The Appeal of the White Gold Illusion

A white gold eternity ring, especially one that has clear gemstones (or white diamonds) around the entire band (known as a full eternity ring), may look as though it is made entirely of diamonds with the white metal setting (be it prong, bezel, channel or pave) blending seamlessly with the stones. This illusion is part of the appeal of an eternity band—an unbroken circle that goes on forever to match the timeless promise it represents.

Yellow Gold and White Gold Eternity Ring Prices

Gold eternity ring designs that use yellow gold for the band, often have white gold or platinum around the stones as accents. However, whether you select a 14 carat or 18c yellow gold eternity ring, or a 9ct white gold eternity ring, or even a rare style of rose gold eternity ring, the prices will not be that different. Yellow gold, white gold and rose gold tend to be priced almost the same because they all contain only a percentage of pure gold; it is the alloyed metals that give gold different colors. So, it really comes down to your preference because the price will not be affected very much no mater which you choose.

Bring Out the Diamond Brilliance

If you are trying to match a yellow gold engagement ring with an eternity wedding band, then you may want the band itself to be yellow gold, however, it’s worth considering getting a yellow gold eternity ring band that has white gold around the stones just to bring out the diamonds a little more. Two tone rings serve to give you the gold color to match the other ring while emphasizing the diamonds and getting their maximum brilliance to show through.

Selecting the Quality and Clarity of Your Diamonds

Gold eternity rings are usually set with genuine diamonds and it is the diamond size and quality that most affects the price, because unlike other rings that may have one stone or two or perhaps three and a few teeny accents, a full eternity ring may have over 40 diamonds, totaling .50 carats or more. That is why genuine diamonds eternity rings are seldom set in silver or plated metals of lesser quality.

For example an 18ct white gold eternity ring with 0.50CT of H/SI diamonds in a channel setting will cost a little over $900, and the same 18ct yellow gold eternity ring will be the same price. An H color diamond is a long way from the best D quality, and SI is a slightly imperfect diamond, and a long way from an IF (Internally Flawless) diamond or an FL (flawless stone. So, increase the quality of the diamonds just a little to a G/VS and the cost of a similar ring in the same gold setting will more than double.

The moral to all this is that if you’re investing in diamonds, then it only makes sense to set them in gold, white gold or platinum. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheap eternity rings in silver or other metals that use white semi precious gemstones or cubic zirconia and cost less than $100, but that’s another class of jewelry and another article.

Value and Quality in Genuine Diamond Eternity Rings

We’re going to focus on getting value and quality in genuine diamond 9ct gold eternity ring styles and 18ct gold eternity ring designs, suggesting white gold full eternity ring creations that are unique and distinctive, and also bringing you some recommendations on the popular white gold half eternity ring designs from some of the top online jewelers that specialize in diamond rings.

Eternity Ring Variations

You can choose a full eternity ring, which has a continuous line of stones around the band, or a half eternity ring with diamonds or gemstones only on the top – usually three to seven stones.

Wishbone

There are some variations on these two basic styles, like there is white gold wishbone eternity ring that has a sort of V shape on top, and these can be full or half eternity rings depending on how many stones. Often they only have stones in the V on top, but there are some that have diamonds all around.

Baguette

There are also baguette eternity ring styles. The word baguette refers to the cut of the diamonds which is rectangular. These rings are very unique and tend to be quite expensive since each diamond must be quite large to be cut in that elongated shape.

Trilogy or Three Stone Ring

Another gold half eternity ring style that is popular but not strictly an eternity ring in the true sense of the word is a three stone ring or what some call a trilogy ring. They are often set similar to an eternity band, but may have the stones raised slightly in the shank, and the band itself may be narrow and rounded instead of flat and which removes it from the eternity family. However, it’s a ring style that tends to get categorized and displayed near or with eternity rings.

