At Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, we describe an eternity band as a beautiful band of diamonds or gemstones that wraps all the way around your ring finger. It is a simple yet powerful symbol of lasting love and the story of your life together that keeps going and going.
That's how we put it in a nutshell. No jargon, just straightforward talk that gets to the heart of what an eternity band means.
Unlike an engagement ring, which marks the start of a proposal and a wedding ring, which commemorates the day you said I do, an eternity ring or band is all about celebrating the years that follow. It's not about kicking off a new chapter; it's about celebrating how your story just keeps getting more interesting.
The Story Behind the Eternity Band
The idea of a continuous circle representing eternal love isn't new, and has even been around for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, the circle was a symbol of eternity and the infinite, and they really believed that the ring finger on your left had a direct link to your heart (a notion still with us today when it comes to wedding rings).
Fast forward to the modern eternity band, and you get the same idea: a line of stones that goes on forever, representing endless love and a relationship that keeps evolving but never breaks. That's why eternity bands are often given at a wedding anniversary, the birth of a child, or some other special milestone that deepens your love for each other.
It's a concept that really took off in the 20th century when De Beers came up with the idea of the diamond eternity band as a symbol of everlasting love. While the marketing certainly helped spread the word, the idea itself has really stood the test of time because it speaks so deeply to people.
Full Eternity Band vs Half Eternity Band
When choosing your eternity band, one of the first things to think about is whether to go for a full eternity band or a half eternity band.
A full eternity band has stones set all the way around the band, creating a gorgeous infinity effect from every angle. They make a real statement and are incredibly symbolic, but they do come with some practical considerations around durability and resizing.
A half eternity band puts stones on top of the ring and leaves the bottom section solid metal. This gives you the visual impact of an eternity band without some of the drawbacks, and is often a better choice for everyday wear. Plus, it’s a bit easier to resize.
As your jeweler, we'll work with you to decide which feels right for you and fits with your lifestyle.
Stones and Diamond Shapes
Eternity bands are often associated with diamonds, but that's not your only option. We can set rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or a birthstone in your eternity band, and some customers even choose lab-grown diamonds for their sparkle and value.
The cut of your diamond is also really important. A round brilliant is pretty classic, but you might also consider an emerald cut, princess cut, or something a bit more elongated. Smaller diamonds can give you a more delicate sparkle, or you can go for bigger stones for a real showstopper.
It's worth thinking about how your eternity band will feel on your finger long term - not just when you first put it on.
Ring Settings and Craftsmanship
The setting of your eternity band really determines how the stones are secured and how the band feels on your finger. Some popular settings include prong settings, which let the light in, channel set designs that protect the stones, and pave settings that create a lovely, soft glow.
Each setting has its tradeoffs. For example, a channel-set eternity band is great for everyday wear because it's durable, but a prong setting will let more light in. Bezel set styles are modern and sleek, and pave settings are romantic and delicate.
Our makers take every detail into account, from how the stones fit together to how the band will look and feel decades from now.
Choosing a Metal
The metal you choose for your eternity band will really shape its personality. Yellow gold is warm and classic, white gold is modern and clean, and rose gold is soft and romantic, especially with small diamonds.
Each metal behaves differently over time, which can affect how the ring wears and looks, and how it sits next to your engagement ring or wedding band. We'll discuss all this together, so you're not making a decision on your own.
When Is an Eternity Band Given?
Eternity bands are often given as an anniversary gift (especially for milestone anniversaries). They're also a lovely way to celebrate the birth of a child, often incorporating a birthstone to make the moment even more special. Some folks choose an eternity band as their wedding ring all on its own. Others add it to their engagement ring and wedding band to create a whole story. But honestly, there's no right or wrong here. The meaning comes from why you choose to give it, rather than when.
How Eternity Bands Fit In
An eternity band can be worn on its own, stacked with a wedding ring, or paired with a beautiful solitaire engagement ring to give it some contrast. How it sits on your hand is what matters. You want to make sure it's comfortable to wear, the height is just right, and all the rings get along.
We tend to design eternity bands with stacking in mind. We make sure they complement the other rings you already have, rather than trying to compete with them.
Eternity Band Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an eternity band and a wedding ring?
Traditionally, a wedding ring marks the commitment you make when you get married. An eternity band is all about celebrating the milestones and the love that builds up after the big day.
Can an eternity band be resized?
Full eternity bands can be a real pain to resize because the gems go all the way around the band. Half eternity bands leave a bit more flexibility with sizing, though.
Are eternity bands durable enough for everyday wear?
Absolutely, as long as they're designed with the right thoughts in mind. You want the right setting and stone size to make sure it's going to last the distance.
Do eternity bands have to be diamonds?
No, diamond eternity bands are popular, but loads of people go for gems, rubies, or even birthstones because they're personal and mean something.
Which hand do you wear an eternity band on?
Most people wear it on their left hand ring finger and stacked with the wedding ring, but there's really no rule.
Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for an eternity band?
Yes, they are! Lab diamonds are a common choice and can offer some great consistency and clarity.
Is an eternity band the same as an infinity ring?
They're used pretty much the same way. Both are all about that never-ending love through a continuous line or a circular design.
How do I choose the right ring size?
Accurate sizing is key, especially with full eternity bands. We always recommend getting a proper sizing done before we finalise the design.
A Ring That Honours What Comes After
An eternity band is not about replacing your engagement ring or wedding ring. It's about honouring the life you've built around them. It's about a commitment that's been tested and deepened and chosen again and again.
At Adam Foster Fine Jewelry, we design eternity bands the way we design everything else: by listening first, by understanding what you're trying to mark, and then by creating a ring that feels as meaningful as the moment it represents.
If you're thinking about an eternity band, we'd be thrilled to help you design one that tells your story beautifully.