Eternity rings are the ideal way to offer a symbol of the everlasting love between you and your partner. Traditionally, these rings are gifted during a significant milestone in the couple’s marriage. An eternity ring is a gift that is meant to last for exactly that, an eternity, so it’s important to think carefully about what you are buying before you buy.
With so many important factors to consider before buying a ring, we have created our expert buyer’s guide to eternity rings to help.
Brief History Behind Eternity Rings
Rings have been symbolic of love for a very long time due to there being no set beginning or end to them.
The first known eternity ring dates back to ancient Egyptian times, around 2000BC. Archaeologists have found rings made from a range of different materials that had carvings, beads and gems surrounding the entire ring.
Ever since, the ring has been used as a symbol of eternal life and love, but the idea of an Eternity Ring really came into popularity in the 18th century.
Which Ring Setting is Best for Eternity Rings?
You want to try and match the ring setting of your eternity ring to the existing rings that it will be worn with. There are three main ring settings styles; claw (also known as prong), pavé and channel.
Each offers a different style and look, and none are better than the other. Claw set rings use the more traditional method of holding gemstones in place with a metal mount that runs up the side and over the top of the stone. They allow for more light to enter the diamond and can give the most intense sparkle. Pavé set rings have a shank in the ring which is pavéd with the small stones.
They are held in place by prongs and give the appearance of continuous small diamonds. This setting often makes for a delicate ring that can match an engagement ring closely. The channel setting has two channels that hold each diamond in place, and it’s more suited to round brilliant stones, princess cut diamonds or baguette diamonds.
When set in the channel style, the diamonds are flush with the rest of the ring, meaning they are less prone to snagging on clothing and are more secure in the ring.
Image: Platinum 0.50ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Ring, available for £1,450 or from £21.75 per month at 0% finance.
Which Finger is an Eternity Ring Worn On?
Traditionally, the eternity ring is worn with an engagement ring and wedding ring on the fourth finger of your left hand, the ring finger. This is due to the ancient belief that there is a vein, or nerve, in this finger, that is directly connected to the heart. However, some people find that three rings on one finger is too much and prefer to wear the eternity ring on the fourth finger of the right hand instead.
Of course, putting an eternity ring on the left hand alongside your wedding and engagement ring also opens up the question of which order the rings should be worn. It’s suggested that the wedding ring should always go on first, which is why an engagement ring is relocated to the right hand for a marriage ceremony.
This is so that the wedding ring is the closest to the wearer’s heart. Then the engagement ring is moved to be above the wedding ring after the ceremony, leaving space above the engagement ring for an eternity ring later on.
Full and Half Diamond Eternity Rings
Diamonds are the stone of choice when it comes to eternity rings. Some people have been known to choose other gemstones such as sapphires and rubies, but the unbroken circle of diamonds is really what helps symbolise that eternal love for your partner.
Our diamond eternity rings are available as “full” or “half” eternity rings. While the true representation of an eternity is better with a full set of diamonds, this can make resizing a ring a little difficult.
So, if your partner’s ring size fluctuates, or you wish to pass the ring down to a family member with time, a half diamond option may be best.
How Banks Lyon Can Help You Find the Perfect Eternity Ring
At Banks Lyon, our luxury jewellery range includes a fantastic selection of full and half platinum or gold diamond eternity rings ready for that special moment in your relationship. We hope this guide has helped you determine which setting and style is best for your purchase; however, should you need advice on which eternity ring to offer your loved one as a gift; we are happy to help.
Contact us on 01524 38 48 58 to speak to a member of our team or drop into our Lancaster or Kendal showrooms to browse our selection of beautiful rings.