Matching Engagement Rings with Eternity Bands

If you are looking for a diamond wedding band to match an engagement ring, especially a simple solitaire ring, then eternity wedding ring designs will add some extra sparkle to your wedding set. Since eternity bands seldom come as sets with engagement rings, and I really have no idea why because they go so well, it is necessary to match your metals and bands and diamond quality and color so they appear to go together. The best way to do this is to buy the two rings at the same company, however that is not always possible, so compare the color, clarity and cut of the diamonds in your engagement ring to the ones in the eternity ring you fancy.

As an example, an eternity gold ring that has channel set baguette diamonds will not go well with a round brilliant or princess cut engagement ring. You may want to pear a baguette eternity ring with an emerald cut diamond or something square or rectangular. Likewise an 18 carat gold eternity ring wedding band should be paired with an 18 carat engagement ring of the same color, be it white or yellow.

An Exception

The only exception to the above rules, and does look lovely, is this: if you have a yellow gold engagement ring pair it with an 18k white gold eternity ring that has a band in yellow gold but white gold accenting the diamond setting. The white gold will be invisible because it simply highlights the diamonds and does not look out of place at all.

White Gold Ruby Eternity Ring Styles

If you have a ruby engagement ring, which is now quite popular, then it is still possible to pair it with a white gold ruby eternity ring, but it is best if the rubies are interspersed with white gemstones or diamonds because the red in both rings may be too much. Gold ruby eternity ring designs that just have subtle red accents are difficult to find. But there is one we can recommend that’s a 14k white gold ruby ring with baguette cut gemstones and a half carat of diamonds that retails for about $700 from Diamond Harmony.

The same principal applies to engagement rings you may wish to pair with a gold emerald eternity ring. Try to get one that alternates emeralds with diamonds, so there’s just a slight green accent and not a forest of green on your wedding finger.

Matching Colored Gemstones with diamonds

There’s nothing wrong with pairing a colored gemstone engagement ring with a gold full eternity ring set with only white diamonds. This will work especially well if you are selecting something like an 14k white gold eternity ring that’s very delicate and unique like round and baguette prong set eternity band from Diamond Harmony that retails for about $1,500. The same style in an 18 carat white gold eternity ring sells for just $100 more – $1,600.

Full and half Eternity White Gold Ring Specialists

We’ve already mentioned a few select pieces from a company called Diamond Harmony who are online jewelers with a good variety of rings.

There are a few other places we also recommend for excellent designs, high quality and a wide selection of half eternity rings, full eternity rings and diamond wedding bands that are distinctive and elegant. One is The Diamond Store, another is Cool Diamonds and the third is Mondera. Of the three, The Diamond Store offers the most variety, while Cool Diamonds has only a couple eternity rings, their quality is excellent, and Mondera has unique styles in yellow gold, white gold and platinum that are so gorgeous they may be eternity engagement rings and wedding bands all in one. But let’s first take a closer look at what Cool Diamonds offers.

Icy Cool Diamonds – Just a Little is Enough

Although Cool Diamonds has a vast selection of diamond engagement rings they only have a couple eternity rings. However they are so elegant and brilliant that they should not be overlooked. One of their pieces is a half eternity ring that retails in GBP at just under £1,000. For this you get 0.5 carats of excellent quality diamonds in a high polished 4 mm white gold band. The other is also a half eternity ring but has 0,7 carats of diamonds and costs about £300 more. Both these pieces are also offered in your choice of 18k yellow gold or platinum with the price varying accordingly.

Two more COOL Gems

They do have two other items that we’d like to recommend, one is a three stone ring, or otherwise known as a trilogy ring and the other is a white gold or platinum engagement ring with an eternity band and one solitaire diamond blended into one unique creation. It’s called the Juliet engagement ring and we recommend it because it really stands out no matter whether you seek an engagement ring, wedding band or an eternity ring. It rolls all three into one gorgeous piece.

Why Cool Diamonds?

We recommend Cool Diamonds because of several factors. First they have a system whereby you can order your ring based on the precious metal, the diamond grade and clarity, and the size of the stone. For example you can select a platinum band with IF (Internally Flawless) diamond clarity in the best D grade and see the price appear on the screen. Lets’ say that ring costs a little over £1,000. Now just click a different grade of diamond, choose a little less clarity, and set it all in palladium and the exact same ring you love is now just a little over £500.

