Eternity Rings

Eternity is at hand. Actually, to be more accurate, on the third finger on your left hand. Your wedding ring? Well, yes and no. This ring is known as an "eternity ring," sometimes also referred to as a "dress" wedding ring. Eternity rings have become one of the many ways in which to show that special someone, love and committment; your soul mate. 

The history of the eternity ring, dates back about four millennia. The infinite, or eternal loop represents eternal love. This is why many eternity rings are multi-stranded or plaited (braided). In another similar theme, the ring is formed like a snake consuming its own tail. Any fan of the late ninties television series, "Millennium," will tell you that symbol was shown much in the series as the symbol for the Millennium Group.

In addition to dress wedding rings, eternity band rings are also referred to as anniversary rings, infinity rings, special ocassion rings, and promise rings. Not solely limited to those who are in a serious relationship, many women obtain these rings just for themselves, whether they are committed to someone or not. Currently content at where they are in life, they value the eternity ring because of the way it looks, how much it's worth, and its long term investment. This type of ring also makes for a cherished heirloom to be passed along to a child or grandchild or even a niece.

With some of the other names attached to eternity rings, just which is the proper hand/finger to wear it? What I have been able to learn boils down to individual preference and personal sentiment. Some women wear their eternity ring on the same finger as, and under their wedding and engagement rings; others choose to wear it on the middle finger, of the left hand, or even on the right hand. Sometimes the choice is made easier if all three rings are of the same metals, i.e., white gold, yellow gold, silver or platinum. Then the rings would seem to complement each other. So I guess it's safe to say that there is nothing (ahem)," written in stone," as ring wearers today value the look and style they feel is right for them, over traditional customs.

Different Types of Eternity Rings

Because of the simplicity of eternity rings, one's choices are fewer than with an engagement ring. However, there are differences between the styles, allowing couples to choose a setting, shape, and metal to fit their individual preferences. Diamond eternity rings come in two setting styles: pave and channel. Both are considered equally elegant and attractive. The channel setting is sometimes preferred because it holds the gems securely in place, and are the easiest to build. A feature common to most eternity rings, is that they are stone set. The rings available are either half eternity or full eternity. Full eternity rings must be customized, and the stones, sized-matched, demanding a considerably higher price over a traditional diamond ring. A full diamond eternity ring cannot usually be adjusted for finger size, therefore, it needs to be custom ordered and made, so very few jewelers keep samples in stock. A full eternity ring costs two to three times the price of a similar half eternity simply because it contains more diamonds. These reasons are why the full eternity stone isn't seen as much.

The half eternity usually has larger stones, which circle half way around the ring; while with the full eternity, there are smaller stones, but they fully encircle the ring. Many modern day half eternity rings feature a "raised head," which is different than a traditional wedding type ring. As one might expect, very often, some couples choose to display their respective birthstones. Diamonds are the overwhelming choice, but, in addition to birthstones, favored also are rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, or a combination of the three.

Eternity rings, and all the other names they are known by, offer a simplistically beautiful design that one would be hard pressed to find in other rings. Ring buying, as in many other kinds of gift giving, continues to change, allowing people the freedom to discover and create new ways to express their love, committment, and devotion to that special person in their lives. For that special someone, the eternity ring has become an important outward symbol that stands for love, honor and respect. 

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