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Eternity Rings Buying Advice
How To Buy a Eternity Ring Quicklinks
- • Abelini’s Ultimate Guide on How to Buy an Eternity Ring
- • Different Types of Eternity Ring
- • Caring for your Eternity Ring
- • FAQ
An eternity ring is a style of ring featuring a continuous line of diamonds or other precious stones set in a band of precious metal like gold or platinum. The eternity ring draws its name from the uninterrupted circle of gemstones around the ring’s circumference – a symbol of everlasting love and commitment.
Eternity rings originate from Ancient Egypt, where the circle was regarded as a shape without beginning or end that represented the unbreakable circle of life. In Ancient Rome, husbands gave eternity rings to wives following the birth of their first child. Ever since, eternity rings have become popular symbols of love to gift on anniversaries or special milestones.
In modern times, eternity rings are commonly used to celebrate significant anniversaries after 10, 20 or even 50 years of marriage, serving as an inspiring reminder of a couple’s enduring love.
Eternity rings are also commonly given to mark the birth of a child or as a symbol of a renewed commitment in a relationship. Some wear eternity rings as stand-alone pieces, while others stack them with engagement rings or wedding bands to create stunning, meaningful ring combinations.
At Abelini, we proudly stock a vast range of eternity rings that celebrate leading craftsmanship and quality material, featuring exquisite diamonds, gemstones and precious metal bands.
In this comprehensive Abelini Eternity ring buying guide, we will help you select a beautiful eternity ring to be cherished for life. And once you have an idea of your ideal eternity ring, our friendly experts who will be delighted to help you make the perfect eternity ring purchase.
Abelini’s Ultimate Guide on How to Buy an Eternity Ring
By following these simple steps, you will ensure that you cover every base when selecting the perfect eternity ring for your unique needs.
1. Deciding on Your Budget
When choosing your eternity ring budget, consider your financial situation and personal investment preferences – as well as the significance of the occasion you are honouring. Keep in mind that an eternity ring typically features diamonds or other precious gemstones – and your choice here will affect the overall cost.
If you have enjoyed previous Abelini education posts, you will know all about the Four Cs of Diamonds: Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity.
When balancing your budget for a diamond eternity ring, secure suitable a cost by selecting diamonds of a satisfactory Four C balance. For example, a diamond with a slightly lower colour or clarity grade will be more affordable than a diamond of a higher grade that is no more stunning to the average naked eye.
And remember – the value of your eternity ring goes beyond monetary value. It represents your commitment, and your loved one will cherish the significance of its gifting more than the price tag alone.
2. Choosing the Right Metal
When selecting your eternity ring metal band, there are four main popular options. Let’s take a look at the qualities of each – with special focus on durability, cost, colour and hypoallergenic qualities…
Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold provides a classic, timeless eternity ring base. It is warm and desirable in colour, and far more affordable – yet less durable – than platinum. This lesser durability can leave yellow gold eternity rings susceptible to scratches and wear over time. Yellow gold can also irritate the skin of those individuals sensitive to certain alloys mixed with gold.
White Gold
White Gold is a popular eternity ring metal choice thanks to its elegant, contemporary appearance and versatility in pairing with a wide range of eternity ring gemstones. However, white gold requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its signature bright whiteness. Also, white gold eternity rings may irritate skin sensitive to nickel, which is commonly used in white gold alloys.
Rose Gold
Rose Gold is a fantastic choice for eternity rings with its romantic, feminine and trendy aesthetic, which complements a wide range of skin tones. However, rose gold eternity rings may be less durable than yellow gold or white gold eternity rings – and rose gold’s pink hue may be restrictive when selecting gemstones. Also, the presence of copper in rose gold alloys may cause hypoallergenic issues.
Platinum
Platinum is a highly sought-after eternity ring metal that is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches. Rarer and more precious than yellow, white or rose gold, platinum is ideal for those with sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic properties. Platinum eternity rings may develop a patina of vintage appeal over time, though with regular maintenance its brilliant whiteness can be preserved.
No matter the metal you pick for your eternity ring, regular maintenance will ensure that it remains at peak brilliance for decades to come.
3. Choosing the Right Gemstone
There is no shortage of gemstones to choose from when deciding your ideal eternity ring. No matter your pick, you can be sure of discovering fantastic examples in Abelini’s range of eternity rings.
The most popular diamond ring metals are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum – each metal has unique characteristics that contribute to and are influenced by personal preference, durability and overall aesthetics.
Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest gemstone with a rating of 10 Mohs, meaning they are highly durable and can easily withstand daily wear. Diamonds come in various colours – including white, yellow, brown and rarer colours that are more valuable. The cost of your diamond will depend on the aforementioned Four Cs (Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity). With our reliable suppliers of diamonds of all quality levels, you can be confident in discovering the perfect examples for your eternity ring.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for eternity rings thanks to their ethical sourcing and budget-friendly cost. Just as durable as natural diamonds and available in the same colours, the difference lies in their artificial production – which makes lab-grown diamond styles and sizes more readily available than their natural counterparts.
