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.