If you really love the design but can’t afford the very best, give yourself your own discount. It’s all in your choices. This is possible to do with every one of their hundreds of engagement ring styles. And when you order each piece will come with a diamond certificate that you can view in advance online. They also guarantee that all their diamonds are conflict free.

Versace, Vivian Westwood Jewelry and Other Designers

Just so you know who you’re dealing with, Cool Diamonds is not just another online company. They have showrooms where you can view their jewelry in two main European cities, London and Paris.

They have their own designer line of diamond jewelry but also feature unique pieces by Versace, Amelie O.B.E., Vivienne Westwood and Jasper Conran. You can order online through any one of their websites.

Eternity Rings for all Budgets from The Diamond Store

Our next little eternity goldmine is called The Diamond Store, where you will find a huge selection of eternity engagement rings from just over $100 to well into the thousands. No mater what your budget constrains The Diamond Store has something for you. If you’re looking for 18K white gold pave diamonds fit for a queen, it’s there; if you just need a fun eternity promise ring or friendship band, it’s also available at a very affordable price.

Cheap Eternity Rings – Under $200

In their selection of cheap eternity rings you’ll find that $200 will stretch a long way even if you want a ruby eternity ring or an emerald eternity ring or a couple princess cut eternity rings that are fun and stackable as cocktail jewelry. Oh yes, they also have lots of funky blue and yellow sapphire pieces and some styles that could fool anyone into swearing they were vintage eternity rings.

The Diamond Store is not a cheap jewelry shop by any means, but they do have discount eternity rings that are set in genuine gold or white gold and use good quality gemstones even in the less expensive designs.

There is such a variety I can’t list everything they have, but here are just a few examples:

• Half eternity ring with 0.02CT diamonds set in 9K Yellow Gold for under $140.
• 9K gold half eternity ring with 0.08ct diamonds for juts over $150.
• 9K gold eternity ring with yellow channel set sapphires and diamonds for $154.
• Gold half eternity ring with opal gemstones set into 9ct gold for just over $160.
• Emerald eternity ring set in 9c yellow gold with a twisted band for just over $180.
• Full eternity ring with diamonds set in 9ct gold for just under $200.
• White gold half eternity ring with 0.15CT diamonds set into 9c white gold for $210.
• Emerald eternity ring with 2 rows of emeralds in a half eternity ring for under $250.

Need a little more information about The Diamond Store?

Here are the facts in brief:

The Diamond Store is based in the UK, shipping their gold and diamond jewelry from a warehouse in London and retailing exclusively online to keep their costs down. Their eternity rings and all their handmade diamond jewellery is crafted from conflict free diamonds and comes with the UK Hallmark quality guarantee. You can find them Online where you can view some of their jewellery creations in 3D.

Uniquely Beautiful Engagement Rings and Eternity Creations by Mondera

If you’re looking for something unique, a once in a lifetime purchase, or need a selection of beautiful engagement rings and eternity bands to choose from for your wedding, then you should not overlook the designs Mondera has to offer. They have ready to wear diamond ring eternity bands, eternity wedding sets, diamond and gemstone wedding rings and genuinely unusual and beautiful engagement rings.

Custom Designs

They also specialize in custom making any jewelry pieces you have your heart set on using your choice of white gold, yellow gold, platinum or even silver. They can create your own pave engagement rings gold rings or walk you through the process of designing your own solitaire engagement rings, or matching what you already have with eternity rings in bezel tension settings, channel settings or prongs.

Not Cheap

They’re not a cheap eternity ring reseller, and they do not cater to designs under about $700, but if your budget can afford it, you can have a full eternity ring with a row or two of channel set princess cut diamond in gold or platinum or white gold that will last a lifetime.