Ruby
Ruby is almost as durable as diamond (scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale) and perfect for everyday wear. Their vibrant red colour is instantly recognisable, though variations in hue and intensity provide space for creativity in design – with ruby eternity rings rings often featuring sequences of rubies of intentionally differing colour and clarity.
Emerald
Emerald scores 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them more susceptible to scratches and damage – so emerald eternity rings require more careful handling and maintenance. While their rich green colour is fairly uniform, emerald pricing widens when considering inclusions and other blemishes. A popular eternity ring choice due to the evergreen symbolism that emerald offers.
Blue Sapphire
Blue Sapphire is another fantastic eternity ring choice for those seeking a durable gemstone. Scoring 9 Mohs, blue sapphire eternity rings can be confidently worn on a daily basis. While blue is the most popular sapphire colour, they come in other colours including pink, yellow and white. The pricing of blue sapphire varies greatly depending on colour, clarity and size.
Black Diamonds
Black Diamondis the last gemstone to consider. Just as durable as their conventionally coloured alternatives, black diamonds are instantly recognisable for their opaque, black colouration. While less rare than white diamonds (and subsequently more affordable), many consider their colour to be more striking. As with any diamond, it is possible to discover the perfect black diamond for your eternity ring by considering the Four Cs.
4. Consider Diamond Shapes
When you have decided upon the perfect diamonds for your eternity ring, it’s time to consider the diamond cut that would best-suit the piece of jewellery and personality of the recipient.
Round diamonds are the most popular shape, known for their brilliant sparkle and classic look. Round diamonds feature no less than 58 facets, designed together to maximise reflection of light.
Princess diamonds are square-shaped with sharp corners. Contributing to modern eternity ring styles, princess diamonds are often more affordable than round diamonds.
Oval diamonds are similar to round diamonds yet feature an elongated shape. Oval diamonds feature frequently in classic eternity ring designs.
Pear diamonds feature teardrop shapes that unite the brilliance of round diamonds with the unique shape of marquise diamonds. This versatile pear shape allows for creativity in horizontal or vertical eternity ring designs.
Marquise diamonds feature a pointed, oval shape with tapered ends – a unique form that supports creative eternity ring designs.
If you need advice on selecting the right diamond cut shapes for your eternity ring, our friendly experts are ready and waiting to share their years of expertise!
5. Finger Shape and Size
No two fingers are the exact same – and when purchasing an eternity ring as a gift, it isn’t always possible to measure the finger of whoever’s receiving the eternity ring. By considering the following, you can maximise your chances of finding the perfect fit for your lucky recipient.
Ring size refers to the circumference of the finger on which the eternity ring will be worn. It is essential to have an accurate ring size to ensure a comfortable fit – too big and the eternity ring will be likely to slip off; too small and the eternity ring will not be comfy to wear for long periods of time.
Remember that finger size can increase and decrease throughout the day as a result of temperature, hydration and other factors.
At the end of the day, always seek professional advice – our staff possess decades of ring-sizing experience and can provide further insights into the ideal eternity ring size for your recipient.
Resizing your eternity ring is possible for Abelini to provide in-store, and we can also provide ring adjusters to achieve the perfect fit while you await your eternity ring resizing appointment.
Don’t worry if it is not possible to resize your eternity ring – you can rely on Abelini’s considerate return and exchange policy.
6. Diamond Certification and Ethical Considerations
Diamond certification and ethical considerations are vital aspects when discussing eternity rings. As a symbol of enduring love to be cherished for a lifetime, ensuring the authenticity and value of an eternity ring’s diamonds is crucial.
Diamond certification serves as a guarantee of authenticity and quality, providing unbiased assessment of a diamond's characteristics, 4 Cs and overall grade. Obtaining a certified diamond means you have total confidence that the stone's attributes have been evaluated by an independent gemological laboratory – this not only adds value to the diamond but provides peace of mind to the buyer.
In addition, the ethical sourcing of metals and gemstones is an essential consideration for many eternity ring wearers. Human rights abuses, environmental impacts and exploitation of miners have brought the issue of ethical sourcing to the forefront. Responsible jewellery brands now prioritise conflict-free diamonds, which are mined and traded in ways that does not support unethical ventures.
Every Abelini diamond is certified ethical, meeting Kimberley Process Certification Scheme standards as well as Responsible Jewellery Council requirements – so you know that the gift of love you give has been crafted with the same positivity!
