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What is an Eternity Ring?

SHAMBH

11/12/20256 min read

Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Ring
Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Ring

When it comes to expressing endless love and commitment, few pieces of jewelry carry as much meaning as an eternity ring. Whether you're considering one as an anniversary gift, a push present, or simply a celebration of your enduring relationship, understanding what makes eternity rings so special can help you make the perfect choice.

Understanding the Eternity Ring

An Eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, is a band completely encircled with identically cut diamonds or gemstones. Unlike traditional engagement rings that feature a single center stone, eternity rings showcase a continuous line of stones that symbolize never-ending love, devotion, and commitment.

The unbroken circle of diamonds represents eternal love—a bond that has no beginning and no end. This powerful symbolism has made eternity rings one of the most cherished pieces in fine jewelry collections worldwide.

The History Behind Eternity Rings

The concept of eternity rings dates back to ancient Egypt, where rings were exchanged as symbols of eternal love and life after death. The circular shape, having no beginning or end, represented eternity itself.

In modern times, eternity rings gained popularity in the 1960s when De Beers launched a marketing campaign promoting them as anniversary gifts. Today, they've evolved beyond anniversary traditions and are given to commemorate various meaningful milestones—from the birth of a child to career achievements, or simply as an expression of ongoing love and appreciation.

Types of Eternity Ring Settings

Full Eternity Rings

Full eternity rings feature diamonds or gemstones that encircle the entire band, offering maximum sparkle from every angle. These rings are the truest representation of eternity, with an uninterrupted circle of brilliance. However, they cannot be resized due to the continuous setting of stones, so accurate sizing is essential.

Half Eternity Rings

Half eternity rings showcase diamonds across the top half or two-thirds of the band, with a plain metal band on the underside. This design offers several advantages: they're more comfortable for daily wear, easier to resize, and generally more budget-friendly while still delivering stunning visual impact.

Three-Quarter Eternity Rings

Striking a balance between full and half eternity designs, three-quarter eternity rings extend the diamonds further around the band, offering more sparkle than a half eternity while maintaining some of the practical benefits of the half-eternity style.

Popular Diamond Cuts for Eternity Rings

The beauty of an eternity ring largely depends on the cut of the diamonds. Here are the most popular choices:

Round Brilliant Cut: The most classic and popular choice, round diamonds maximize sparkle and brilliance, creating a timeless look that complements any style.

Princess Cut: With their modern, square shape and exceptional sparkle, princess cut diamonds offer a contemporary twist on the traditional eternity ring.

Emerald Cut: For those who prefer understated elegance, emerald cut diamonds provide a sophisticated, vintage-inspired aesthetic with their step-cut facets.

Baguette Cut: Sleek and geometric, baguette diamonds create a streamlined, art deco-inspired look that's both modern and timeless.

Asscher Cut: Similar to emerald cuts but square, Asscher diamonds offer vintage glamour with a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Modern Choice for Eternity Rings

In today's conscious consumer landscape, lab-grown diamonds have revolutionized the fine jewelry industry, and eternity rings are no exception. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds but are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds for Your Eternity Ring?

Exceptional Value: Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 50-70% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality, allowing you to choose larger, higher-quality stones or more elaborate designs within your budget.

Ethical Assurance: With complete transparency in their origin, lab-grown diamonds eliminate concerns about mining practices, offering peace of mind for socially conscious buyers.

Environmental Responsibility: Lab-grown diamonds have a significantly smaller environmental footprint compared to mined diamonds, making them the sustainable choice for eco-aware consumers.

Identical Beauty: Lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical properties, brilliance, and durability as natural diamonds. Even expert gemologists require specialized equipment to distinguish between them.

Certified Quality: Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded by respected gemological institutes using the same 4Cs criteria (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight).

For eternity rings featuring multiple stones, lab-grown diamonds offer an exceptional advantage—you can afford to fill your entire band with higher quality, perfectly matched diamonds that deliver breathtaking sparkle without compromise.

