Choosing an eternity ring for yourself or for the person you love requires a lot of consideration because it’s something that will probably hold memories for many years. As such, you’d want to find a ring that doesn’t only appeal to your eyes but is also durable enough to remain intact for as long as possible.
Image Source: AdobeStock
That said, there are quite a number of things that you’ll need to keep in mind while searching for the perfect item. If you want it with diamonds, the four most important aspects that should always ring in your mind are cut, clarity, carat, and colour – popularly known as the “4 C’s”. Whichever you choose should meet your threshold in the four aforementioned departments. Make sure it suits your current or future jewellery and wedding sets too.
Platinum and white gold are the most commonly bought rings because they tend to complement different jewellery sets. While at it, you can either go for full or half eternity rings, with the latter referring to those rings that have only their top half covered in diamond or gemstones. If you’re not sure what to look for in eternity rings, this article is for you. Read on to learn more.
Before going into the nitty gritty of this article’s main topic, it’d be prudent for you to understand what exactly an eternity ring means. Also known as an infinity ring, this is a metal band set with diamond or gemstones around the circumference. These stones can either be used for the entire ring or to partially cover it – both variations still look appealing, nonetheless. (1)
Image Source: https://www.bluenile.com/
But why is it called an eternity ring? There are many theories to this effect, but most people believe that it got its name from the fact that there is virtually no indication of where it starts or ends. That said, here is how to choose the right eternity ring:
The first thing you should keep in mind during your decision-making is the nature of the ring. As mentioned, there are two main styles: full and half eternity rings. A full eternity ring has its entire shank set with stones which makes it entirely a gemstone or diamond ring. Because of this design, it glistens from all angles and its stunning nature complements well with just about any other jewellery, especially an engagement or wedding ring. (2)
A half eternity ring, on the other hand is set with the same stones, but the difference is that they’re only halfway around the band. The number of gemstones or diamonds used can be five, seven, or nine depending on their sizes. Apart from the design, half and full eternity rings also vary in terms of their prices with the former being a little more affordable.
It’s also important to note that full eternity rings cannot be resized. Therefore, you’ll need to be sure with the size when purchasing one for your partner. Fortunately, though, there are several dealers and stores that’ll be willing to exchange in case you make the wrong choice. Half eternity rings, on the other hand, can be resized.
Another factor to consider is the type of metal – platinum or gold. It’s worth mentioning that the option you choose here will determine the colour of the final product. Usually, you’ll have platinum, white gold, and yellow gold to select from, and that’s entirely up to you and your partner. (3)
Image Source: AdobeStock
Of course, deciding which one to go with might be quite intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The first thing you should keep in mind is the current jewellery set of the intended wearer, especially if a wedding or engagement ring is involved. White jewellery, for instance, matches perfectly with white gold or platinum. A yellow set, on the other hand, goes with a yellow-gold eternity ring.
While at it, consider carat type. Just like the colour, carat type should match whatever the wearer is currently using. If the carat type of her jewellery is 18ct gold, the eternity ring should also be of the same value. If you go for 9ct eternity gold, for example, this is likely to scratch or be scratched by her 18ct jewellery.
Eternity ring setting is a significant factor to note, especially when you’re buying diamond-based rings. Its primary role is to give your eternity ring a stunning appearance. Your options in this category are claw, channel, and bar settings.
Also called prong-set, claw-set eternity rings employ the traditional technique of setting gemstones or diamonds using a metal. This metal runs through the stones and has a slight overlap at the top for support. The design allows maximum amount of light into the stone, making the ring sparkle intensively.
Image Source: AdobeStock
Channel settings, on the other hand, is where the metal is set to form a channel at the edges of the ring. If you like keeping up with the modern trends in the world of fashion, then this is your best choice. The setting is suitable for baguette diamonds, princess cut diamonds, and round gemstones.
Finally, there’s a bar-set eternity ring which constitutes a set of stones separated using metal bars positioned perpendicular to the band. This design is ideal for stones of the same size. Like claw-set rings, this style also lets in enough light to create a beautiful sparkling piece.
When choosing an eternity ring, there are several factors to keep in mind to avoid making a regrettable decision. An eternity ring got its name from the fact that it doesn’t have a starting or end point.
These rings come in two different styles: full and half. If you’re low on budget, you can go with half eternity rings because they’re quite affordable. They’re also resizable, making it easier for you to make a perfect fit for your loved one. The metal type and setting are two other important factors to remember while searching for an eternity ring. Remember all the factors discussed in the article to help you avoid purchasing the wrong item.
References