Full Eternity vs Half Eternity Ring: Which One Should You Choose?

Introduction 

A design that has been prevalent since the ancient Egyptian times and resurged during Britain's growth in the 18th century as a new world-spanning empire, the eternity rings are the answer for those who are weary of the classic wedding ring and engagement ring designs and need a modern twist on an antiquated but exemplary piece. A full eternity ring or a half eternity ring gives people a chance to embrace the contemporary twist on a timeless design in commitment jewellery, and the beauty and symbolism of the pattern itself worth paying a premium price for.

Full Eternity vs Half Eternity Ring

Thanks to modern jewellery-making and the rise in craftsmanship across the UK, you can now explore thousands of designs when it comes to eternity rings with the round brilliant cut and princess cut being the most common, followed by the newest addition, the baguette cut full eternity ring and half eternity rings.

And that itself poses another dilemma for new jewellery buyers and ornament collectors. Out of all the designs and eternity ring types in the market, should you go for the full eternity ring design or should you opt for a half eternity ring style? Both of these eternity ring arrangements have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages so you should know exactly what you want if you're trying to choose one for you or your partner.

Full Eternity Rings 

A full eternity ring or an infinity ring is the original ring design when people refer to the "eternity" arrangement. It comprises of a single metal ring with diamonds or gemstones set in a continuous line along the upper surface, giving the ring the distinct 'infinity/eternity' look. The continuous line of diamonds allow the ring to catch and reflect the light from all angles, offering the wearer a chance to display an uninterrupted shine of sparkle proudly. The unique arrangement is what separates the full eternity ring from the other ring designs and is one of the most highly sought after jewellery in the UK.

Full Eternity Rings And Their Advantages 

1. Maximum Level of Sparkle: Thanks to the unique 'infinity' design, a full eternity ring will give you that look of continuous sparkle, shimmering along the circumference of the ring. The diamonds itself will give you the maximum level of brilliance that is unmatched when you consider other jewellery types in the market.

2. Diamonds Are Visible From Every Angle: With the diamonds encircling the entire ring, people can see the sparkling elegance of these brilliant-cut, baguette or princess-cut diamonds from every possible angle. You can't hide the elegant radiance of the diamonds when a full eternity ring is considered. 

3. A Touch of Subtle Luxury: More diamonds equals more opulence and with the row of diamonds closely placed amongst each other in a full eternity ring, you get a fuller look that portrays a refined touch of subtle luxury, perfect for all special events and occasions.

Full Eternity Rings And Their Disadvantages: 

1. Bulky Design: In the case of a full eternity ring, the unique design comes at a cost of being impractical and bulky. If there are stones or diamonds on the underside, it can be quite difficult for daily wear and in most cases, it is more fragile than a standard wedding band as well.

2. Costlier: Of course, the glamour and the high level of sophistication for the full eternity ring comes at the cost of a higher price, something that most customers may not be happy about.

3. No Resizing Options: This is probably the most notable disadvantage of a full eternity ring, as the specifications that you make will be final and you won't be able to resize your ring in the future. Hence, you have to be extra careful when ordering a full eternity ring as you have to ensure that every measurement is accurate.

Half Eternity Rings 

The half eternity rings feature a continuous line of diamonds set only halfway along the top surface of the metal ring. The design was borne out of a need for a more affordable and practical design in an eternity setting, and is a popular choice in the UK jewellery market. The ring design of a half eternity ring is more about comfort and versatility, while still keeping a semblance of the classic eternity look.

Half Eternity Rings and Their Advantages: 

1. Comfortable Fit: Since half eternity rings have diamonds only on the top side, they are less bulky and lighter. This makes them a perfect accessory for everyday wear. 

2. Easier To Resize: A half eternity ring is easier to resize when compared to their counterparts, as their design gives them more flexibility to work with.

3. Affordable: You can get a more understated feel of the classic eternity design at a lower price range.

Half Eternity Rings and Their Disadvantages: 

1. Less Sparkling Brilliance: A half eternity ring does not have as many diamonds as a full eternity ring. Hence, you will miss out on that collective brilliance as less diamonds mean less sparkle.

2. Lack of Symbolism: A half eternity ring does not embody the full symbolic representation of what an eternity or an infinity ring means. This can be a deal-breaker for many customers who prefer the traditional design.

Which Is The Right One For You? 

Now that we have compared the advantages and disadvantages of a half eternity ring and a full eternity ring, let us see which design type would be the right one for you. Here are some things to consider:

1. Practicality and Versatility: If you are looking for a more practical design that is suited for an active lifestyle, then the half eternity ring would be the best fit for you. The design is versatile enough for stacking and can be worn for any occasion, formal or otherwise. The bulkier full eternity ring design is preferable for special events and formal occasions, as the continuous line of diamonds will make it harder to wear as a daily piece and it will be prone to wear and tear as well 

2. Cost: The full eternity ring comes at a high cost. If you don't want to stretch your budget, then a half eternity ring would be the best option for you as you can find one that will fit within your budget limits. 

3. Design: A full eternity ring is an eye-catching piece and will grab the attention of anyone in the vicinity no matter the occasion. If you want a more subtle design, then a half eternity ring should be the ideal choice.

4. Maintenance: It goes without saying that once you get the full eternity ring in your hands, then that design is final. No more resizes and no more maintenance work is possible anymore so you need to be careful when shopping for one. With a half eternity ring, you can be more flexible with your design parameters as it can be resized to suit your needs.

If you still have a hard time choosing the right ring for any occasion, you can contact us at Eternity Jewels for a free consultation and we'll be more than happy to help you find a ring that suits your every need! Give us a call today!