Eternity vs Half Eternity Bands: What’s the Difference? Angara

Eternity bands are a popular choice to commemorate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, the birth of a first child, and any milestone moment in one’s life. They are worn by both men and women, although the design and the setting can differ. Whether you choose a simple and classic eternity band or an ornate one, it’ll be a meaningful piece of jewelry that you’ll cherish for years to come. There are mainly two types of eternity bands – full eternity and half eternity. The question is, which one should you pick? Let’s find out…

What is a full eternity band?

A full eternity band essentially features an endless row of diamonds or gemstones that go all the way around the length of the band. It is a luxurious choice and sparkles from every angle.

What is a half eternity band?

As the name suggests, a half eternity band showcases diamonds or gemstones that are set only halfway around the shank. It is a modern and practical choice that withstands the rigors of daily wear. So, it’s no surprise that half eternity bands, also known as semi eternity bands, are common picks for wedding rings.

Also Read: Most Popular Diamond Eternity Ring Styles for 2025

Full Eternity vs Half Eternity Bands:

Appearance: Both, full and half eternity bands look visually appealing when viewed from the top. However, a full eternity band sparkles from all sides as the diamonds illuminate the entire shank. Whereas, a half eternity band showcases diamonds on the face of the band, while the rest of the band is left unadorned.
Resizing: Resizing a full eternity ring is quite difficult because the stones are set all around the band. If not done properly, the resized band can look misaligned and the gems may even fall out. Therefore, it is essential to know the correct size before placing an order for a full eternity band. As for a half eternity band, it can be resized easily at any point in time.
Price: Full eternity bands are more expensive than half eternity bands. The diamonds used on a full eternity band are comparatively more and require added labor, together making it an expensive piece. On the other hand, a half eternity band can give the illusion of a full eternity band without a hefty price tag.
Durability: When it comes to durability, there isn’t much difference between a full and a half eternity band. Yet, there is a slight chance of losing or even dislodging a gem on a full eternity band. This, of course, depends on how you maintain your band over time and the setting of the stones.
Spinning of the band: Talking of a full eternity band, spinning of the band is not a problem as it looks the same from every perspective. For a half eternity band, it’s a different story. As the band spins, all you see is the bare shank from the top or off-centered diamonds.