Rings with a diamond row
The eternity ring: a row of diamonds that never ends
An eternity ring carries a continuous row of equally sized diamonds, all the way round on a full eternity, or only across the visible top on a half eternity. In German-speaking countries the same ring is called a memoire ring. At émin in Zurich District 4 you design your eternity ring in gold or platinum, and we have it made to measure for your finger.
As a wedding band, a slim engagement ring or a stacking ring that joins your engagement ring later: we show you which version suits your daily life, and we also tell you where a fully set ring reaches its limits.
Three ways to wear an eternity ring
The same ring can play very different roles. What you want it for decides width, stone size and setting.
As a wedding band
The diamond wedding band is the classic: a fine row of diamonds instead of a smooth band. The partner ring can stay plain, or you both wear set rings in different widths.
As an engagement ring
If you don't want a tall solitaire, an eternity ring makes a lovely engagement ring. It sits flat, never catches and sparkles from every angle.
As an anniversary stacking ring
Many wear the eternity ring next to their engagement ring later, for the birth of a child or a wedding anniversary. We plan height and profile so both rings sit neatly together.
Full, half, memoire: what exactly you're buying
Full eternity means the stones run around the entire ring without a break. It looks the same from every side and never turns the wrong way on your finger. Half eternity means the stones sit only on the upper half, the underside stays smooth metal. Memoire is the German and French name for the same ring. Retailers use eternity for both versions, so always ask how many stones really go all the way round.
Our eternity rings are made in 18k yellow, white or rose gold, or in platinum. The stones are usually brilliants between 1.5 and 3 millimetres, lab-grown or natural. The larger each stone, the wider and taller the ring and the more stones it needs. Where the name comes from and which occasions people choose it for is covered in our guide.
Full or half eternity compared
From above both look almost identical. You notice the difference in daily wear, in comfort and when your ring size changes.
| Feature | Full eternity | Half eternity |
|---|---|---|
| Stones | All the way round, no break | Only on the visible top |
| Look | Sparkles from every side, never turns away | Same from above, smooth metal below |
| Comfort | Stones can be felt between the fingers | Smooth inside, comfortable every day |
| Resizing | Hardly possible, size must be right from the start | Usually one or two sizes possible |
| Price | Higher, many more stones | Lower for the same stone size |
The setting decides sparkle and security
In a shared prong setting two neighbouring stones share one fine prong. Very little metal shows, light enters the stones from the side, and the ring sparkles most. The prongs need some attention though: if you work a lot with your hands, have them checked once a year.
In a channel setting the stones sit recessed between two smooth metal rails. Nothing sticks out, nothing catches on your jumper, it's the most robust option for every day. It sparkles a little more quietly because less light enters from the side. We lay the settings out next to each other at the atelier, so you can see the difference on your own hand.
with a full eternity the size has to fit
A ring set all the way round can hardly be enlarged or reduced, because the row of stones would be interrupted or the setting loosened. That's why we measure your ring size several times at the atelier, at different times of day and ideally with a sizer in the right width. If your fingers often swell in summer or your size might change in coming years, a half eternity is the smarter everyday choice.
Wearing an eternity ring with your engagement ring
An eternity ring often looks best right next to a solitaire. To stop the two rubbing against each other, we match setting height, width and metal colour. If the centre stone sits low, the eternity ring sometimes needs a slight curve to lie flush.
Bring your engagement ring to the appointment and we plan the stacking ring directly against it. You'll know how the stack looks on your hand before anything is made, and can decide whether it joins today or on your anniversary.
What an eternity ring costs
The price depends mainly on the number and size of the stones, then on metal and setting. As a guide:
Entry level with a fine diamond line; a fully set eternity ring sits above this depending on stone size
Price depends on the work involved. We calculate openly, no surprises.
We break down every option openly, stone by stone, before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
It's the same type of ring with two names. Memoire comes from French and is common in German-speaking countries, eternity ring is the English term. Both mean a ring with a continuous row of equally sized stones. Whether it's set all the way round or only halfway, always ask specifically when you buy.
A full eternity practically can't, without interrupting the row of stones or weakening the setting. A half eternity can usually be adjusted by one or two sizes in the smooth lower part. That's why we measure especially carefully for a full eternity and recommend the half version if you're unsure.
Yes, if setting and stone size suit your daily life. Channel settings and half eternity rings are the most robust options, because nothing sticks out and the inside stays smooth. If you work a lot with your hands, have the prongs checked once a year. We're happy to do that for you.
Of course. An eternity ring is a lovely engagement ring for anyone who doesn't want a tall stone or works a lot with their hands. A plain wedding band can join it later, or you use the eternity ring as one ring for both engagement and wedding.
Almost always, if it's designed for it. We look at the height, width and metal colour of your engagement ring and plan the stacking ring so both sit neatly together. Ideally bring your ring to the appointment, then we see the stack directly on your hand.
Both work and look the same in small sizes. On a fully set ring with many stones, lab-grown diamonds make a noticeable price difference, while many choose natural diamonds out of conviction or tradition. We show you both side by side and explain openly what the choice changes.
Quick enquiry
Your eternity ring, planned calmly
Tell us whether you're looking for a wedding band, engagement ring or stacking ring. We advise you on full or half eternity, setting and price, in Zurich or by video.