Eternity Ring

An eternity ring is a band set with a continuous line of identically cut stones, most often diamonds. A full eternity ring has stones around the whole band; a half eternity has stones on the visible top half only and a plain band underneath. The piece is traditionally given to mark a significant anniversary or the birth of a child, and has become a popular addition to engagement and wedding ring stacks.

The endless circle as a symbol of eternity dates back to ancient Egypt, where rings of braided reeds were exchanged between partners. The diamond eternity band as a modern category took off in the 1960s, when De Beers promoted it as a way to mark wedding anniversaries. The idea expanded from the 25th anniversary into any significant milestone, and today the eternity ring is given for anniversaries, births, achievements and as a self-purchase.

Full eternity rings carry stones around the whole circumference and read striking from every angle, but cannot be resized after the fact. Half eternity rings keep stones on the top half only and a plain shank underneath, which keeps resizing options open. Common diamond shapes include round brilliant for sparkle, princess for a modern look, baguette for Art Deco lines, marquise for a vintage feel and oval for a contemporary read. Shared-prong, channel and bezel settings are the most common. Coloured stone eternity rings in sapphire or ruby are an alternative.

Choose between full and half eternity first. Full is more visually striking, half is more practical and resizable. Get the finger sized professionally because eternity rings, particularly full eternity, are difficult to resize. Round brilliants in shared-prong settings give the most sparkle. Channel settings are more secure and snag-free. Consider how the eternity ring will sit next to existing rings, since it should complement rather than compete. Lab grown diamond makes higher carat weights accessible.

Eternity rings are designed to stack. The classic three-ring stack is engagement ring, wedding band and eternity band. Multiple eternity bands in different widths or metals can create a layered everyday ring stack. An eternity ring on its own on the right hand is also a strong standalone piece. Thin eternity bands are the most versatile for mixing with other rings.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Dirt collects between the stones, so a soft brush is more important than a hot clean. Have the prongs checked annually. Full eternity rings need a little more care because the stones run all the way around, including the palm side where they catch on surfaces. If the ring is for daily wear and the wearer is hard on jewellery, half eternity is the safer choice.

Half eternity bands with small diamonds start near 500 AUD. Full eternity rings with larger stones can reach 5,000 to 20,000 AUD and higher at fine clarity and colour. Full eternity costs more than half because of the extra stones. Lab grown diamond eternity bands deliver the same look at far less, particularly at higher carat weights. Moissanite eternity bands are the most accessible.