Eternity Rings
An eternity ring is the jewellery milestone most couples don't plan for — gifted to mark an anniversary, the birth of a child, or a decade of marriage. Here's how to choose one that complements the engagement ring already on the finger.
Half vs full eternity: which is more practical?
A half eternity ring has stones set across the top half of the band and can be re-sized after purchase — an important consideration as finger size changes over decades. A full eternity ring has stones all the way round and cannot be re-sized without removing and re-setting stones. For daily wear, half eternity is the more practical choice. Full eternity is the more dramatic gift.
Setting styles: channel, pavé and claw
Channel setting (stones flush between two rails of metal) is the most secure and comfortable for daily wear — no raised claws to catch. Pavé setting (stones held by tiny beads of metal) gives maximum surface sparkle. Four-claw setting shows the most diamond but requires the most maintenance — claws wear and need re-tipping every few years with daily wear.
Stone choice: diamonds, sapphires or mixed
Diamond eternity rings are the traditional choice. Sapphire-and-diamond eternity rings are increasingly popular and cost less per carat. All-sapphire or all-coloured-stone eternity rings are a bold, personal choice. We match the stone colour and cut to the engagement ring where possible.
Matching to the engagement ring
The eternity ring sits on the same finger as the engagement ring, so profile and width matter. A delicate 1.8mm band suits a slim solitaire; a 3.0mm band balances a wide halo. Metal should match (platinum to platinum, 18ct to 18ct). We ask clients to bring their engagement ring to the fitting appointment.
| Setting | Security | Sparkle | Re-sizeable | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel | Excellent | Good | Yes (half) | Low |
| Pavé | Good | Excellent | Yes (half) | Medium |
| Four-claw | Good | Excellent | Yes (half) | Higher |
Frequently asked
When is an eternity ring traditionally given?+
Traditionally on the first wedding anniversary or the birth of a first child, though we see eternity rings given for tenth and twenty-fifth anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and push presents. There are no strict rules.
How much does an eternity ring cost?+
A half eternity ring in 18ct white gold with 0.50ct total weight of round brilliant diamonds (channel set) starts around £950. A full eternity with 1.00ct total weight in platinum starts around £2,200. Prices rise sharply with total carat weight and stone quality.
Can an eternity ring be re-sized?+
Half eternity rings can usually be re-sized by one or two sizes. Full eternity rings with stones all the way round cannot be re-sized without a full stone-remove-and-reset, which adds significant cost. We always recommend half eternity for practical daily-wear pieces.
How long does a bespoke eternity ring take?+
A bespoke half or full eternity ring made to order takes six to eight weeks from deposit to collection. We require the engagement ring in store for a fitting session before final sizing.