What Makes Eternity Rings Unique?
Eternity rings are characterized by a continuous circle of gemstones, usually diamonds, set around the entire band. This design not only symbolizes infinity but also presents unique challenges when it comes to resizing. Unlike traditional rings, which typically have plain bands that can be cut and adjusted, eternity rings feature stones that cover the entire circumference, leaving no room for easy adjustments.Types of Eternity Rings
- Full Eternity Rings: These rings have gemstones set around the entire band. They are stunning but present significant challenges for resizing.
- Half Eternity Rings: These rings have gemstones set only halfway around the band. They offer more flexibility for resizing compared to full eternity rings.
Can Eternity Rings Be Resized?
Resizing eternity rings is more complex than resizing standard rings due to their unique design. Here are some specific challenges that jewelers face when attempting to resize these intricate pieces:1. Continuous Gemstone Setting
Eternity rings feature a continuous circle of gemstones that run around the entire band. This means there are no plain metal sections that can be easily cut and resized. Adjusting the size of an eternity ring requires careful handling of these gemstones to maintain the ring's overall symmetry and beauty.2. Maintaining Stone Placement
When resizing an eternity ring, the placement and alignment of each gemstone are critical. Any resizing effort must ensure that the stones remain evenly spaced and securely set. This requires meticulous craftsmanship and precision to avoid any gaps or misalignment that can detract from the ring’s appearance.3. Structural Integrity
Cutting into the band to resize an eternity ring can compromise its structural integrity. The jeweler must ensure that the band remains strong and durable after resizing, which can be challenging given the continuous setting of the gemstones.4. Risk of Damage
The process of resizing involves handling the gemstones and their settings, which increases the risk of damaging or loosening the stones. This is especially true for delicate or smaller stones that are more susceptible to damage during the resizing process.5. Matching the Original Design
Resizing an eternity ring while maintaining its original design and aesthetics is a significant challenge. The jeweler must ensure that the resized ring looks seamless and identical to its original form, which can be difficult to achieve, especially for intricate designs.Eternity Rings Resizing Techniques
Resizing eternity rings is a delicate and intricate process due to their continuous circle of gemstones. Here are the primary techniques used by expert jewelers to resize these unique pieces:Adding or Removing Metal
This method involves adding or removing a small piece of metal from the band. However, because the gemstones are set all around the ring, this technique is less commonly used for full eternity rings. It can work for half eternity rings where there's a plain metal section that can be adjusted without disturbing the stones.Replacing the Shank
For significant resizing, one approach is to replace the shank, which is the part of the ring that sits at the bottom of your finger. This technique involves:- Carefully cutting the band and adding or removing metal to adjust the size.
- Reattaching the gemstone settings to the new shank, ensuring that the stones remain secure and the ring retains its original look.
Re-Setting Stones
In some cases, the stones may need to be removed and reset entirely. This involves:- Carefully taking out the gemstones from their settings.
- Resizing the band.
- Resetting the stones in their new positions.
Sizing Beads
Sizing beads are small metal beads added to the inner side of the ring band to slightly reduce the ring's size. This method:- Is non-invasive and does not require altering the gemstone settings.
- Provides a comfortable fit without compromising the ring's design or integrity.