Buying Guides

Eternity Rings: Full vs Half, Stone Sizes and Prices

·Himmat Mangukiya·3 min read
Rose gold full eternity ring with alternating emerald cut and oval lab grown diamonds, Signora Journal guide

An eternity ring is a band set with a continuous line of matching diamonds: a full eternity ring has stones all the way around, while a half eternity ring has them across the top half only. Full eternity gives unbroken sparkle from every angle; half eternity is more comfortable, costs less and, unlike a full band, can usually be resized.

What does an eternity ring symbolise?

The unbroken line of stones stands for love without an end. That is why eternity rings are most often given for a milestone anniversary, the birth of a child or a vow renewal, and why many people choose one as their wedding band.

Full eternity or half eternity?

Full eternity Half eternity
Diamonds All the way around the band Across the top, about half the band
Sparkle From every angle, even when the ring turns From the front, which is what people see
Comfort Stones sit between your fingers Smooth metal underneath
Resizing Not possible in most cases Usually possible
Price Higher, because there are more stones Lower for the same stone size

If you are not sure of the finger size, or the ring will be worn every day with a hand that works, half eternity is the safer choice. Our article on why eternity rings cannot be resized explains the full-band problem in detail.

How many diamonds does an eternity ring have?

It depends on the size of each stone. Larger stones mean fewer of them. This is how it works across our prong-set half eternity bands:

Ring Stones Each stone (approx.) 14K yellow gold
0.135 ct half eternity 27 0.005 ct, about 1 mm $333
0.315 ct half eternity 21 0.015 ct, about 1.5 mm $519
0.595 ct half eternity 17 0.035 ct, about 2.1 mm $768
0.884 ct half eternity 13 0.068 ct, about 2.7 mm $1,070

Stones of about 1 to 1.5 mm make a fine, delicate band that sits neatly beside an engagement ring. From about 2 mm each, the band becomes a piece in its own right.

Which diamond shape should I choose?

Can an eternity ring be a wedding band?

Yes. A thin half eternity band with stones of 1 to 1.5 mm is one of the most popular wedding bands, because it sits flush against most solitaire engagement rings. If the engagement ring has a low setting or a wide halo, check that the two rings touch along their length. Our wedding band guide covers pairing in more detail.

How much does a lab-grown eternity ring cost?

In 14K gold, our half eternity bands start at $333 and full eternity bands from about $625. Larger full bands, such as the 1.62 ct shared-prong eternity ring, are about $1,142. Every ring is made to order in your choice of metal and comes with a Signora Jewelry Certificate.

Which finger does an eternity ring go on?

Traditionally on the ring finger of the left hand, stacked with the engagement ring and wedding band. Many people now wear one on the right hand, or alone as an everyday band. There is no rule beyond what feels right.

The bottom line

Choose full eternity for unbroken sparkle if you are certain of the size, and half eternity for comfort, a lower price and the option to resize later. Pick 1 to 1.5 mm stones for a band that stacks, 2 mm or more for a ring that stands alone. See every style in our eternity rings collection.

Share WhatsApp X Facebook Pinterest
From the workshop

Explore the collection

Shop Engagement Rings

More from the Journal