Diamonds all the way around the ring band
An eternity ring carries an unbroken row of diamonds that follows the ring band all the way around. This provides an even sparkle, no matter how the hand turns, and is the reason many choose it as a wedding band or to mark an anniversary. Here you can see how a full eternity differs from a half eternity, which sizes and carat weights the rings come in, and what the choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds means for the appearance. Both gold and white gold are represented, and several of the designs are available in both metals, so you can match the ring with what you already wear.
Full eternity shows diamonds from every angle
A full eternity ring has stones all the way around, while a half eternity ring only has diamonds on the top half. The difference is noticeable in everyday use. A full eternity sparkles from every angle and sits evenly against the skin all the way around, but cannot be resized, because the stones fill the entire band. A half eternity ring has a smooth underside that sits comfortably against neighbouring fingers, and is well suited if the ring is worn for many hours daily. Full eternity is available, among others, as a small eternity with a small eternity diamond ring and in a more substantial version with a large eternity diamond ring. For a more discreet line, there is a tiny half eternity diamond ring.
Carat weight and stone size from tiny to large
The size of the diamonds determines how striking the ring appears. A tiny eternity of 0.28 carat gives a fine stripe of light, while a large eternity of 1 carat takes up more space overall and casts stronger glints. The weight always refers to the individual ring, not the collection as a whole.
- A tiny version of 0.28 carat for a delicate and slender line.
- A small version of 0.52 carat for daily use.
- A medium version of 0.80 carat with a more distinct presence.
- A large version of 1 carat for a striking look.
Feel free to mix a slim and a wider ring on the same hand if you want to build a layer of several rings.
Gold or white gold for your eternity ring
The rings are available in both 14K gold and 14K white gold, and several designs are available in both metals. Gold gives a warm tone that highlights the golden glint of the diamonds, while white gold has a cool, silvery surface that makes the stones stand out clearly and sharply. Choose the metal that suits your other jewellery, so the ring blends in among those you already wear. Several designs recur across the colours, including a medium eternity diamond ring in white gold. If you are unsure about what suits you, you can read more about what is the difference between gold and white gold.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds in the same design
Many of the rings are available with both lab-grown and natural diamonds in one and the same design. A lab-grown diamond has the same composition, hardness and brilliance as a natural diamond and, by all optical measures, is indistinguishable from it to the naked eye. If you want a particular look within a given budget, lab-grown can often provide a larger or more uniform row of stones in the same design. The same carat weight recurs in both variants, so it is primarily the origin of the stone that distinguishes them. If you are curious about how they are created, the article what are lab-grown diamonds covers it thoroughly.
How to find the right size
Most eternity rings are available in sizes 48 to 60, which cover the most common finger measurements. Because a full eternity has stones all the way around, it cannot be resized afterwards, so it is important to get it right from the start. Measure a ring you already use on the relevant finger, and compare the inner diameter. An inner diameter of 15.9 millimetres corresponds to size 50, while 17.2 millimetres corresponds to size 54. If you need help measuring correctly, the article how to measure ring size walks through the procedure step by step.
Marquise, emerald and double as an alternative
In addition to the classic row of round diamonds, eternity rings come with other looks. An eternity emerald diamond ring carries rectangular, emerald-cut stones that give a calmer and more geometric line. An eternity double diamond ring has two parallel rows of diamonds for more fullness on a slim band. If you want a ring with prong-set stones that lift the diamonds slightly away from the band, there is a medium round prong eternity diamond ring. If you want to explore more ring types, you will find them under rings.