Traditional Engagement Ring VS Eternity Band

[bubbly1126]

I am seriously considering going with an Eternity band instead of a traditional engagement ring. I am a very indecisive person and I am just finding it so stressful to stick with one particular shape or style of the actual stone and I just think it would be easier to go with a band. Plus, they''re very pretty as well and I tend to think it''ll go with my small hands better than some big rock. Ya know? Ahh. I don''t know.

But a couple questions:

Have any of you gone with an Eternity band over the "traditional" type of E-ring?
If you have, are you happy with that decision?
And what made you decide to go with the band instead?
Would the eternity band be used as both the engagement ring and the wedding band?

Oh, and if you could, post pics of your beauties too! I could use some eye candy! Hehe.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[musey]

That''s a great idea! I think eternity bands make beautiful, timeless and elegant engagement rings.

Date: 11/12/2008 6:52:58 PM
Author:inhisarms17
Have any of you gone with an Eternity band over the ''traditional'' type of E-ring?
If you have, are you happy with that decision?
And what made you decide to go with the band instead?

Would the eternity band be used as both the engagement ring and the wedding band?

I have a more traditional engagement ring so I can''t answer the first questions, but for the last one... you really can do it however you want! I think eternity bands are gorgeous paired with plain bands, or other diamond bands, or engraved bands--the possibilities are nearly endless! You could get your engagement band and then try it with other bands to see if you like the look of stacked bands (many people really love this look, I''m one of them!), and if you find one you love then great, if you don''t then you''re already set with your wedding band!

There are no rules. Just think about what would make you happiest, try a bunch of stuff on, and choose your favorite option(s)!

 

[megster84]

While I am still waiting for any sort of ring from my FF, I have given a lot of thought to a similar topic. I have known for a while that I do not want a traditional diamond ering, no offense to those that do, I just don''t. The big reason behind this is I want a very thick diamond eternity band for my wedding band and do not want to wear a diamond ering with it. I have seen my sister''s (she has a channel set band) and she only wears that I love the look of it. Yet, my boyfriend says we need a comprise on the ering front...he is afraid that I will miss out on the ering experience and I agree. So we decided on a colored stone and I am pushing for aqua (I know its only 7.5-8 but I only intend to wear it as a rhr after the wedding on special occassions). So I guess I am saying, you are not alone for thinking outside the box. Maybe you could do a simple colored stone ering...or maybe you could do stacking bands as your ''wedding set''...get one band for engagement then another for the wedding then another for 5 year..then another, lol. Just some thoughts, I would interested if you have any possible pics on ideas you have...good luck with whatever you decide on, I am sure it will be beautiful!

 

[Mannequin]

I am weighing this option out right now for myself, IHA. I am considering a five stone band instead of a more traditional solitaire. While I think both types of ring are awesome, I am leaning towards a band to pair with a plain gold wedding band. Something about that pairing just rings true as a timeless look for me. I want to try on a few bands just to be sure before I send my FF on the hunt, of course. Have you tried on both styles yet?

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/12/2008 6:58:42 PM
Author: musey
That's a great idea! I think eternity bands make beautiful, timeless and elegant engagement rings.

Date: 11/12/2008 6:52:58 PM

Author:inhisarms17

Have any of you gone with an Eternity band over the 'traditional' type of E-ring?

If you have, are you happy with that decision?

And what made you decide to go with the band instead?


Would the eternity band be used as both the engagement ring and the wedding band?

I have a more traditional engagement ring so I can't answer the first questions, but for the last one... you really can do it however you want! I think eternity bands are gorgeous paired with plain bands, or other diamond bands, or engraved bands--the possibilities are nearly endless! You could get your engagement band and then try it with other bands to see if you like the look of stacked bands (many people really love this look, I'm one of them!), and if you find one you love then great, if you don't then you're already set with your wedding band!


There are no rules. Just think about what would make you happiest, try a bunch of stuff on, and choose your favorite option(s)!

Thanks so much for your reply, musey!

I think I'm definitely going to have to try a whole bunch of different rings on! I am soooo indecisive but I think this kind of decision will be much easier to make than picking out a stone and then a setting and such.

I'm already so excited about the idea of an eternity band. Like, really excited! More excited than I ever was about the traditional engagement ring idea... so I'm thinking this is the right thing for me!

