Anniversary Bands

Channel-set anniversary band

Anniversary bands aren't always purchased for anniversaries. An anniversary band is a common name for a diamond band that is worn with, or sometimes worn on the opposite hand from, the engagement ring or wedding set. Traditionally, couples would purchase two-piece wedding sets, an engagement ring and a matching wedding ring. Later, they would get another matching band to mark an anniversary and place it on the other side of the ring to give it symmetry. This style changed to the one-piece, larger engagement rings that had the appearance of an engagement ring with two bands. Lately, this has come full circle to engagement rings with bands that compliment instead of match. The complimentary band can also be worn by itself, for example, when you're on vacation or don't feel secure wearing your engagement ring with its attention-grabbing center stone.

There are two main styles of anniversary bands--Eternity Bands and Anniversary Bands. Eternity bands have diamonds that go all the way around the band covering the sides and bottom of the ring, not just the "top" part visible as you wear it. Advantages of the eternity band style are that the diamonds (or other gems) are always visible. Other types of bands may move on the finger and the gems will be turned away from sight on the side or bottom of the hand when you view it. Channel-set bands have no center stones or prongs to keep them from turning on the finger and are especially prone to this. An eternity ring will always show off its precious jewels. Another advantage is the symbolism of the continual loop of diamonds and the way it reflects a commitment of unending or eternal love.

Disadvantages of the eternity style are that the ring wears a little faster than a "normal" ring with a top and bottom. The bottom of a ring is usually the first to show signs of wear to the finish, so with an eternity band, instead of having the small normal scratches and nicks on the bottom of the ring and hidden from sight, they will be spread across the ring on all sides. Polishing the minor blemishes that occur in both styles isn't an expensive or lengthy process. Another disadvantage of the eternity style is that it is usually three times as expensive as the anniversary style, since there are roughly three times as many diamonds.

Anniversary bands can have as few as three diamonds, but five, seven and nine are very common. You may have noticed they come mainly in odd numbers, a band like this can be "centered" or matched to your engagement ring easier when there is an odd number of gems. However, custom bands with an even number of gems are available.

Both styles of anniversary bands come in many different designs from channel set to prong set, all-diamond to mixed gems, or invisible set to multi-row pave bands. All of the modern jewelry metals are used, including platinum, yellow, and white gold. Most anniversary bands come with a high polish finish.

With these facts in mind, you'll be prepared to pick the perfect band for yourself or a precious gift for another!