The holidays are an ideal time of the year for popping the big question, especially in front of family and friends. Solitaire set diamond engagement rings are a popular style for many brides-to-be. But there is another option to consider, the eternity band.
Eternity bands have a rich history dating back over 4,000 years ago to Ancient Egypt. It is called an eternity band because it is a continuous unbroken circle representing a neverending love and devotion. There is no beginning and no end.
If you or your partner have been considering an eternity band for an engagement or wedding ring, there are some things you must think about first. Don’t worry though, because this guide will help make the process smoother and ensure that you get the eternity band of your dreams.
Keep reading below for 11 informative tips on choosing the perfect eternity band for yourself or a loved one.
Setting a proper budget for your eternity band is an essential part of ring shopping. Most couples spend over $6,000 for a 1 ct. engagement ring, while around 7% will spend $10,000 or more.
There is no one set budget level for everyone. This will largely vary based on your personal income and what you’re comfortable spending. It will also depend on the options you choose for your eternity band such as the metal type and color and the number and size of the stones you select.
Having a budget will help you narrow down your options better. It can keep you from spending more than you can afford and possibly dealing with buyer’s remorse and other headaches. This will also make the shopping and buying process much more enjoyable as a result.
An important aspect of an eternity band is the selection of your stone. White diamonds are a popular stone choice for designing an eternity band as a wedding or engagement ring.
However, you can also choose from colored diamonds as a way to enhance your ring’s design. It also lets you express your sense of personal style. The stone choice can be symbolic or simply involve picking your favorite color.
If you choose to wear an eternity band as an everyday piece of trendy jewelry, you may also wish to use semi-precious stones like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds instead. Another option is to use your birthstone or the birthstone of your partner in your eternity band as a stone choice.
The shape of your stones can add to the further beauty of your eternity ring. Round diamonds or other stones are most preferred for eternity ring designs. In the U.S., round-cut diamonds account for 50% of all diamonds sold.
But there are also many other gorgeous stone shapes. Square and rectangular stone shapes like radiant, baguette, princess, emerald, and Asscher cuts enhance an eternity band’s brilliance with their four-sided wall of sparkle. Horizontal or vertically set marquise and oval cut diamonds also create a striking and unique look.
You can also mix different stone shapes for an eclectic and uniquely styled eternity band.
Eternity bands have three distinct styles to choose from. Traditionally, an eternity band will have a row of diamonds encircling the entire band. This is a classic styling that will help you bring on the bling.
There is also the option to have the diamonds covering only half of the eternity band. This is a more cost-effective option since only the top portion will have diamonds. It also makes sense from a style and practicality point because only the upper portion is seen the most when worn on the finger.
A third option is the 3⁄4 eternity band style. As the name implies, most of the band is ensconced in diamonds except for a small portion underneath the bottom of the ring resting against the underside of the finger.
Choosing a 3⁄4 or half eternity band style leaves a section of metal not covered in diamonds like the traditional full diamond eternity band. This will allow you to get the ring sized if you need to adjust it. Partial eternity bands are also much better for those with more active lives since there is less concern for the stones underneath.
Stone size and carat weight are important factors in choosing an eternity band. Eternity bands can have diamonds or stones of varying sizes. Each stone can be as small as .05 ct to as big as 1 ct.
A half-style eternity ring gives you the option of focusing on fewer diamonds or stones with a potentially larger size capability. You should also consider the total carat weight of the stones in your eternity band since this will be more weight on your finger.
Prong settings can accentuate your eternity band. The right prong can also offer added security for your stones.
There are 6 distinct styles of prong settings to choose from for your eternity band:
A pavé prong setting is the most common style for eternity bands. It is well-suited for smaller round or oval stones. The stone is pressed into the metal and small prongs go down over the stone from the sides.
A split prong setting has four separate prongs that hold firmly onto each diamond. This setting allows more light to enter than a pave setting. The shared prong setting houses two diamonds that share prongs with part of the band structure scooped out so that light can enter from both sides.