7. Know the Warranty
When purchasing an eternity ring, take the time to understand the warranty specifics to ensure you are well-informed about your coverage. Warranty terms vary greatly between sellers, so ask specific questions and carefully review documentation before making a purchase. Here are some key points to consider about your eternity ring warranty:
Duration of Warranty determines the length of a warranty’s validity. Typical eternity ring warranty periods range from one to several years.
Coverage should ideally cover any manufacturing defects or flaws in workmanship such as loose stones, prong damage or faulty settings. Some may also include coverage for loss or damage under certain circumstances – though this is less common
Exclusions and Limitations to your warranty may include actions like resizing the eternity ring with a non-authorised jeweller or neglectful maintenance.
A Repair and Replacement Process dmay specify that you must contact the original jeweller or manufacturer rather than use a third-party repairer. You can also clarify who is responsible for associated costs like shipping or insurance fees.
Maintenance Requirements may state that periodic inspections or maintenance are necessary to keep your warranty valid. Stick to these to avoid losing coverage.
Transferability is an important warranty factor if you may sell or gift your eternity ring in the future. A warranty that is transferable to new owners can enhance your ring’s value and provide peace of mind to the recipient.
Proof of Purchase can be maintained by keeping all relevant purchase documentation – including the sales receipt, warranty certificate and all other supporting documents. If you do not keep all of these, you may encounter issues when making warranty claims in the future.
Every eternity ring we sell comes with Abelini’s comprehensive warranty for absolute peace of mind. Learn more about our warranty specifics here or give us a call today.
Different Types of Eternity Ring
Full Eternity Rings
Characterised by a continuous line of gemstones or diamonds set around the band, a design that ensures the eternity ring’s gemstones are visible from all angles when worn. Full eternity rings are often crafted with smaller stones that permit a uniform, delicate look. The unbroken line of gemstones around the eternity ring’s circumference represents the unbroken bond of enduring love
Full eternity rings are commonly chosen as wedding bands or anniversary rings in celebration of significant milestones. They are also popular with those who seek a more glamorous, eye-catching look – with the even distribution of gemstones around the band resulting in a visually striking, clearly meaningful eternity ring.
Half Eternity Rings
Featuring gemstones or diamonds set only on the front half of the ring band, while the backside remains plain or minimally adorned. This eternity ring design achieves an ideal balance between sparkling gemstone and plain metal band comfort. As they are only set on one side of the band, the gemstones used in half eternity rings are usually larger in size.
Half eternity rings are often chosen as engagement rings or alternatives to full eternity rings. They offer practical daily use with the topside setting of gemstones reducing the potential of wear and damage. The perfect blend of elegance and versatility!
Coloured Gemstone Eternity Rings
Incorporating vibrant gemstones other than diamonds – such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds – to achieve a wonderful range of captivating colours and opportunities for personalisation.
Coloured gemstone eternity rings are often selected to reflect personal style, feature relevant birthstones or add individuality. They may serve as anniversary rings, celebratory gifts or simply unique engagement rings for those who delight in something different. Distinctive and eye-catching, coloured gemstone eternity rings are ideal for those who desire a truly personalised piece of jewellery to represent their love.
Caring for Your Eternity Ring
General careful use will ensure that your eternity ring exists in fine form for many years to come. However, consider the following practices to keep your eternity ring every bit as brilliant as the day it was purchased.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning will protect your eternity ring from the dirt of daily wear and maintain its brilliance. Simply soak in warm, mildly soapy water for 15 minutes, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush then dry gently with a cloth or kitchen paper.
Avoid chemicals in cleaning products such as chlorine or bleach, which may damage the metal setting of your eternity ring. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bleach and other cleaning products. These chemicals can damage the metal and discolour or damage the gemstones.
Avoid heat that may damage and weaken your eternity ring setting and cause the diamonds to come loose. Ensure you protect your diamond ring from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold.
Proper Storage
Store separately to prevent your eternity ring being scratched or damaged when knocked against other jewellery pieces. Keep it in a dedicated pouch or jewellery box section for best preservation.
Avoid humidity, which may damage the metal setting and even dull or discolour the gemstones of your eternity ring – storage is best done in cool and dry places.
Regular inspection will ensure your eternity ring remains vibrant, secure and undamaged. If you notice any new or potential damage, take it to a professional jeweller (or stop by our store) for repair.
Professional Servicing
Regular servicing by professionals will ensure your eternity ring remains in the best condition. If you need a repair, do not attempt to do it yourself as you may cause further damage.
Repolishing may be needed occasionally to restore your eternity ring to its full brilliance. If your eternity ring metal is white gold, you may also need to have this replated every now and then.
Looking after your eternity ring is simple if done consistently and attentively. By following the above tips, you can ensure a long life of brilliance for your new piece of jewellery.
Faq
What is an eternity ring, and what do they mean?
