{"id":350747,"date":"2024-12-19T12:19:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T17:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=350747"},"modified":"2024-12-20T09:54:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T14:54:53","slug":"eternity-bands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/eternity-bands\/","title":{"rendered":"Stacked or Solo, Eternity Bands Are Forever in Style"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/a>
A platinum princess-cut band<\/a>, second from right, among a selection of other bright and shiny options<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The design is simple and straightforward, yes, but eternity bands<\/a> are not without nuance. Having originated in the courts of 18th-century Europe, the style is distinguished by a single continuous row of diamonds<\/a>. This endless circle of light symbolizes a love that\u2019s infinite and everlasting, making it ideal for a wedding band<\/a> or for marking a milestone anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An eternity band is also a popular way to commemorate the birth of a child or some other significant life event, such as a 30th birthday or college graduation. A recent high-profile example: When Justin and Hailey Bieber posted photos of their vow renewal<\/a> on Instagram in May of 2024, they were sporting matching diamond eternity bands<\/a>. They were expecting their first child at the time, imbuing the rings with extra significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Royals favor the style as well. Kate Middleton wears a diamond eternity ring that Prince William is believed to have gifted her after the birth of their first son, Prince George. And in her first official outing after completing chemotherapy in September of 2024, she was wearing a diamond-and-sapphire eternity band<\/a>, apparently a new addition to her stack, which includes a Welsh gold wedding band. Her sister-in-law Meghan Markle<\/a> received a Lorraine Schwartz<\/a> eternity band from Prince Harry on the birth of their son, Archie, in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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History of the Eternity Ring<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The shape of a ring<\/a>, a circle with no beginning or end, has been seen as representing eternity at least since ancient Egyptian times. It wasn\u2019t until the 18th century, however, that gem-set bands<\/a> were known as eternity rings. And the style didn\u2019t gain momentum until the middle of the 20th century. That was when a trove of diamonds was discovered in Siberia. Smaller than the stones that had become standard for diamond solitaire engagement rings<\/a>, they were just right for eternity bands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mining powerhouse De Beers<\/a>, which dominated the diamond market<\/a>, headed off any potential competition by acquiring the Russian stones and popularizing eternity bands. They were originally marketed to couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. But why wait half a century to add some sparkle to your stack? That was certainly the feeling of the influential celebrities who gave the style a boost. Among these perhaps the most famous was Marilyn Monroe<\/a>, who received a platinum band<\/a> from Joe DiMaggio that was set with 36 baguette-cut diamonds (and fetched $772,500 at Christie’s in 1999<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Eternity Bands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Full
Full eternity rings, like the emerald-cut ruby band<\/a> at left, have stones all the way around. Half eternity bands<\/a>, like the emerald version<\/a> at right, are a safer choice if the ring might need to be resized.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A full eternity band has gemstones all the way around. Resizing a full diamond eternity band isn\u2019t impossible, but it\u2019s a labor-intensive, complex and therefore costly process that many jewelers shy away from. A half eternity band<\/a> or three-quarter eternity band, with gemstones extending partway around the circumference, leave enough metal to allow for adjustments. If the eternity band is a gift and you\u2019re not sure of the recipient\u2019s ring size, a half or three-quarter eternity band may be the best option. Another benefit: Because they\u2019re made with fewer stones, they are less expensive than full eternity bands, often costing as much as 50 percent less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eternity Band Settings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bands in eternity bands may be set in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Illustrated<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n