An eternity ring — also called an eternity band or infinity ring — features diamonds or gemstones set continuously around the band, symbolizing never-ending love. Eternity rings are one of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry a couple can share, often given to mark significant milestones in a relationship.
This guide covers everything you need to know about eternity rings, including the difference between full and half eternity bands, diamond settings, sizing considerations, and when to give one.
Full Eternity vs Half Eternity
| Feature |
Full Eternity |
Half Eternity |
| Diamond Coverage | All the way around | Top half only |
| Sparkle from All Angles | Yes | Front and sides only |
| Resizable | Very difficult / usually no | Yes (within 1-2 sizes) |
| Comfort | Can feel textured inside | Smooth metal inside |
| Price | Higher (more stones) | Lower (fewer stones) |
| Durability | Stones all around = more exposure | Metal back = more durable |
When to Give an Eternity Ring
While there are no strict rules, eternity rings are most commonly given at these milestones:
- Wedding anniversaries: Especially milestone years — 1st, 5th, 10th, 25th. Browse our wedding anniversary rings or see our anniversary jewelry guide for traditional and modern gift suggestions by year.
- Birth of a child: Many partners give an eternity ring to celebrate the birth of a baby, symbolizing the growing love of the family
- Significant relationship milestones: Vow renewals, overcoming challenges together, or simply because the moment feels right
- As a wedding band: Some brides choose an eternity band as their wedding ring, either alone or stacked with an engagement ring
Popular Diamond Settings for Eternity Rings
Channel set: Diamonds are placed in a channel between two walls of metal. This creates a smooth, sleek profile with no prongs to catch on clothing. Channel settings are among the most popular for eternity bands due to their durability and clean look.
Prong set: Each diamond is held by tiny metal prongs (typically shared between adjacent stones). Prong settings allow maximum light to enter the diamonds, creating the most brilliant sparkle. However, prongs can catch on fabrics and require periodic maintenance.
Pave set: Very small diamonds are set closely together with tiny beads of metal holding them in place. The result is a surface that appears to be paved with diamonds. Pave settings create exceptional sparkle but the small stones can be more vulnerable to falling out over time.
Bezel set: Each diamond is surrounded by a thin rim of metal. Bezel settings offer the best protection for the stones and create a modern, architectural look. They are also the most comfortable for everyday wear.
Choosing the Right Metal
Eternity rings are available in all the standard jewelry metals:
- Gold (14K or 18K): Available in yellow, white, and rose. 14K is more durable; 18K has richer color. See our gold rings collection.
- Platinum: The most durable precious metal, naturally white, hypoallergenic. Ideal for everyday wear.
- Palladium: Similar to platinum but lighter weight and less expensive.
Choose a metal that matches your existing rings if you plan to stack the eternity band with an engagement ring or wedding band.
Sizing Considerations
Sizing is the most critical consideration when buying an eternity ring, particularly a full eternity band. Because diamonds go all the way around a full eternity ring, resizing is extremely difficult or impossible without removing and resetting stones.
Tips for getting the right size:
- Get professionally sized at a jewelry store — do not guess
- Size your finger at the time of day when it is likely to be largest (typically evening)
- Account for temperature and swelling — fingers can vary by half a size throughout the day
- If you are between sizes, go with the larger size — a slightly loose ring is better than one that is too tight to resize
- Consider a half eternity band if you anticipate needing to resize in the future
Stacking Eternity Rings
Eternity bands look beautiful stacked with other rings. Popular combinations include:
- Engagement ring + eternity band (instead of a traditional wedding band)
- Wedding band + eternity band (added for an anniversary)
- Engagement ring + wedding band + eternity band (the classic three-ring stack)
- Multiple eternity bands stacked together in different metals or stone sizes
When stacking, consider bands with a low profile so they sit flush against each other without gaps or awkward spacing.