What Is a Full Eternity Ring? How It Differs from a Half Eternity

Short answer: A full eternity ring has diamonds running all the way around the band. In a half eternity ring, the stones sit only on the upper half. A full eternity ring gives uninterrupted light from every angle; in return it carries more stones and usually cannot be resized later. It is worn both as a wedding band and alongside a solitaire.

What is a full eternity ring?

In Turkish it is called “tamtur”, from “tam tur”, a full turn: the stones complete one full turn of the ring. In English it is the “eternity ring”; the unbroken row of stones symbolises endless commitment. That is why it is often given on wedding anniversaries and births; in Turkey it is chosen mostly as a wedding band and as a companion to a solitaire.

Full eternity versus half eternity

Because the two look the same from above, the choice really comes down to one question: does it bother you when the ring turns and the plain part shows? If it does, choose full eternity; if not, a half eternity is more practical and more affordable.

Full eternity ring designs

• Prong-set eternity: Each stone is held by tiny prongs; the stones catch the most light this way. The most classic form.
• Channel-set eternity: The stones sit between two metal walls; a smooth surface with nothing to catch. For people who work with their hands.
• Bezel-set eternity: Each stone sits in its own metal frame; slim, elegant and very durable.
• Baguette eternity: Rectangular stones side by side; a clean, modern strip. About the baguette cut.
• Mixed eternity: Round stones alternate with marquise or baguette stones.

You can see the eternity designs made in our workshop in the gallery; the basic design: full eternity.

What to check when buying a full eternity ring

Get the size right from the start

Because there are stones all around the band, cutting it smaller or adding metal to make it bigger is usually not possible. Measure in the middle of the day, when your finger is neither swollen nor cold. We explain how on the ring size page. If you are unsure, a half eternity ring removes this risk.

Stone size and band thickness

The bigger the stones, the more eye-catching the ring, but also the more noticeable on the finger. If it will be worn next to a solitaire, a slim eternity ring the same thickness as the solitaire’s shank looks most elegant. If it will be worn alone as a wedding band, designs with medium-sized stones stand out.

How well the stones match

An eternity ring can have 20 to 40 stones, and all of them should match in size, colour and clarity. Lab-grown diamonds help here: the same budget buys cleaner stones that match each other better.

Strong prongs

In a ring with many stones, a long life depends on the quality of the setting. In our workshop every stone is hand-set and the prongs are checked one by one.

What sets the price of a full eternity ring?

The total carat and number of stones, their clarity and colour grades, the type of setting (prong, channel, bezel), the gold weight and the workmanship. Two eternity rings that look alike are priced differently according to stone quality. Send us the model number of the design you like and we will give you the current price and stone details.

Frequently asked questions