Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
If you’re considering purchasing an eternity band for a wedding, anniversary, or engagement but can’t decide if you’d like a half or a full eternity (or you’re not exactly sure what that even means), we’re here to help. We’re laying out the pros and cons of half eternity, full eternity, and even ¾ eternity diamond rings. Whether you're deciding between a half or full eternity ring, understanding the difference can help you choose what fits best with your lifestyle and style.
What is a Half Eternity Ring?
Out of all of Holden's eternity rings, The Half Eternity is our most popular choice. This ring features diamonds halfway around the ring, with the other half being rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.
Pros of a half eternity ring:
- It’s cost effective - This ring has fewer diamonds, making it a more economical choice.
- It can be resized - Because half of the ring is plain metal, this ring is able to be resized.
- It’s more durable - Because the underside of your ring is what’s more likely to bump into things, daily wear and tear will be less risky, as you won’t need to worry about a diamond popping out of the ring. That being said, if you do lose a diamond, you can reach out to our CX team at help@hiholden.com.
Cons of a half eternity ring:
- Spinning - Since only half of the ring will be covered in diamonds, it’s possible that the ring will spin and expose the bare metal rather than staying hidden on the underside of your finger.
- It might clash - If your engagement ring is a full eternity band, a half eternity ring setting might look odd next to your engagement band. Only half of the engagement ring and wedding band will match. The same can be said of an engagement ring featuring a plain band - a half eternity wedding ring might look odd, since only part of it will match.
What is a Full Eternity Ring?
If you’re looking to capitalize on the romance of the word “eternity” and eternal love, you might want to choose a full eternity ring. A full eternity band features diamonds all the way around the ring.
Pros of a full eternity ring:
- Diamonds, diamonds everywhere - No need to worry about spinning - this ring’s diamonds go all the way around the ring. If you’re worried that the ring will spin on your finger and you want to make sure all you ever see is diamonds, this is the choice for you.
- It looks great from all angles - No matter how you’re looking at your ring, you’ll see diamonds (even from below).
- “Full eternity” has a romantic ring to it - There’s something magical about all diamonds all the way around for a wedding band or engagement ring.
Cons of a full eternity ring:
- It’s more expensive - More diamonds = a higher price point. If you do want to go with a full eternity but want to save on cost, you could choose a thinner band - smaller diamonds will cost less.
- It can’t be resized - The one drawback of this design is that it is unable to be resized (diamonds are the hardest material in the world!). If you’re planning to order a full eternity ring, double check your ring size to ensure that it will fit.
What is a 3/4 Eternity Ring?
If you can’t decide between a full or half eternity, a three quarter eternity ring might be the most suitable option. This ring style will look like a full eternity ring even when you spread your fingers out, as so little of the ring is plain metal. This also means it’s less likely to spin and expose the non-diamond part of the ring when you’re wearing the ring. This ring captures the best of both worlds, as it’s also resizable!
All three options add a nice pavé effect if paired with a traditional engagement ring. Hopefully this helps make the decision a bit easier - feel free to reach out to us at help@hiholden.com if you have further questions! In the meantime, check out our full selection of diamond rings. If you're stuck choosing, understanding the difference between half and full eternity ring styles can help you decide what best suits your lifestyle and look.
Which Eternity Ring Should I Choose? Half or Full Eternity Ring?
- Choose a half eternity ring if you want a more affordable, resizable, and practical option.
- Choose a full eternity ring if you value all-around sparkle, visual luxury, and symbolic meaning—just be sure of your ring size!
- Choose a ¾ eternity ring if you want the look of a full eternity ring with a slightly lower cost and better durability. It offers nearly full diamond coverage while allowing for some resizing, making it a perfect in-between option.
Ready to choose your forever ring? Shop Holden's Eternity Bands or book an appointment with us today.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a half, ¾, and full eternity ring?
A half eternity ring has diamonds halfway around the band. A ¾ eternity ring covers about 75% of the band with diamonds. A full eternity ring has diamonds all the way around the ring for continuous sparkle.The main difference between half and full eternity ring designs comes down to diamond coverage, comfort, and price.
2. Can eternity rings be resized?
Half eternity rings can usually be resized. ¾ eternity rings may allow limited resizing depending on the design. Full eternity rings generally cannot be resized due to the diamonds going all the way around.
3. Is a half eternity ring less expensive than a full eternity ring?
Yes! Half eternity rings use fewer diamonds, making them a more affordable option compared to full eternity rings.
4. Do eternity rings spin on your finger?
They can. Half and ¾ eternity rings may spin and show the plain metal side, while full eternity rings display diamonds from every angle, eliminating that concern.
5. Which eternity ring is best for daily wear?
Half and ¾ eternity rings are generally better suited for daily wear due to added comfort, durability, and lower risk of diamond damage.
About Holden
We believe jewelry should celebrate the love you live. At Holden, our engagement rings and wedding rings are made with care and crafted with pride. Explore timeless Curved Bands, vibrant Gemstone rings, or bold Signet styles designed to honor every kind of love.