Antique Diamond Eternity Rings
Although new diamond jewelry is obviously popular, there is definitely a niche of older pieces. Antique diamond eternity rings definitely have a following and are simply beautiful.
Antique Diamond Eternity Rings
Whether used in wedding bands or engagement rings, diamonds are an important part of our cultural traditions involving love. Diamonds have long stood for the permanence of relationships, the value of love and it's expenses, and the fire involved with love relationships. Diamonds are used to represent many parts of a romantic relationship - but perhaps the most important is the longevity a diamond represents. Even hundreds of years ago, this important representation was used - in the form of antique diamond eternity rings.
An eternity is much like a wedding band in that it is a circular ring with no beginning or end. While anniversary bands may have a row of stones adorning the top of the ring, and a metal back, eternity bands use stones encircling the entire finger. This unending circle is representative of unending love, just the way a wedding band is used for that purpose. Adding diamonds to the eternity band just strengthens the never ending symbolism of the eternity band - diamonds themselves promise love everlasting.
Many antique diamond eternity rings are similar to the eternity rings seen today. Usually set in white or yellow gold (today's are often set in platinum as well), eternity rings featured smaller carat weight stones set together in a row along the band. These stones could be round or brilliant cut, or sometimes even included princess and baguette cut stones. The technique used to set the stones into the ring was usually a bezel or channel technique - these stones are held in place by the tension in the ring and the precise measurements of the stones, instead of relying on prongs the way engagement rings do.
Antique diamond eternity rings were especially popular during the eras of the great queens and kings, such as the Victorian and Edwardian periods. These rings were often set with small diamonds and then inscribed or filigreed along the top and bottom of the band for added effect. This style of eternity band was also seen in the Art Deco period - along with bands that included other precious stones along with the diamonds, such as sapphires and rubies. These rings are still available today, from many antique periods, due to estate sales and jewelers who specialize in antique pieces.
If you like the look of antique diamond eternity rings but you aren't able to find an authentic piece for yourself, you can often have a jeweler recreate the look for you. If you are able to show your jeweler some designs that you like, he or she can often work with you to create the perfect antique look.
