Five Questions to Ask Before You Buy an Eternity Ring

The purchase of any diamond jewelry—be it a watch, a bracelet, or an eternity ring—should be one a shopper considers carefully. Diamond jewelry is a significant and long-term investment, and knowing the right questions to ask of a jeweler can make a tremendous difference when it comes to getting the best quality pieces for your budget.

If you are in the market for an eternity ring, we will ask (and answer!) some important questions below to guide you through the shopping process, starting with: what’s an eternity ring?

1. What’s an Eternity Ring?

Eternity rings—also referred to as infinity rings, full diamond bands, or celebration bands—are stunning “special occasion” rings marked by an endless circle of sparkling diamonds.

While most people associate eternity rings with engagements and weddings, they are not solely used in relationships and nuptials. Some couples, married or not, purchase and gift them to mark special anniversaries or even the birth of a child. 

Eternity rings come in various styles and price points; sometimes, the eternity ring could cost as much as (if not more than) the engagement ring. Because these rings represent a significant purchase for most budgets, it is important to work with a reputable jeweler who can speak to the quality of the stones and provide a ring constructed of the highest quality, durable enough to last for years, with the diamonds securely set.

2. What Size Diamonds Work Best for an Eternity Ring?

Sometimes jewelry shoppers assume “bigger is always better” when it comes to diamonds, but that can be a tricky misconception. A diamond's physical size or dimensions matter less than what we call “the Four C’s:” carat, color, clarity, and cut. 

These characteristics matter most in terms of the brilliance of the diamond and, ultimately, how it is priced. Think of it this way: even a large (in dimension) stone could look lackluster and dull if cut improperly or graded on the low end of the color scale.

Now that you know the answer to “What’s an eternity ring?” you may have already deduced that larger stones can be impractical for this particular piece of jewelry. This is not only related to the cost of the rings; it is impractical for the wearer to have extremely large stones circling an entire band. This could be both uncomfortable for everyday wear and risky when it comes to the possibility of losing a stone, especially for anyone who works with their hands.

On average, the individual stones in an eternity band range from .05 to .25 carats. If you pair an eternity ring with an existing engagement band, you will also want to think about the proportions and shapes of the stones in that ring so that it is designed to complement it.

3. What Is the Best Metal Choice for an Eternity Ring?

When it comes to choosing the metal for your eternity ring, there are three main questions for buyers to consider:

• Will the eternity ring be paired with an existing engagement ring or worn on its own?
• Will it be worn by someone who wears more gold-tone jewelry or sticks primarily with silver-tone jewelry?
• Are there any skin allergies or sensitivity to metals to consider?

If you plan to wear your eternity ring with an engagement ring, it makes sense to match the metals from an aesthetic point of view. So, if you already have a gold band on your engagement ring, you could work with a jeweler to customize a gold eternity ring to wear with it.

Perhaps the eternity ring is the only one you will wear, so it makes sense to think about your other everyday pieces. If your watch and most of your earrings and necklaces are silver-toned, for example, you would probably want to consider a white gold eternity ring.

Finally, skin sensitivity is important before you purchase an eternity ring. Some people are especially sensitive to the metals in gold alloy (such as nickel) and, therefore, cannot wear even the finest real gold jewelry. 

4. What Diamond Quality Is Best for an Eternity Ring?

Ideally, the diamond quality, or the 4 C’s, will match the stone or stones in your engagement ring closely (if you are purchasing an eternity ring to go with it). Colorless or nearly colorless stones are preferred for eternity rings.

The biggest issue with diamond quality and eternity bands is matching all the diamonds in quality. The circle should be smooth and seamless, without a noticeable change in quality—for example, a darker diamond, which might stand out and detract from the beauty and brilliance of the ring). Be sure to look closely at the entire band to ensure it was constructed with carefully chosen diamonds that all carry the same quality.

5. Are Eternity Rings Only Worn Next to Engagement Bands?

The great thing about eternity rings is that while they may be steeped in tradition, they do not come with rules. In fact, there is no reason why you cannot buy an eternity ring for yourself! They are often coupled with engagement bands, but eternity rings can mark any special occasion (or no occasion at all). 

Additionally, eternity bands can be custom-made from other pieces. For example, perhaps you inherited a lovely tennis bracelet from your great aunt but rarely wore any jewelry on your wrists. Since tennis bracelets are also designed with matching quality stones as a priority, those same stones could be transferred to the eternity ring style of your choosing.

Happy Jewelers has an unbeatable selection of stunning eternity rings. Contact us today to learn about designing a custom band for your special occasion.