An eternity ring is a ring featuring a continuous line of gemstones that symbolises eternal love, commitment and an unending bond.
When do you get an eternity ring?
Eternity rings are typically gifted on special occasions such as wedding anniversaries, renewal of vows and the birth of a child – or simply as a gesture of everlasting love.
Eternity rings are purchased to celebrate significant milestones, celebrate enduring love or mark special occasions with a meaningful piece of jewellery.
What are scenarios where buying an eternity ring would be appropriate?
Eternity rings are appropriate for a wide variety of occasions – if you’re looking to celebrate a long-lasting love, there’s no better way than with an eternity ring!
How much should I pay for an eternity ring?
The price of an eternity ring can vary widely. Based on factors such as type of metal, gemstones used and quality, you can choose an eternity ring that fits your specific budget.
What are the rules for eternity rings?
There are no strict rules for eternity rings. The design, style and occasion for giving or wearing an eternity ring can vary based on personal preferences and cultural traditions.
What is the best style for an eternity ring?
The best style for an eternity ring depends entirely on individual taste and preference. Common styles include full eternity (gemstones encircling the entire band) and half eternity (gemstones on the front half of the band only).
How many carats should an eternity ring be?
The carat weight of an eternity ring depends on personal preference and budget. Some opt for smaller carat weights to maximise the number of gemstones, while others prefer larger carat weights for a bolder look. Like all jewellery, there is no set answer – only the style of the recipient and budget of the gifter.
When should a woman get an eternity ring?
A woman can receive an eternity ring on special occasions such as wedding anniversaries, the birth of a child or as a symbol of renewed commitment in a relationship.
What stone should an eternity ring be?
Eternity rings often feature diamonds, though other gemstones like sapphires or rubies can be used. The choice of stone depends on personal preference and the symbolism associated with different gemstones.
Do you wear your eternity ring all the time?
Whether or not you wear your eternity ring all the time is an entirely personal choice. Some prefer to wear an eternity ring as a stand-alone piece while others stack it with additional rings to create stunning ring combinations.
What is the best shape diamond for an eternity band?
The best diamond shape for an eternity band depends on personal preference. Popular choices include round brilliant, princess cut and emerald cut – however, the only limit is your creativity!
Can any ring be an eternity ring?
Eternity rings typically feature a continuous line of gemstones though any ring can be designated as an eternity ring so long as it carries symbolic meaning for the wearer.
On which finger should an eternity ring be worn?
Eternity rings are often worn on the ring finger of the left hand alongside an engagement ring and wedding band. However, choice of finger can vary by personal preference and cultural tradition..
An eternity ring is traditionally given by a partner or spouse to symbolise enduring love. However, there is no strict rule – an eternity ring can be given by anyone who wishes to express everlasting commitment for another.
What is the best setting for an eternity band?
The best setting for an eternity band depends on personal preference and practicality. Popular settings include channel, prong and bezel settings. Channel settings provide a sleek and secure look; prong settings allow more light to enter the gemstones and enhance their brilliance; bezel settings offer a more protective, modern look.
Do you get an eternity ring before or after marriage?
The timing of giving or receiving an eternity ring can vary. While eternity rings are often associated with anniversaries or milestones after marriage, there are no strict rules. Some couples choose to exchange eternity rings before marriage while others wait until after marriage – or until another significant occasion such as an anniversary, renewal of vows or birth of a child.
Can an eternity ring be resized?
Resizing an eternity ring can be challenging due to the continuous line of gemstones. Depending on setting and design, resizing may not be possible without compromising the eternity ring’s integrity. We recommend consulting our team to assess the feasibility of resizing based on the specific eternity ring design.
Can you wear an eternity ring as a wedding ring?
While an eternity ring can be worn as a stand-alone piece or stacked with other rings, it's less common to wear an eternity ring as a traditional wedding ring. Traditionally given as a symbol of enduring love and commitment, eternity rings are most often worn in addition to an engagement ring and wedding band.
How do I determine sizing for an eternity band?
Determining the correct size for an eternity band can be challenging due to the continuous row of gemstones. Consider the following:
- Having a professional jeweller measure your finger using sizing tools
- Trying on sample rings of the same width to find the most comfortable fit
- Considering sizing slightly larger than your regular ring size to accommodate the additional width of the gemstones.
Your Stunning Eternity Ring Awaits…
We hope you enjoyed this journey with Abelini into the many wonderful elements of eternity ring shopping. With so many options available to suit all budgets and tastes, we are confident that you will find the perfect eternity ring within our comprehensive collection.
With our certified diamonds, leading craftsmanship and reliable warranty and return policy, shop for your eternity ring with confidence at Abelini.
We cannot wait to welcome you into our store and help you find the ideal eternity ring to celebrate your commitment.