Emerald Engagement Rings by Mondera

If you need something a little different, like emerald engagement rings, then you’ll be happy to find some designer styles in 14k white gold that are not your average emerald rings. One of their designs is especially unique, featuring a set of round brilliant pave set diamonds that encircle an emerald in a polished platinum band. This particular piece is very versatile and could be an engagement ring or a wedding ring because it’s stunning enough on it’s own without a second band. It could also be a ladies cocktail ring, elegant, understated, modern, not gaudy, and would never be confused with an imitation emerald cocktail bauble.

Why Mondera?

Here’s a final snippet of information about Mondera the company. First of all they have been awarded the Forbs Best of the Web honor, and have been in business for about 11 years. They’re based in New York, but their jewelry expertise goes back to 1860 with David Mouawad who passed on his knowledge to Fred & Pascal Mouawad and who now continue the family tradition of jewelry crafting excellence. You can visit Mondera online and learn more about the company and browse their jewellery eternity rings and other masterful creations.

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Eternity Rings & Jewelry is not affiliated with the jewelry companies recommended in this article. We are independent jewelry researchers and reviewers who suggest quality products like eternity rings based entirely on our own investigations. Should you desire to buy engagement rings, an eternity band or any of the wedding jewelry we have recommended please visit the jewelry shops at their online addresses provided. We value any comments you may wish to make, and will consider adding other online jewelry shops or high quality jewelry pieces to future articles should you wish to post a note.

What’s the difference between a full and half eternity ring?

Simply put a full eternity ring has gems or studs or decoration of some kind that incorporates ruby or emerald or diamonds (or any gem) ALL the way around, including the backside of the band. A half eternity has less than a full circle of gems, they may have only three gems or four or five depending on the design, but the backside of the ring is just the band, although it will be the same width and thickness (as all eternity rings) all the way around.

Full Eternity Rings- The Same All The Way Around

The main difference between eternity rings and all other ring styles is that there is no one single focal point or difference in band width or style around the entire ring. It will not matter if it is designed as an engagement ring or a wedding ring or as a simple promise ring.

There is no such thing as a solitaire eternity ring for example. There is no such thing as an emerald marquise-cut in the centre and smaller diamonds to offset it or any other gem as a center piece. The gems are the same size and of the same style or cut or shape.

Both full and half eternity rings are simple compared to other gemstone settings and that is exactly why they are so appealing and versatile.

Stacking Eternity Rings

A full eternity ring is perfect to add to a set of existing wedding rings or to your engagement ring or as an anniversary ring every few years. They are beautiful when stacked together on your finger. If they are thin enough you can probably put 4 or 5 together.

If they are all diamond and white gold or platinum or silver and each band is a full eternity ring, the sparkle of the set is brilliant because of the number of separate gems al cut identically and set at exactly the same height. It’s very chic.

Pair that with a set of diamond tennis bracelets all stacked together on your wrist and you’re ready for even the most elegant event no matter what dress you choose.

Emeralds have been known to be more precious than diamonds, at times more costly, and more sought after. This is not surprising considering the long rich emerald history that extends from Aztec and Inca civilizations to the orient where they are not only viewed as objects of beauty but also as amulets of good fortune.

Imperfect Perfection

The funny thing is that emeralds are not perfect, and it is in fact such cracks and fissures, called inclusions, that make emeralds stand apart from other green gemstones and imitations. Although emeralds are often thought of as South American, especially Columbian, these gems are also found in Zimbabwe and Pakistan, although the most famous Trapiche emeralds are indeed from Columbia.

How emerald rings may be cut, the shape and size especially for flat or embedded gems in eternity rings, is affected by the natural imperfections that all emeralds have. Fissures and cracks in emeralds are frequently filled with resins. That is one reason emerald eternity rings are more delicate to care for than other stones.

Emerald rings should never be worn while cleaning with any kind of chemical, even household cleaners may harm the resins that seal and protect emeralds.

Emerald Imitations

Due to the scarcity, high price and perpetual demand for emerald rings, it is not surprising that there are imitation emeralds of varying degrees of quality. Because emeralds are considered a lucky color they are especially used for rings that are given as presents, and eternity rings are one of their most common forms. Emerald imitations are used with fake diamonds or cubic zirconia to create full eternity rings where every second stone is green. They are also used in half or three stone eternity rings.

