Eternity rings could be described as dress (or best) wedding rings.
The common feature of all eternity rings, is that they are stone set, often with diamonds. A "full eternity" ring is one where the stones are set completely around the shank. There is a recent fashion for diamond-set wedding rings, which are closely related in style to eternity rings.
According to the Dictionary of Jewelry, the history dates back about 4000 to an example found out. The endless or eternal loop is symbolic of eternal love. For this reason, many eternity rings are multi-stranded or plain. Another similar theme is for the shank to be formed like a snake sometimes swallowing its own tail.
Diamonds are the most popular gemstones for eternity rings, but rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other stones are also popular, usually in conjunction with diamonds. Although the "full" eternity is traditional, there are many reasons why it is not frequently seen.
A full eternity ring costs 2 to 3 times the price of a similar half eternity, because there are more diamonds in it. Because a full eternity ring cannot usually be adjusted for finger size, they need to be custom ordered and made. Because of this, very few jewelers keep a sample range in stock.
Working out an estimate for a full eternity ring is a skilled and difficult task, so even quoting for one is costly. Many women prefer to maximize the "show" of the ring by concentrating all the diamonds in the visible "head" or front of the ring.
Full eternity rings mounts are also much more expensive to make than "halves", because they must be made individually, or at best, one master model needs to be made for each finger size.
Half eternity rings can be fairly easily sized, making them a more economic stock line for retail jewelers. Full eternity rings can be uncomfortable to wear because of the depth of the shank between the fingers. This limits the size of stones, which can be used.
In the British market, claw settings have been more fashionable than other, more attractive and practical setting styles. Although there are many claw set eternity rings in service, a setting style where the stones are set into the metal of the shank, such as "grain", "flush" or pavé are to be preferred. These styles are sometimes confused with "channel" setting, but are more secure.
Whereas round brilliant cut diamonds are the commonest choice for solitaire rings , square or oblong stones can be an excellent choice for eternity rings, partly because they can be set edge-to-edge in a continuous band or line. The recent development and availability of "princess" cut diamonds justly adds to the attraction of square stones for eternity rings.
Opinions vary widely as to an appropriate time for the giving and receiving of an eternity ring. all believe that the first wedding anniversary is the right time. I suppose it beats paper! Others believe that the birth of the first child is an appropriate time, and if most men could empathies with their wives over the pain of childbirth, I am sure they would gladly prefer to buy an eternity ring.
A popular choice for ruby (40th) anniversaries is a ruby and diamond eternity ring, but any anniversary could be a good choice. Most eternities symbolizes the continuation of the man's love for his wife. Most women dream of receiving an important looking eternity ring, whether for its show of wealth or for its unspoken message "look how much my husband thinks of me". For this reason, an eternity can be a symbol of continued health, wealth and happiness.
Eternity rings, having evolved from wedding rings, are also worn on the "ring finger", which is normally the third finger of the left hand.
