Diamond eternity bands, also known as eternity rings or infinity rings, feature a continuous circle of gemstones, typically diamonds, set into bands of premium metal. They often symbolize the never-ending nature of love and commitment, but like any other type of jewelry, an eternity band will take on the meaning that you give to it.
While eternity bands are often given on wedding anniversaries, they can also celebrate less traditional but uniquely important moments, like a career triumph, the birth of a child, or the arrival of a new phase of life. The main point: you don’t need to be married to wear an eternity ring.
History of Diamond Eternity Bands
Ancient Origins
The origin of eternity bands can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were believed to have protective and spiritual significance. These early versions of eternity bands were often made with simple designs and featured symbolic gemstones like lapis lazuli and turquoise. Egyptians valued the circle as a symbol of eternity and completeness, making these bands an integral part of their culture and rituals.
Evolution
Eternity bands evolved over time, with different cultures incorporating their own designs and gemstones. During the Georgian era (1714-1837), eternity rings began to feature more elaborate designs and were crafted with precious metals and stones. The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw a rise in the use of colored gemstones and intricate metalwork, reflecting the romanticism of the period.
Modern Popularity
Eternity bands surged in popularity during the 1960s, propelled by a De Beers campaign aimed at advocating the use of smaller, melee diamonds in jewelry, contributing significantly to their fashionable status. They were often given as anniversary gifts or used as wedding bands. Today, eternity bands are a popular choice for their timeless elegance and symbolic meaning.
Types of Diamond Eternity Bands
Full Eternity Bands
Perfect for those seeking uninterrupted sparkle, full eternity bands are adorned with gemstones encircling the entire band, truly symbolizing unbroken love. They are best suited for special occasions like milestone anniversaries or as a grand gesture during engagements, representing everlasting commitment. However, due to the continuous setting of stones, resizing a full eternity band can be challenging.
Three-Quarter Eternity Bands
Balancing elegance and practicality, these bands feature gemstones covering three-quarters of the band, ideal for those who want a touch of shimmer while allowing for easier resizing. They are versatile and suitable for celebrating personal achievements, birthdays, or as anniversary gifts.
Half Eternity Bands
With gemstones adorning only the top half, these bands offer comfort and elegance for everyday wear. They are perfect for commemorating smaller milestones, birthdays, or as tokens of affection to celebrate meaningful moments in a relationship. These have a lower carat weight than other eternity bands, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Choosing the Right Diamonds
Diamond Quality
When selecting diamonds for your eternity band, it’s essential to consider the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. These factors determine the overall quality and appearance of the diamonds.
- Cut: The cut of a diamond affects its brilliance and sparkle. Well-cut diamonds reflect light beautifully, enhancing the ring’s overall allure.
- Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within the diamond. Higher clarity grades mean fewer imperfections, resulting in a clearer, more brilliant stone.
- Carat: Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. Larger carat weights can create a more dramatic effect, but smaller diamonds can be equally stunning when set in an eternity band.
- Color: Diamonds range in color from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are the most desirable for their purity and brilliance, but near-colorless diamonds (G-H) can offer excellent value.
Popular Diamond Shapes
Eternity bands commonly feature fancy-cut diamonds, which add unique character and style to the ring. Some popular diamond shapes include:
- Round: The classic and most popular diamond shape known for its brilliant sparkle.
- Oval: An elongated shape that gives the illusion of larger size and adds elegance.
- Emerald: A rectangular shape with step cuts that create a hall-of-mirrors effect.
- Marquise: An elongated shape with pointed ends, maximizing carat weight and finger coverage.
- Pear: A teardrop shape that combines the best features of round and marquise cuts.
- Baguette: A rectangular shape with step cuts, often used as accent stones.
Mixed Shapes and Patterns
Combining different diamond shapes can create unique and eye-catching designs. For example, alternating oval and emerald-cut diamonds can add visual interest and complexity to the band. Mixed-shape eternity bands can be customized to reflect personal style and preferences, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Diamond Setting Styles
The way diamonds are set into the band affects both the ring’s appearance and its durability. Some common setting styles include:
- Prong: Diamonds are held in place by metal prongs, allowing maximum light to enter and enhance brilliance.
- Bezel: Diamonds are encircled by a metal rim, providing a sleek and modern look while offering excellent protection.
- Channel: Diamonds are set into a channel between two strips of metal, creating a smooth and continuous look.
- Pave: Small diamonds are set closely together with minimal metal visible, creating a surface that appears paved with diamonds.
Selecting the Ideal Metal
Types of Metals
Choosing the right metal for your eternity band is crucial for both aesthetics and durability. Common metals used in eternity bands include:
- Platinum: Known for its strength, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. Platinum is a popular choice for its lustrous appearance and resistance to tarnish.
- White Gold: Offers a similar appearance to platinum but at a lower cost. White gold is often alloyed with other metals and coated with rhodium for added durability and shine.
- Yellow Gold: A classic and timeless choice that adds warmth and richness to the band. Yellow gold complements a variety of skin tones and gemstone colors.
- Rose Gold: Known for its romantic and vintage appeal. Rose gold’s pink hue is created by alloying gold with copper, adding a unique and fashionable touch to the ring.
- Palladium: A member of the platinum family, palladium offers a similar appearance and hypoallergenic properties at a lower cost.
Durability and Maintenance
The metal you choose will impact the ring’s durability and maintenance requirements. Platinum is the most durable and resistant to scratches and nicks, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Gold, while durable, may require more frequent polishing and maintenance to retain its luster. Palladium offers a good balance of durability and cost.
Hypoallergenic Options
For those with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic metals like platinum and palladium are ideal choices. These metals are less likely to cause allergic reactions, ensuring comfort and wearability.