Yellow Gold or White Metals

Ruby eternity rings are best set into gold, however emeralds being green and cool work exceptionally well in white metals such as white gold, platinum and titanium.

Price of an Emerald Eternity Ring

High quality eternity rings are not cheap. They can be more expensive than their ruby or diamond counterparts. Therefore it is wise to select the style and precious metal for the settings carefully.
White gold emerald and diamond eternity rings will cost around $600 for good stones set around the full ring. Half eternity rings does mean half the price. It will depend on the metal and quality of the emerald. Most full and half eternity ring styles come in gold eternity rings, white gold eternity rings or platinum eternity rings. Some of the less expensive eternity rings in emerald may be $120 – $200.
There are even cheaper eternity rings that may be an option at $40 – $60, however they will be inferior quality emeralds and will not be high quality diamonds, in fact it is likely such deals on emeralds turn out not to be an emeralds or diamonds at all. For children to be able to give each other a friendship ring, this may not be a bad choice, only be aware of this if you are searching to buy a genuine emerald eternity ring as an engagement or wedding ring.

Lucky Red

There is also another custom in China that makes for red being abundant. There are no wedding presents given, I mean no THINGS, no appliances or crystal or towels or linen or silverware. They only give money to the bride and groom in lucky red envelopes and in lucky denominations that exclude all combinations of 4. That also applies to engagement ceremonies and anniversaries and all events where you may be tempted to bring a gift. There is one exception. You may give a bride or groom a piece of jewelry. And guess what is the most common and well received of all jewelry gifts? Yes, it’s a ruby eternity ring.

Gold Ruby Rings

Gold is also the preferred metal for ruby eternity rings in Asia. The gold is very deep yellow, almost an orange color that surprises many people when they first walk into a jewelry shop. Silver is of very little value, so little value that it is almost impossible to get silver repaired. Platinum is hot as is titanium and white gold.

The next most popular gemstone is the emerald (well actually it’s jade but emeralds are also prized at an equal level) and all for the same reasons as ruby rings. They are lucky, denote longevity and prosperity and ward off evil.

Ruby Three-Stone Eternity Ring (never four!)

The other thing that is fun to note is that in Chinese culture, as I mentioned above, the number 4 is unlucky and must be avoided in all areas of life including telephone numbers and license plates. Therefore it will be impossible for an eternity ring to have 4 stones even if they are rubies. The three stone ruby eternity rings are therefore a hugely popular choice and the varieties in price and quality are endless.

Asian Ruby Ring Shopping

But why do I write about this since you are likely not in China or in any Asian country but in the west and are looking to give a great present to a friend or lover or husband or wife? Well, the fact of the matter is that the world has become very united in commerce especially with internet jewelry outlets, and a vast majority of inexpensive and good to medium quality rings are being designed, or manufactured in Asia and sent to the west. Their traditional styles and customs influence the designs they make and promote.

You may wonder why so many rings have a certain style and one of the reasons is where they are made and who makes them, their culture and their beliefs as to what is lucky, unlucky, beautiful or tasteless. The other reason is that rubies (some of the best) originally come from Southeast Asia and therefore they begin their life as jewelry under Asian rules.

It’s also just fun to know that when you buy a ruby eternity ring to show love for your friend or spouse you can give a little touch of extra good fortune if you follow your instincts to give red and then …count the number of stones for extra good fortune.

White gold works well with this ‘white on white’ eternity ring theme to create a clean clear ring of sparkle all around your finger. An eternity ring is not meant to be a large showpiece. Eternity rings are intimate representations of the affection between two people, be they lifelong friends or lovers. Therefore, to retain the private understated elegance that goes with the nature of these specific rings a white gold eternity ring will be the choice you may decide upon.