Channel settings rely on stones set into a row or channel cut into the ring band itself with metal at the top to hold the stones in. A milgrain setting uses small dot prongs to surround the stone, with a decorative dot detailing down both sides of the stone setting. Bezel settings rely on a ring of metal around each stone to hold them in place.
Your metal type and color can also contribute to your overall budget since different metals like platinum can raise the cost. The metal type and color you choose will also influence the appearance of the eternity band.
Silver metals like platinum and white gold give your eternity ring a bright and sleek contemporary style. Yellow gold is a classic and timeless metal type for a more traditional look. While rose gold gives your eternity band a warm and vintage charm.
If you plan to wear your eternity band as part of a set, you may want to ensure your metal types and colors match for a more uniform look. However, mixed and two-toned metals are becoming popular choices for ring designs.
Once you’ve determined your metal type and color, you’ll also need to consider the karatage of your metal. Karatage refers to the amount of pure gold and other precious metals used in types of jewelry like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Metals with higher karat grades indicate higher amounts of gold or other precious metals and will have a higher cost associated with it. 24-karat gold is the purest gold available because it is solid gold, but it is too soft on its own to make durable jewelry.
Gold needs to be mixed with other metal alloys to make it stronger. 18-karat and 14-karat gold are the most popular choices because they are the best blend of real gold with sturdy materials. 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold with 25% alloys, while 14-karat gold is 58.3% pure gold with 41.7% alloys.
Platinum is another metal type to consider is purer and more durable on its own. It can also be a more costly option. 14k-18k platinum is comprised of 95-98% pure platinum with only a small percentage of silver or rhodium added as a filler.
Having the right size for your eternity band is essential. You want it to be secure and snug without being too tight. You also don’t want it too loose as it can get caught on other things or fall off.
Your fingers actually shrink and expand throughout the day. They swell in warm weather and get smaller in cold weather. Metal also shrinks and expands depending on the temperature.
A high salt diet, along with the consumption of caffeine or alcohol, can make your fingers swell. The time of day is also an issue as your fingers swell while you sleep but shrink down when you are more active. All of these factors can mess with getting the proper ring size.
You need to measure your finger at different times of the day and evening. Allow yourself room to shrink and grow on your finger of choice. If you’re between sizes, opt for a half or quarter-size for a better fit.
If you have a ring that already fits well, use that as a basis for ring sizing. A professional jeweler can also help you get the most accurate measurement.
Wearing jewelry like eternity rings allows for multiple options. Decide whether you want to wear your eternity ring as part of a set.
Stack multiple eternity rings on one finger or spread them across several fingers for stylish and trendy jewelry looks. You can also wear three-eternity rings together to symbolize the past, present, and future.
Wear an eternity band by itself for a simplistic style. An eternity ring makes a great milestone anniversary ring as well.
It’s important to have a ring that represents you or your love for your partner. Your ring is the symbol of your relationship. Every time you look at it, you’ll be reminded of the bond you share.
Customizing an eternity band allows for the ultimate self-expression. However you decide to design your ring, you’ll have a beautiful and unique piece that’s all your own. You’ll want to show it off every chance you get.
Wearing jewelry can go along with trending fashion changes. But it can also have a deeper and more meaningful impact. Your engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry you will ever wear, so it has to be special.
Finer Custom Jewelry has over 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry. We specialize in customized jewelry designs that allow each person we serve to create the one-of-a-kind piece they want. Let us help make the eternity band or custom jewelry options you’ve been dreaming of come to life.
Contact us today to schedule your custom jewelry consultation.
Do you have a vision for your custom engagement ring, but aren’t sure how to make it a reality? Allow us to guide you through the process of how to create truly exceptional rings. Schedule your design appointment today and see how Finer Custom Engagement Rings and Diamonds will bring your vision of an engagement ring to life.
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