18ct white gold. The 18ct is durable, scratch-resistant, and more expensive than 9ct white gold.
| YELLOW GOLD ETERNITY RING |
If you love the warmth of yellow gold, you can opt for 9ct or 18ct ring. We recommend the tarnish-resistant and durable 18ct yellow gold. But, 9ct yellow gold is a great option for those on a budget. It is less durable with a tendency to tarnish, wear away, and cause skin allergies.
GEMSTONE CHOICES
| DIAMONDS |
Diamonds and eternity rings go together, but, it is available in the coloured gemstone. Diamonds – Timeless, Distinctive and Beautiful
Diamonds are for eternity – a classic symbolic symbol associated with love, making them the optimal choice for an eternity ring. They are available in lots of shapes. The ‘round brilliant’ ones are the most popular for eternity rings, with 58 facets offering matchless sparkle, brilliance, and intensity.
It is easy to snug the square or rectangular shaped ‘Princess cut’ diamonds in the eternity ring. This creates an impeccable line of sparkle on the finger.
The elongated ‘Baguette cut’ diamond is a less expensive and popular option. Combine them with the round brilliant or princess cut diamonds for a more quirky look.
| COLOURED GEMSTONES |
You can add your own personal touch to the eternity ring using any gemstones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald. They are a perfect alternative to the diamond eternity rings. The ruby, sapphire, and emerald - are the most precious after diamonds.
You can design the ring in any gemstone of your choice, or your partner’s. Some couples choose their anniversary stone. If you are celebrating your child’s birth, you can set in his/her birthstone. Diamonds and blue sapphires for sons, and pink sapphires for daughters. They are less expensive compared to diamonds, and perfect for those on a budget.
MAKE MEMORIES MEMORABLE
As there are plenty of options available online, you need to find your perfect match carefully and we hope this piece of writing will help you get that perfect fit. So, go through the guide and buy an eternity ring for your next special moment...
