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.