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/12/2008 8:40:07 PM
Author: megster84
While I am still waiting for any sort of ring from my FF, I have given a lot of thought to a similar topic. I have known for a while that I do not want a traditional diamond ering, no offense to those that do, I just don't. The big reason behind this is I want a very thick diamond eternity band for my wedding band and do not want to wear a diamond ering with it. I have seen my sister's (she has a channel set band) and she only wears that I love the look of it. Yet, my boyfriend says we need a comprise on the ering front...he is afraid that I will miss out on the ering experience and I agree. So we decided on a colored stone and I am pushing for aqua (I know its only 7.5-8 but I only intend to wear it as a rhr after the wedding on special occassions). So I guess I am saying, you are not alone for thinking outside the box. Maybe you could do a simple colored stone ering...or maybe you could do stacking bands as your 'wedding set'...get one band for engagement then another for the wedding then another for 5 year..then another, lol. Just some thoughts, I would interested if you have any possible pics on ideas you have...good luck with whatever you decide on, I am sure it will be beautiful!

At one point, I was thinking about having a different color stone for my engagement ring but now, I'm really interested in the whole eternity band and that's it. Maybe I'll add a plain band as the wedding band but I don't know. We'll see. I think I'm just turned off to the whole big stone thing... I know so many women who don't even wear their engagement ring b/c it sticks out and gets caught on a lot of things. They wear their bands only so I'm thinking just an eternity band would be more practical.

As for a ring I'm interested in... I actually found one at JamesAllen.com but it's not listed under eternity band. It's under the wedding band section so I guess technically it's not a "eternity" band but hey, it's just like it! haha... but here is the link...

http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/womens-wedding-rings/ring/item_63-2341.asp

Not sure what I could couple with it if I were to decide to add another as the wedding band....

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/12/2008 8:48:00 PM
Author: equestrienne
I am weighing this option out right now for myself, IHA. I am considering a five stone band instead of a more traditional solitaire. While I think both types of ring are awesome, I am leaning towards a band to pair with a plain gold wedding band. Something about that pairing just rings true as a timeless look for me. I want to try on a few bands just to be sure before I send my FF on the hunt, of course. Have you tried on both styles yet?

I have tried on traditional engagement rings but none have ever really made my heart go pitter patter. There is always something about them I don''t like. Bands are just so pretty and simple at the same time. That''s me, simple. haha.

BF and I are going to go try on bands though and I am super excited!!

 

[Octavia]

I would have preferred an eternity band, I looooovvvvveeee the look of an eternity paired with a plain wedding band. My FI got me a solitaire, which I enjoy very much, but when we were looking at wedding bands I showed him the eternity that makes my heart jump a bit, and he loved it too. In fact, he was almost ready to buy it for me right then and there. So I''m hopeful that it will come my way someday, and I can then mix-and-match.

 

[neatfreak]

I think it''s a beautiful look. Go for it if you like!

 

[FrekeChild]

What about a colored stone eternity? Hee hee hee...

 

[LoveRoundBrillants]

Sorry i can''t relate, but I could tell you a story of a good friend of mine. She got married young (22), well atleast i think thats young. Anyways her husband is only a year older then her and at the time wasnt able to afford a nice big rock. He bought her a very beautiful eternity band band when he proposed. She didnt mind not having a big rock and loved her band. She did say the only thing that kinda got annoying was people thought she was married. They have now been married for 3 or 4 years and she has since received her diamond. She said she didnt ask for it, it was a present on either their anniversary or b-day, i cant remember...hehe.

I do think if your indecisive maybe you could let him choose, or get your diamond somewhere where you can trade in. You might regret not asking for a diamond..hehe

 

[vespergirl]

I love the idea of a round-brilliant, shared prong eternity band for an ering. Maybe when you get married, you can pair it with a plain metal wedding band - I love the look of the two together - or even two plain metal bands, one on either side of the diamond band. If you check out the Celebrity ring thread under Jewelry Pieces you can look at Jennifer Garner''s set - she wears something like this.

I am actually lusting after a diamond eternity band now myself, and would love to get one for my next anniversary to wear stacked with my wedding band.

 

[Rhea]

I haven''t done it myself. One of my friends has an eternity band for her engagement ring and then a plain band for a wedding band. I think it looks great and that an eternity band could be used for both, it''s a very discreet, classic look.

 

[gwendolyn]

What sort of stones would you be looking to put in an eternity? I think they are very beautiful and that different stone shapes give them different personalities. This is just me, but if I were to get an eternity instead of a traditional engagement ring, I''d want canuk-gal''s asscher eternity. I covet it so.

 

[bubbly1126]

I''d either like to go with round brilliants or princess cuts. Either one are beautiful to me.

After thinking about it more though, I think I''d like to go with a half-band eternity ring. I don''t like the idea of having diamonds going around the entire band for various reasons.

