Understanding Eternity Bands

19 Oct 2008

While the engagement ring and the wedding ring are very well known to almost everyone and most certainly play a part in engagements and wedding ceremonies, the question arises quite often as to what exactly are eternity bands. Is this something just for married couples or is it appropriate for unmarried but in love couples who wish to express their caring and devotion?

To answer this, we must look a bit at the history of eternity bands and what is considered appropriate in today’s time. A couple should be aware of customs, traditions and how to properly wear the ring.

Eternity bands represent a couple’s eternal love for one another. Generally, the man will give this to the woman when he feels it is the right time. There are no set rules for when eternity bands can be given as gifts. Some situations are common, however, such as anniversaries, giving birth to a baby and other special occasions. It should be noted that eternity bands are very strong symbols of the act of loving someone forever and this should not be taken lightly. Giving a physical symbol that you will love someone literally for eternity is a very big promise and while you cannot control exactly what happens in life, careful thought should go into this purchase. Of course, no one can predict if it will be possible to love someone forever, but the thought and caring behind such an idea should exist.

There are two basic types of eternity bands, full eternity bands and half eternity bands. The full band will have gems that run all around the ring. The half band will have gem that run half way around the ring. It should be noted that full bands, while looking gorgeous, may not be suitable for the woman to wear all the time, as the gems that go all the way around the band may dig into her hand and make the ring uncomfortable to wear. Full eternity bands also must have small gems, so that they can fit all the way around the eternity bands, and for these reasons the half band eternity rings is much more popular.
The half band eternity bands will have gem that run along the face of the ring. They are beautiful and comfortable. Large gems can be used, as they will only be on the face of the ring and this style is so beautiful.

The gems that are placed in eternity bands will differ and eternity bands are often custom made. Diamonds are used quite frequently however other gems are used as well. eternity bands are custom made so that the gem speak to the couple. For example, a diamond may be used as the center gem and the birthstones of each person may be on each side of the diamond. If the couple has children, the birthstones of everyone in the immediate family may be placed upon the eternity bands. This will represent everlasting love for the entire family: dad, mom and children.
There are options as to how the gems will be placed on the eternity bands. Some may choose to have the gems placed in claw settings so that the gems jump out and others prefer the smooth look of having the gems set down into the ring, making it smooth and flush with the surface of the ring. Because eternity bands are all custom made, it is not unusual for jewelers to only have very small samples of these rings. A customer may find it useful to look at a brochure or pictures to plan and create their eternity band.