• A full eternity ring, a half eternity ring, an emerald eternity ring, or a ruby eternity ring can be made from white gold; however the best final jewelry products for white gold are diamond and emerald ring.
• Ruby rings are best set in gold if they are deep red or tend toward blue, however lighter rubies and a pink ruby heart ring may be an excellent choice for white gold as well.
• Gold is less common for the full eternity rings, which are studded with gems all the way around, but the half eternity ring or the three stone eternity ring is used for weddings and therefore come in yellow gold as well as white gold and platinum.

There are some exquisite contemporary choices such as:

• Plumeria eternity ring in 14K White Gold which will cost about $275
• Or the 14k white gold Milgrain diamond stackable ring for around $350

Add a pair of diamond chandelier or stud earrings and have a totally elegant look for evening or as an outstanding present. Also the matching sets and earrings go well with an eternity engagement or wedding ring set in diamond and white gold to match the whiteness of your bridal gown.

Diamond eternity bands and engagement ring jewelry may also be used for YOU without being given as gifts. They are so subtle and classic they work well to accent simple black cocktail dresses.

• A fine choice may something like the Ross-Simons eternity band in 14kt white gold or under $400, because it’s slim with tapered diamonds. For a more high fashion look stack a few rings together!

A great present, and very traditional, is a diamond eternity wedding anniversary ring in white gold. These can cost about $400 to $4,000 for good quality.

• There’s a magnificent ring called the Gala, which is an 18K white gold eternity ring with channel and pave-set diamonds from Blue Nile for about $1,600. It’s good quality and can be purchased online.

To add some color you can choose ruby and white sapphire eternity ring combinations as an alternative to pure diamonds. A good to medium quality ring like this in white gold (or yellow gold) will start about $400.

• For anniversary or wedding eternity rings that are “Comfort-Fit” you might want to check into Sea of Diamonds that seem to be good value at under $400 also. They have a diamond and sapphire wedding ring (in the style of an eternity ring) that are quite unique.
• For mens rings try a Benchmark blue sapphire 14k white gold eternity ring for about $675.
• Heavenly Treasures may be a name to keep in mind since they have a white gold eternity ring with shared double prong setting and full diamond all the way around the band for under $1,300.

That illusion of, or longing for anything that might be everlasting propels not only philosophers theories, scientists experiments, literary genius, and religious fervor but engenders symbols of romantic ideals we hope to make real by being able to touch with our hands and see with our eyes the elusive romantic sentiment that we can somehow grasp time and wear it round a finger.

The Lustrous Illusion of Infinity

It may be nothing more than an illusion, but the desire for eternity is what gives hope, and hope bathes us in expectation and optimism. It is no wonder we love precious gemstones and precious metals, apparently eternal for having lived thousands of years within earth´s core and from which we can forge images of we hope will be our own immortality.

An eternity ring is exactly that: a sparkling, beautiful illusion of our dreams of infinity. To give it to another is to perpetuate hope and expectation, to share a belief in something intangible and elusive, to make a whispered invisible promise become real in the form of a circular ring with no beginning and no end. Eternity rings are popular because of the greatest internal drive we all have – to share eternity with those we love.

For these reasons an eternity ring is different from other jewelry, it does not have one focal gemstone or diamond, but rather a series of gems that circumnavigate the entire band, or at least halfway around the ring. These rings tend to be much more personal and understated than baubles we buy and give to our friends for fun or collect for ourselves to add pizzazz to out look. Eternity rings are about a shared and indescribable feeling that we attempt to materialize into stones and metals and therefore the choice is often difficult.

What Color are Your Feelings?

• Is your emotion fiery ruby ring material or cool emerald green, or crisp sapphire blue or sparkling and tantalizing diamond?
• Is the bond your ring represents a bond of erotic love or passion or a gentle friendship of loyalty and trust?
• Is the eternity ring to hold the promise of a lifetime ahead or is it a symbol of all that has already passed between two souls?
• Is your feeling a warm glow of gold or silver or is it indestructible as titanium?

Eternity rings can be engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings, promise rings or most notably anniversary rings. They can be given to a new mother after the birth of a child or after years of marriage. They can be given as tokens of trust between colleagues and schoolmates, or as birthstone rings to a young family member.