I still really love the pic I posted of the wedding band from James Allen. It''s still a top choice. BF and I haven''t gone looking in person yet but I hope to soon. Who knows, I might actually hate the idea of just a band once I try them on! Haha. But I doubt it, since I''ve always loved wearing stacked rings and such.

Any have any pics of ideas?

Oh and gwendolyn, that ring is gorgeous!

 

[Mannequin]

Here is a five stone band available on Blue Nile. You get to pick all the stones out.

 

[Mannequin]

And here is a WF Skye stock photo.

 

[Mannequin]

IHA, I am not into the full eternity either, only because I know that I may damage the setting and stones on the underside of my hand. I''m still looking for more ideas, I''ll be back to see more posts if you get more pictures or suggestions.

 

[bubbly1126]

I like those rings but I think I want smaller diamonds... maybe it's just the pic but they look huge to me! haha.

I also like this one...

http://www.thefacetscollection.com/item.cfm?item_id=2457

But for me, none compare to the James Allen ring... Maybe it's telling me something! lol.

 

[AprilBaby]

I think a diamond band would make a lovely e-ring!

 

[Mannequin]

True, these stock photos have what looks like bigger stones, but you can always go custom!

Many PS vendors would be happy to help you get the perfect band custom made.

What about this one?
WF 5 stone

Or this one?
WF 7 stone

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/15/2008 8:43:56 PM
Author: AprilBaby
I think a diamond band would make a lovely e-ring!

Thanks! I think so too! I''m so excited!

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/15/2008 8:46:29 PM
Author: equestrienne
True, these stock photos have what looks like bigger stones, but you can always go custom!

Many PS vendors would be happy to help you get the perfect band custom made.


What about this one?

WF 5 stone


Or this one?

WF 7 stone

Oooo, I like them both! The 7 stone is more my style but that 5 stone is very nice too!

Got anymore? Hehe. I''m sitting over here looking up all different styles and I like sooo many of them. haha!

 

[vanessa_b]

I''m considering the same thing. I think it''s a very classy and timeless look.

The bands I''m looking at are different than the ones you''re looking at. I like the Beverly K style bands like this one:

 

[gwendolyn]

Have you considered a pave-style eternity (or half-eternity) ring? I''m not sure what your reasons are for wanting the half-eternity but they probably have something to do with being more practical (with sizing) or because you want to be careful and not damage the stones on the underside? Just guessing--if those are the reasons, then a pave band is probably NOT really what you''re after, but just in case, I thought I''d post this pave eternity. It''s from the Facets collection at Signed Pieces.

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/16/2008 12:48:24 AM
Author: vanessa_b
I''m considering the same thing. I think it''s a very classy and timeless look.

The bands I''m looking at are different than the ones you''re looking at. I like the Beverly K style bands like this one:

That is a beautiful ring, vanessa b! And if I weren''t so worried about going with a full eternity band then that would be an awesome choice. It''s just lovely!

 

[bubbly1126]

Date: 11/16/2008 3:22:15 AM
Author: gwendolyn
Have you considered a pave-style eternity (or half-eternity) ring? I''m not sure what your reasons are for wanting the half-eternity but they probably have something to do with being more practical (with sizing) or because you want to be careful and not damage the stones on the underside? Just guessing--if those are the reasons, then a pave band is probably NOT really what you''re after, but just in case, I thought I''d post this pave eternity. It''s from the Facets collection at Signed Pieces.

You got it exactly right, gwendolyn. Knowing me, I would somehow damage the diamonds on the underside and I just don''t want to take the chance. Also, the whole sizing bit is an issue as well, along with the fact that I can''t fathom having stones going around the entire band when you would hardly ever see the ones on the underside. Seems a little pointless. But that''s just me.

I have looked at pave and for some reason, I just don''t like them as much. I really don''t think they''d look good on me. However, you never know, so when I go to look I''m going to try on every kind of band I see. I might be surprised!

 

[Octavia]

Inhisarms, I think that Bev K will do custom work, meaning that you could probably get the band Vanessa posted in a 1/2 or 3/4 eternity. IIRC, Tacori E-ring got a ring to celebrate her daughter's birth that was a custom Bev K, and she told me that this was an option when I was scoping out semi-eternity bands for a future project. So if you end up wanting a ring like that, all is not lost!

ETA: the people to check with would probably be Pearlman's Jewelers (you can find them near the beginning of "Designers & Brands" under the "Resources" drop-down menu), unless you have a local jeweler who works closely with Bev K.

 

[iluvcarats]

You might want to try dimendscaasi.com and go under there English Collection. All their in stock Bev K is 25%off.

 

[vita*dolce]

i love the idea of an eternity ring as an engagement ring! i love this bev k, which is reminiscent of the tiffany swing (which i also love...)