If you are looking for something beyond the norm when it comes to your wedding or engagement ring you may want to consider an eternity ring. Eternity rings, often referred to as dress wedding rings, diamond bands, or diamond infinity rings are made of a band lined with a circle of diamonds or gemstones. The continuous circle of diamonds or gemstones is symbolic and reflects the unending or eternal love between a couple. Often, they are given as an anniversary gift or to mark another special milestone in a marriage.
The design behind an eternity ring is pretty straight forward. That said, there are a few simple variations. Customizations can be made in setting, metal, shape and stone type.
Eternity bands also come in a full or half style. Full bands cannot be resized and for that reason half bands tend to be more popular. Many women also prefer the half band because all the stones are visible. However, if unlike the half band if the full band slides or rotates it looks the same all the way around.
The stones on eternity bands are situated together closely on the band. For this reason, most people choose round, princess or emerald cut stones. Stone sizes and shapes are uniform on an eternity band, but the stone type may alternate in a pattern.
On a full eternity band the stones are usually smaller. This allows the band to fit comfortably around the whole finger. Half eternity bands can use larger stones since they only appear on the top side of the band. The carat weights can affect the price of the ring and that is something to consider when selecting stone size.
There are a few setting choices you have when looking at an eternity ring. The channel setting is the most popular because they keep the stones in place and they are easy to make. However, you can also choose the bar, prong. curved s, bezel or figural setting.
It is not uncommon for a woman to replace her wedding and engagement ring with an eternity band. This eliminates the need for three rings. that said, in many cases you can wear an eternity band with your other rings. Slimmer designed bands may be considered for this purpose. You also need to consider the settings of the other bands so the three bands sit snug against one another on the finger.
Eternity bands can be purchased online or in any local jeweler. The price can very greatly from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. When evaluating an eternity ring know that the metal, stone quality, size and stone type can affect the price.