Durability of Full Eternity Bands?

[Cfs]

As a long time lurker, first time poster I am wondering about the durability and wearability of eternity bands. I am interested in stacking 3 eternity bands together, an emerald cut eternity band in the center with round cut eternity bands on each side.

I've been told that it's easy to lose stones in full eternity bands due to everyday wear and tear...is this correct? I'm also concerned about wearing the bands together in a stack - will the diamonds rub against the prongs of the other bands and deteriorate/disturb the settings of the other bands?

I've posted pictures below to illustrate what I'm envisioning: the first two pics of the emerald cut eternity band, second two pics of the round bands.

Thank you all in advance for any input and advice which you share. This forum is so educational and informative (not to mention fun), I've become completely addicted!

 

[Frenchcut]

The larger the ring the easier it is to bang it and damage it. not that I advise agains an eternity band (I have just bought one!) but it may be better to choose a small one so it doesn't bang on everything....and it may also be more comfortable to wear.

If you're set on a large one you should try one for at least a few minutes to make sure it doesn't bother you, especially if you intend to stack it. Not everyone likes the feeling of diamonds rubing against your fingers.

Also, whatever kind of eternity band you will choose, you will have to be ready to baby-sit it everyday. It's the best way to ensure years of pleasure with your new bling!

 

[Enerchi]

The 3 stacked eternity bands have a lot of flexibility, but would you consider a setting that already combines the 3 into 1 ring? or custom making?
http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/25176 This looks like the "look" you are going for....

I wonder if the large centre band with taller setting and deeper stones, would be comfortable (already mentioned) but would it put the outside/narrower ring at risk of slipping off and not noticing it? or what about the damage of the settings against each other?

Just thoughts.... (Love the trellis setting on the RB rings!)

 

[TheDoctor]

Worn together daily, they will destroy each other, especially if they are made from softer alloys (platinum especially).
If you want to stack bands, they should have smooth, flush edges with the main structure being slightly wider than the diamonds. Protruding diamond edges are like little saws and will degrade anything they come in contact with.

Of course, you could always add thin spacers between them which would eliminate some of the destruction they would do to each other. If you have ever tried on or worn an eternity band with stones larger than about .15 ct you might already know that there is little comfort in the thickness. Sure, the look is nice, but they're not all that wearable. Perhaps that discomfort will minimize the possible destructive effects of constant wear. Stack them when you aren't using your hands for anything beyond cocktail party gesturing.

 

[Sky56]

Good advice is given above. I have some eternity bands and have never had trouble with losing stones. I have a few Kwiat pieces and am happy with them, they are well made.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The emerald cut band would be so gorgeous that I can't imagine wearing shared prong bands with it. I just wouldn't take the chance of the diamonds damaging each other.

 

[Cfs]

Frenchcut, Enerchi, TheDr, Sky, & DS - thank you so much for your responses!

Frenchcut - I have tried on the emerald eternity band pictured in my original post and while it's not like wearing a smooth metal band I did not find it to be bothersome or uncomfortable. Could you elaborate on what you mean by "baby-sit it everyday"? Thanks!

Enerchi - I was originally thinking of the emerald cut band as my 10yr anniversary gift (which falls within the year), but to my shock my SO proposed in the last week, so now I get to pick out an engagement ring. I'm going to look this weekend at more traditional engagement ring options (rings with center stones), but I've fallen so in love with emerald cut eternity bands (thinking one might mark 10yrs) that I'm considering the 3 ring option using the EC band as an engagement ring and the RB bands as wedding rings. To answer your question, I've thought about the 3 rings in one but I'd like the flexibility of having 3 rings so I can wear as many or as few in the stack at one time (all three together are quite stunning but VERY blingy). I posted some pictures that have given me inspiration, some of which are the 3-in-1 like you suggested. Lastly, I love the RB trellis setting too - it's absolutely beautiful!

TheDR - I'm concerned that adding spacers would destroy the look. Are the exposed edges of the RB stones in a shared prong trellis setting the problem, as they would rub against the prongs on the EC band? I have tried on all three bands, individually and in a complete stack, and I didn't find the thickness bothersome or uncomfortable so my real concerns are wearability and durability. From your post it doesn't sound like you think these will be either wearable or durable. Is it impossible for these rings worn as a 3 stack to hold up to daily wear?

Sky - do you wear your eternity bands on a daily basis? Or in a stack?

DS - the EC band is gorgeous as are the other bands and in a stack they are breathtaking, but if wearing them together will severely damage the rings then there is no point to even go down that road.

Thank you all again for your advice and input - I greatly appreciate it!

 

[Enerchi]

Any of those gorgeous 3 in 1's would be AMAZING engagement rings! I do know people who just decide to use a blingy single ring instead of an Ering and WB... maybe that's the route to go? You could get a RHR in the future....???

What a beautiful dilemma to have!

 

[Sky56]

I don't wear my eternity bands every day. I go in spells of wearing them a lot, then I put them away and wear plain bands instead.

 

[Sky56]

I love the look of the emerald cut eternity band in the first post. Since you find it comfortable to wear, I think it is an excellent choice.
I do sometimes stack my bands. Most of the time I do that, diamonds don't rub much against metal. Some of them are channel-set.
When you choose jewelry styles, it is good to consider whether you are easy or hard on your jewelry. I am easy on it, I rarely break or wear out anything or lose parts of it.
The Kwiat ring looks very sturdy and well-made with gorgeous stones, looks like a great choice.

 

[Cfs]

Enerchi and Sky - thank you for your responses. I will visit several B&M stores this weekend to try on various things and hopefully get a little direction as to which route I want to go regarding an engagement ring. I'll post updates and pics of the try on sessions!

Thank you again!