A Sparkling Legacy Through the Ages

Despite their reputation as a modern choice, halo engagement rings have been around for hundreds of years. Over the course of history, the halo has changed many times. The Georgian era saw it crafted with fine details, while the Art Deco era brought bold shapes to the design. The halo design has changed over time to fit the tastes, styles, and technological advances of each generation.

Georgian Era (1714–1837): The Birth of the Halo Design

The first known example of a halo setting was made during the Georgian era, a time when jewelry was both costly and held immense meaning. During this period, jewelers meticulously crafted most engagement rings by hand. Jewelers used foil backing and closed sets to make diamonds shine brighter, even if they weren’t cut as well.

A center stone, usually a diamond, ruby, or sapphire, surrounded by a ring of smaller stones was one of the most popular styles. This design not only highlighted the centerpiece’s beauty but also symbolized eternity and completion. Even though we didn’t call it a “halo” at the time, this setting helped make the modern halo engagement ring possible.

Victorian Era (1837–1901): Sentiment and Symbolism

During the Victorian Age, jewelry had more and more emotional and symbolic designs. The fact that Queen Victoria was going to marry Prince Albert changed the styles that were popular at the time. She loved making designs that were beautiful and natural, which is what made halo-like settings so popular.

At that time, it was popular for rings to have seed pearls or diamonds set around a range of bright gemstones, like sapphires, emeralds, and garnets. People thought this floral halo style was both girly and sweet, and brides who want halo engagement rings that look old still choose this style.

Near the end of the Victorian era, the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa led to the creation of the diamond solitaire. Despite this, diamond halo settings were still a popular choice for people who wanted rings with many small details.

Edwardian Era (1901–1910): Elegance in Platinum

Around the time of the Edwardians, jewelry looked more delicate and lacy. As platinum became easier to find in the fine jewelry business, designers were able to make settings that were more complex and delicate. Changing the setting for the halo looked excellent with this new medium.

During the Edwardian era, halo bands often had openwork patterns, milgrain details, and filigree work that made them look like lace. Around the middle stone, which was usually a diamond, were several smaller diamonds, many of which were diamonds. This design created an airy and shimmering appearance. Antique halo rings from this time are still popular with collectors and people who like old jewelry because they give off an air of sophistication and beauty.

Art Deco Era (1920s–1930s): Geometric Glamour

Designs from the Edwardian era were known for being delicate, while designs from the Art Deco era were known for being bold and formal. The Art Deco style, which became famous after World War I, was characterized by optimism and modernism. This style was reflected in the jewelry made during that time.

During this time, architectural forms, symmetrical patterns, and colors that stood out from each other had a big impact on the design of halo engagement rings. When it came to Art Deco, halos were often square, rectangular, or octagonal instead of the soft flower shapes that were popular in the past. You can make a beautiful, high-contrast look by putting striking halos around the center diamond made of sapphires, rubies, or onyx. The emerald cut and the Asscher cut are two examples of these kinds of halos.

Modern halo engagement rings continue to draw heavily from Art Deco halo rings, particularly appealing to women seeking a stunning, unique, and timeless design.

Mid-20th Century (1940s–1970s): The Rise of the Solitaire, but the Halo Endures

By the middle of the 20th century, especially after World War II, engagement rings were more commonly designed with a single diamond. The famous “A diamond is forever” ad that De Beers ran was a big part of this change. The ad made the solitaire look like the most perfect symbol of love that lasts forever.

Keep in mind that the halo didn’t go away. It changed into more delicate shapes over time, often taking on the look of a cluster or being a part of bridal sets where the engagement ring and wedding band were made to match. Rings from this time often had yellow gold and smaller diamonds set in them, giving them a look that was both beautiful and personal.

The Halo Renaissance: Late 20th Century to Early 2000s

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the halo setting became very popular again. These changes can be traced back to a number of important factors, such as

Why the trend became popular again: famous people like Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba wore fancy halo engagement rings, which made others want to follow suit.
Modern craftsmanship: As diamond cutting, casting, and three-dimensional modeling got better, jewelers were able to make halo patterns that were more precise, delicate, and varied.
Customization is something that customers want. Brides began looking for more unique and customizable rings, and the halo gave them almost endless options for changing the shape, stone, and design.

Because of this, halo engagement bands have become very popular. You can now find them in both high-end designer lines and regular jewelry stores.

2010s to Present: The Golden Age of the Halo

Halo engagement rings are the most popular type of modern jewelry because they are both classic and loved. Major jewelry stores and websites often rate halo engagement rings as one of the best styles. There are many different kinds of engagement rings, such as traditional single halos, double halos, hidden halos, floral halos, and geometric Art Deco-style designs. There are literally a million different kinds of engagement rings.

Among the most important trends of the present day are

In engagement bands with hidden halos, there is a halo that is hidden right under the center stone and can only be seen from certain angles. There’s a surprise in these rings that’s both subtle and excellent.
Putting together rose or yellow gold bands with white gold halos to make a difference is an example of mixed metals.
In its middle or halo, the ring has colored gems like sapphires, morganite, emeralds, or fancy diamonds.
The setting method, commonly referred to as “micro-pavé,” is a meticulous and precise technique for positioning diamonds to maximize their brilliance.

Halo rings are stylish because they combine the look of old jewelry with modern style. In addition to adding shine, they give women a look that is both classic and long-lasting.

Halo Rings Around the World: Cultural Influence and Global Popularity

Many people worldwide, particularly in Asia, Europe, and North America, are increasingly wearing halo rings. In places like India and China, fancy and bright jewelry has a lot of meaning. This is why the halo setting works so well for the traditions that go along with proposals there.

In places of the world that are influenced by Western culture, the halo, which is a circle of light around a sacred center, is often considered a sign of eternity, love, and safety.

The Enduring Appeal

Why has the halo been around for so long, even though fashions have changed so much over the years?

The halo setting makes the main gemstone look bigger and brighter, making it a beautiful focus point. This improves the genius.
You can style it in a romantic, modern, vintage, or simple way, based on what you want.
When it comes to meaning, a single gem surrounded by a circle of smaller stones can stand for support, unity, and forever.

One reason halo engagement rings are so common is that they look good, work well, and are critical to the couple.