Complementary Gemstones
Consider how the metal will complement the color of the gemstones in your eternity band. White metals like platinum and white gold enhance the brilliance of diamonds, while yellow and rose gold can add warmth and contrast, particularly when paired with colored gemstones like sapphires or rubies.
Skin Tone
Choose a metal that complements your skin tone. Platinum, white gold, and palladium are suitable for fair or cool skin tones, while yellow and rose gold are flattering for warm skin tones.
Customizing Your Eternity Band
Personalization Options
Adding personal touches to your eternity band can make it even more special. Consider options like engravings, unique designs, or incorporating birthstones alongside diamonds. Customization allows you to create a piece that truly reflects your style and story.
Designer Tips
Jewelry designers often recommend considering your lifestyle and preferences when customizing an eternity band. For example, if you lead an active lifestyle, a bezel or channel setting may be more practical than a prong setting. Additionally, mixing different diamond shapes and sizes can create a visually appealing and unique design.
Budget Considerations
Customizing an eternity band can be more costly, but there are ways to balance quality and budget. Opt for near-colorless diamonds (G-H) instead of colorless ones, or choose smaller diamonds with excellent cut quality. Working with a reputable jeweler can help you make informed decisions that align with your budget.
Sizing and Comfort
Proper Fit
Ensuring that your eternity band fits perfectly is essential for both comfort and aesthetics. The sizing of an eternity band is slightly different from traditional rings, as it needs to fit snugly without being too tight.
Comfort Tips
Considerations for comfort include the width of the band and your daily activities. Narrower bands may feel more comfortable initially, especially if you’re not used to wearing rings. Wider bands (3mm or greater) can make a bold statement but may have a tighter feel. Think about your lifestyle – if you work with your hands a lot, a slightly snugger fit can prevent the ring from slipping.
Resizing Challenges
Resizing eternity bands can be challenging due to the continuous setting of stones. To avoid this issue, get your ring professionally sized before purchasing. Authorized retailers, like TACORI, understand the nuances of finding the right size for eternity bands and can provide expert assistance.
How to Wear an Eternity Band
Traditional vs. Modern Wear
Many eternity bands are part of a bridal stack, traditionally worn on the third finger of your left hand. If you’re following custom, your wedding band will be the first ring placed on your finger, followed by your engagement ring, and then your eternity band.
(FAQs)
What is a diamond eternity band?
A diamond eternity band is a ring that features a continuous circle of diamonds or other gemstones set into the band. It symbolizes eternal love and commitment due to its unbroken design.
What occasions are diamond eternity bands typically given for?
Diamond eternity bands are often given for significant milestones such as wedding anniversaries, the birth of a child, career achievements, or other personal celebrations. They are not limited to marital occasions and can be worn to commemorate any important life event.
What are the different types of diamond eternity bands?
There are three main types of diamond eternity bands:
- Full Eternity Bands: Gemstones encircle the entire band, symbolizing unbroken love.
- Three-Quarter Eternity Bands: Gemstones cover three-quarters of the band, allowing for easier resizing.
- Half Eternity Bands: Gemstones adorn only the top half, offering comfort and elegance for everyday wear.
What are the most popular diamond shapes for eternity bands?
Popular diamond shapes for eternity bands include round, oval, emerald, marquise, pear, and baguette cuts. Each shape offers a unique look and can be combined to create distinctive designs.
How should I choose the metal for my eternity band?
Choose the metal based on durability, hypoallergenic properties, cost, and how it complements the gemstones. Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and palladium are common choices, each offering different benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Can I customize my diamond eternity band?
Yes, you can customize your diamond eternity band with personal engravings, unique designs, and by incorporating different gemstones. Customization allows you to create a piece that reflects your personal style and story.
How do I ensure the proper fit for my eternity band?
Get your finger professionally sized by an authorized jeweler, considering the width of the band and your daily activities. Eternity bands need to fit snugly but not too tight. Trying on different widths can help determine the most comfortable fit.
Can eternity bands be resized?
Resizing eternity bands can be challenging due to the continuous setting of stones. It’s essential to get the correct size initially. Three-quarter eternity bands offer more flexibility for resizing compared to full eternity bands.
How should I wear my eternity band with other rings?
Traditionally, eternity bands are worn on the third finger of the left hand as part of a bridal stack, with the wedding band placed first, followed by the engagement ring, and then the eternity band. However, you can wear your eternity band on any finger or as a standalone piece based on your preference.
How do I care for my diamond eternity band?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your eternity band sparkling. Use mild soap and water for cleaning, and periodically check the prongs and settings to ensure the diamonds are secure. Store the ring properly to prevent wear and tear.
What makes diamond eternity bands special compared to other rings?
Diamond eternity bands are unique because they feature a continuous circle of diamonds, symbolizing eternal love and commitment. Unlike simple wedding bands, eternity bands are more decorative and often reserved for special occasions.
How do I choose the right diamond quality for my eternity band?
Consider the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. Well-cut diamonds with high clarity and near-colorless grades (G-H) offer excellent value and appearance. The carat weight should align with your budget and preference for the ring’s overall look.
Are diamond eternity bands suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, diamond eternity bands can be worn every day. However, consider the durability of the metal and the setting style to ensure they withstand daily activities. Full eternity bands with prong settings may require more care compared to bezel or channel settings.
What is the history behind diamond eternity bands?
Diamond eternity bands date back to ancient Egypt, where they symbolized eternity and completeness. They evolved through various cultures and became popular in the 1960s due to a De Beers campaign. Today, they are cherished for their timeless elegance and symbolic meaning.