Natural Diamonds: The Traditional Choice

Natural diamonds carry the romance of billions of years of geological formation. Each stone is utterly unique, created deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature over millions of years.

For those who value tradition, rarity, and the inherent story within each stone, natural diamonds remain an appealing choice. They've long been symbols of enduring love and continue to hold significant cultural and emotional value for many couples.

Choosing Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

The choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds is deeply personal and depends on your priorities:

Choose lab-grown diamonds if you prioritize:

  • Maximum value and size for your budget

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Ethical sourcing transparency

  • More diamonds or higher quality grades

Choose natural diamonds if you prioritize:

  • Traditional heritage and rarity

  • Long-term resale value

  • The romantic story of geological formation

  • Cultural or family significance

Regardless of which you choose, both options offer stunning beauty and lasting durability for an eternity ring that will be treasured for generations.

When to Give an Eternity Ring

While there are no strict rules, eternity rings are traditionally given to mark significant milestones:

  • Wedding anniversaries (particularly first, fifth, tenth, or beyond)

  • Birth of a child (making them a meaningful push present)

  • Relationship milestones (such as five years together)

  • Personal achievements worth celebrating together

  • Renewal of vows

  • Simply because—love doesn't need a specific occasion

How to Wear an Eternity Ring

Eternity rings are wonderfully versatile. Here are the most popular ways to wear them:

With Your Engagement and Wedding Rings: Many women stack their eternity ring alongside their engagement and wedding bands on the ring finger, typically worn on the outside (after the wedding band).

On the Right Hand: Some prefer to wear their eternity ring on the right hand, keeping it separate from bridal jewelry while still showcasing its beauty.

As a Wedding Band: Full eternity rings can also serve as unique wedding bands, offering maximum sparkle and symbolism.

Choosing the Perfect Metal

The metal you choose for your eternity ring setting affects both its appearance and durability:

18K White Gold: Offers a bright, silvery appearance similar to platinum but at a lower price point. Requires occasional rhodium plating to maintain its color.

18K Yellow Gold: Provides a warm, classic look that complements vintage-inspired designs and suits warm skin tones beautifully.

18K Rose Gold: Romantic and contemporary, rose gold has surged in popularity for its unique pinkish hue that flatters all skin tones.

Sizing Considerations

Because full eternity rings cannot be resized, accurate sizing is crucial. Consider these factors:

  • Have your ring size professionally measured at different times of day

  • Account for temperature changes that affect finger size

  • Consider comfort fit bands for daily wear

  • Remember that fingers may change size over time due to various factors

If you're concerned about sizing, a half or three-quarter eternity ring offers more flexibility for future adjustments.

Caring for Your Eternity Ring

To maintain your eternity ring's brilliance:

  • Clean regularly with warm water and mild dish soap

  • Use a soft brush to gently clean between diamonds

  • Have your ring professionally inspected annually to ensure stones are secure

  • Remove your ring during activities that could damage it (heavy lifting, gardening, etc.)

  • Store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching

  • Consider professional cleaning and maintenance every six months

Making Your Choice

Whether you choose the exceptional value and sustainability of lab-grown diamonds or the traditional allure of natural diamonds, an eternity ring is a profound symbol of your everlasting commitment. The most important consideration is selecting a ring that resonates with your personal values, style, and the story you want your jewelry to tell.

At the end of the day, the true value of an eternity ring isn't measured in carats or origin—it's measured in the love it represents and the memories it will carry through the years.

An eternity ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry—it's a tangible expression of never-ending love, a celebration of shared experiences, and a promise of more memories to come. Whether adorned with lab-grown diamonds that reflect modern values or natural diamonds steeped in tradition, your eternity ring will serve as a daily reminder of the eternal bond you share.

Ready to find the perfect eternity ring? Explore our collection of stunning lab-grown and natural diamond eternity rings, where timeless design meets exceptional craftsmanship, and discover the ring that will symbolize your forever.

Full Eternity Ring
Full Eternity Ring
Three-Ouarter Eternity Rings
Three-Ouarter Eternity Rings
Half Eternity Ring
Half Eternity Ring