5 Reasons Not to Buy an Eternity Ring

High Maintenance

For starters, all fine jewelry requires maintenance. Think about buying a diamond engagement ring or a platinum band like you’re buying a new car. To keep it looking and running well, you have to check in on it from time to time. That means cleaning, polishing, and checking the stones for security. If you only have one diamond to worry about, maybe that’s not such a hassle. But if you have a whole eternity band full of tiny diamonds you’re subjecting to everyday wear, then you really do have to set your maintenance expectations before you drop dollars. Especially if we’re talking about those micro-pave diamonds set in itsy bitsy prongs that only take one little knock on a marble countertop to pop right out of place.

Now, don’t freak out. There are options here. For instance, a channel set diamond eternity band that protects your sparkly little friends a bit more is great if you are a bit busier with your hands. Or even something with small bezel set diamonds in a full row of brilliance like our uber-low maintenance caviar bead band.

Eternity Rings: Flying Solo

Speaking of diamond damage, remember that whole thing about diamonds being unbreakable? Yeah? Well, forget it. Yes, diamonds are super hard, the hardest thing ever, in fact. Which means they can’t be scratched by anything but other diamonds. But that’s where eternity bands get a little bit tricky. All you ring stack enthusiasts? This is for you. If your diamond rings have any exposed girdle edges (floating diamond styles for instance) that touch other diamonds on, say, your engagement ring or another band…well, diamonds on diamonds means scratches, nicks, and chips, my darlings. Not only should you store them separately, but you might consider wearing them on different fingers. Or choose a channel or bar-set styles that have a bit of metal in between.

Unfit for Fluctuation

One of the biggest considerations when purchasing a diamond eternity ring is that they cannot be sized. That means getting your ring size just right the first time around (which can be a challenge for surprise proposals or gifts). Not that it can’t be done. If you’re buying an eternity ring off the rack, and there’s a return policy that allows for exchanges, that’s one thing. Though your partner will probably hate to part with it for even a moment! But if you’re going completely custom, we suggest taking the time to nail that ring size the first time. Measure twice. Cut once. You get it. 

If you love the look of a solid ring of brilliance but just don’t want to be stuck with not ever being able to size your ring if needed, then opt for a half-eternity or three-quarter band, which each have more diamonds than your average band but still leave enough wiggle room that you can have seconds at the BBQ.

The Eternity Ring Thiccness

Look, dainty diamond eternity bands are no sweat when it comes to comfort. They’ll feel pretty much like any other ring you might throw on your finger. But we know some of you just have to go for the heavyweight title. But because diamond eternity bands are evenly thick all the way around (instead of just having big diamonds on top and a thin band between your fingers), the larger carat weight you choose, the deeper the diamonds and the thicker the ring is. All that bulk between your fingers isn’t always super comfortable, so we suggest really trying some styles on to find what fits your hand the best before you drop serious dollars. Our flush baguette eternity band offers a bold look with a low profile, for instance. Win, win. 

Prong Song

Look, we know you want to see all diamonds, all the time. But you also don’t want to see a gaping hole where one falls out, right? Try a secure, prong-set band or something with partial bezels like our XO band, which features stunning oval cut diamonds set east west with criss crossing half bezels.

Mix & Match

Customize your eternity ring with different shaped diamonds in a cool mosaic pattern for brilliance without the bore. Mix step-cut baguettes with brilliant baby rounds or anything in between. You can go floral with rounds and marquises, or super geometric with square princess cuts and baguettes.

Color-pop Eternity Band

Who says your eternity ring has to be all white diamonds? Try adding fancy color diamonds or colorful precious gemstones in there too! An ombre effect that goes from color to white is super cool, or scatter some birthstones in there that represent your fam. We just recommend not going with softer stones because, you know, that whole wear issue.