Eternity Rings have become quite popular as wedding rings in western society, because they are a fancier, more elaborate illustration of the eternal love symbolism of the wedding band itself. An eternity wedding ring almost always features diamonds, either as the only stones used or as part of a pattern alternating diamonds with other precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or another stone that might have significance to the couple like a birthstone or good luck symbol. The stones in an eternity ring are most often channel set, which means that they are recessed as an inlay pattern within a wedding band rather than help into place by the prong settings seen on other rings. They are usually set in traditional bands of yellow or white gold, but titanium, tungsten, and Platinum Eternity Rings are widely available as well.
There are 2 basic types of Eternity Rings, full eternity rings and half eternity rings. The gems of a full eternity ring completely encircle the band with stones in the same size and cut, for the look of a continuous pattern. These rings are the most beautiful, valuable, and symbolic as eternity rings go, though they can be difficult to resize due to the specific size and number of stones required to properly fill the channels and maintain the pattern. A half eternity ring, though not as valuable or dramatic, still makes a gorgeous impression with a pattern or stones set into half of the band, the top portion worn at the back of the hand. This works out because this portion is usually the only part anyone else sees or notices, and a smooth band on the underside of the finger makes the ring slightly more comfortable to wear. With this particular version, the stones are set to only encircle the visible half of the band. They cost less than full eternity rings which make them a good option if a full one is outside your means, you wear a large size of ring, and so forth. They are also easier to resize since no refitting or adding of gems is required; a jeweler will simply break and resolder the plain interior section of the band as usual.
Diamond eternity rings for men are a growing trend, as either wedding rings to be worn on the day of the wedding and thereafter, and given by women to their husbands as anniversary gifts or “upgrades” to simpler wedding bands on a special occasion like a holiday or birthday.
