Learn · Eternity and anniversary bands
Eternity bands
An eternity band has stones around the band: a half, three-quarter or full circle. It is the anniversary ring, the stacking ring and sometimes the wedding band, and the setting style decides how it wears.
What it is
A half eternity has stones across the top half with a plain back; a three-quarter band has a short plain section underneath; a full eternity has stones all the way around. The stones sit low in the band in shared prongs, in a channel between two rails, or each in its own bezel. Round stones are the classic; ovals, emerald cuts and pears across the band are the modern versions.
Half eternity
Stones across the top half of the band; a plain back.
Three-quarter eternity
Stones most of the way around, with a short plain section underneath.
Full eternity
Stones all the way around.
Shared prong
Each prong holds the edge of two neighboring stones.
Channel set
Stones sit in a groove between two metal rails.
Bezel set
Each stone in its own metal rim.
Why people love it
Sparkle around the finger that reads as a line of light beside an engagement ring, and a band that stands on its own as an anniversary gift. A half eternity keeps the comfort and resizing of a plain band; a full eternity never needs turning.
- Half eternity: Can be resized.
- Half eternity: Comfortable; the plain back sits against the finger.
- Three-quarter eternity: Looks like a full eternity from almost every angle.
- Three-quarter eternity: Still has a little room to resize.
- Full eternity: Sparkle from every angle; it never needs turning.
- Shared prong: The least metal, so the most light and sparkle.
- Channel set: Smooth to wear; nothing to catch.
- Channel set: Protects the stones’ edges.
- Bezel set: The most protective and the smoothest.
- Bezel set: A modern, bubbly look.
Trade-offs
A full eternity usually cannot be resized much, so the size has to be right from the start, and the stones underneath take the most wear. Shared prongs can catch; a channel is smoother but covers a little of each stone. The band also sits a touch wider than a plain one of the same stones.
- Half eternity: The plain back shows when the ring turns.
- Three-quarter eternity: Less resizing room than a half.
- Full eternity: Usually can’t be resized much, so the size has to be right from the start.
- Full eternity: Stones underneath take the most wear.
- Shared prong: Prongs can catch; a check now and then keeps every stone.
- Channel set: The rails cover a little of each stone.
- Bezel set: The most metal, so a little less sparkle.
Who it suits
Someone marking an anniversary, stacking beside an engagement ring, or choosing a wedding band with light in it. Half eternity for most people; full eternity for those who know their size will not change.
Sizes
| Stone | Half eternity | Full eternity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm rounds | 17 stones · approx. 0.21 ct | 35 stones · approx. 0.44 ct |
| 2.0 mm rounds | 13 stones · approx. 0.39 ct | 27 stones · approx. 0.80 ct |
| 2.5 mm rounds | 11 stones · approx. 0.64 ct | 22 stones · approx. 1.28 ct |
| 3.0 mm rounds | 9 stones · approx. 0.90 ct | 19 stones · approx. 1.91 ct |
| 3.5 mm rounds | 8 stones · approx. 1.28 ct | 16 stones · approx. 2.55 ct |
How many round stones fit around a size 6 band at each stone size, from the studio's own count, with the approximate total weight for a half and a full eternity. All figures approx.
What affects the cost
The number and size of the stones set most of the price, so a full eternity of 3 mm stones is several times a half eternity of 2 mm stones. Shared-prong setting takes the most hand work, channel a little less, bezels the most metal. Platinum adds metal cost.
Every custom piece is quoted after a consultation; there are no posted prices for custom work.
Care
Stones under the finger wear most. Clean in warm soapy water with a soft brush, and have the prongs or channel rails checked yearly. Take a full eternity off for heavy hands-on work.
A diamond is the hardest thing you own, but the metal around it is not. Take the ring off for the gym, the garden and anything with a bar or a rope in it, and keep it away from chlorine and bleach, which attack gold alloys over time.
Questions
Half or full eternity?
Half keeps a plain back for comfort and resizing; full sparkles from every angle but is hard to resize. Three-quarter is the compromise.
Can a full eternity be resized?
Usually only a little, by stretching or compressing the band. Sara measures carefully before making one.
Shared prong, channel or bezel?
Shared prong shows the most light; channel is the smoothest; bezel is the most protective. All three are in the studio.
What stone size should I choose?
2 to 2.5 mm rounds are the classic delicate band; 3 mm and up reads as a statement. The studio shows the count and the carats for each.