A Detailed Look at One of the Most Beloved Engagement Ring Styles

A halo engagement ring beautifully showcases symmetry, sparkle, and elegance, yet what precisely defines it as a “halo” design?

Definition of a Halo Engagement Ring

In an engagement ring with a halo, the main stone, which is usually a diamond, is surrounded by a ring of smaller stones that are set in a proportionate way. The stones around the outside of the ring make the center stone look bigger and make the ring much more beautiful overall.

The halo can be oval, round, square, cushion-shaped, or cut to fit the shape of the center stone. It can be made of diamonds, colored rocks, or both, depending on the style.

The traditional halo goes around the top of the center stone. Newer styles, like the buried halo, hide the circle of gems just below the crown, adding sparkle and detail from the side.

Anatomy of a Halo Engagement Ring

Key Components of Halo Rings Revealed

1. Center Stone

This is the ring’s main part, and the diamonds shine brightly there. Usually, halo designs feature diamonds, but they can also incorporate sapphires, morganite, moissanite, emeralds, rubies, and even black diamonds. All of these stones are beautiful.

Some common center stone cuts are

The most famous and classic cut is the brilliant round.
The cushion features a soft square shape that exudes a retro vibe.
The oval shape, elegant and long, is striking.
The princess is a trendy, straight shape.
Cut in a step pattern for a sleek Art Deco look.
The pear has a teardrop shape, which makes it appear more feminine.

2. Halo

The halo is the ring of smaller stones that goes around the main stone. It can be round, square, oval, or any other shape. Most of the time, it includes

Often, a pavé pattern sets melee diamonds to ensure they sparkle without gaps.
Use colored gems to create contrast or to symbolize something.
Two or three halos, or multiple rows of circular circles, make the light shine brighter.

3. Band (or Shank)

Bands might have:

Plain metal has a clean, simple look.
Small diamonds set into the band are known as pavé diamonds.
Split shank: This is where the band splits into two lines that lead to the halo.
You can use twisted or knotted patterns to create a playful or romantic atmosphere.

4. Setting Style

This talks about how the gem is set in the ring. Some common halo settings are

Tiny beads or prongs in a pavé setting hold the diamonds firmly together, creating a smooth surface that sparkles and shines.
Bezel: A metal rim goes around the stones to make the finish look appealing and safe.
Shared prong—diamonds are held in place by metal points that are shared so that the metal is not visible.

5. Gallery

The side profile of the ring often houses the secret halo. In this section of certain rings, elaborate filigree, engraving, or side stones can be found.

Purpose of the Halo Setting

A halo engagement ring is more than just pretty to look at; it also serves a practical purpose:

Size Enhancement: The halo makes the center stone look bigger than it really is, which is a cheap way to make it look better.
Increased Brilliance: The stones around the ring reflect light from all directions, making the ring sparkle even more.
Protection: By providing a cushion, the halo can help keep the center stone from being hit or broken.

What Makes Halo Engagement Rings Unique?

One thing that makes the halo setting stand out is that it can combine classic grace with big sparkle. Halo rings add depth, complexity, and drama to a piece of jewelry, while solitaire rings draw all attention to a single stone.

Comparison with Similar Styles:

Style	Description	How It Differs from Halo
Solitaire	There is only one center stone and no accents.	The design is more minimalist; there are no extra halo stones.
Three-Stone	A center stone flanked by two side stones.	Side stones replace the surrounding halo.
Cluster	The cluster style features a group of small stones arranged in a specific design.	There is no central stone focus; the cluster can encompass the entire shape.
Pavé Band	The band features small diamonds that might or might not be surrounded by a halo.	Focus is on the band, not the halo.
Bezel Set	A metal rim surrounds the center stone.	The bezel-set style has a smoother, more modern appearance and doesn’t feature any accent stones in the center.

Types of Halo Engagement Rings

There are many ways to customize halo rings. You can change everything about them, from the stones to the small details of the design. Such versatility makes each ring a unique expression of your style. To get a better idea of the most popular and unique halo designs, read on:

Classic Halo

A classic halo pattern has a row of small diamonds going around the main diamond.
This item works well with almost all diamond shapes.
This piece’s beauty is timeless.

Double Halo

The double halo style has two rings of diamonds that are centered on each other.
It makes the sparkle and depth of field look better.
This is ideal for rings that make a statement.

Hidden Halo

The center stone conceals the halo, which is only visible from the sides.
Hidden halo shapes are classy and understated, and they look wonderful with simple bands.
Currently, this is a popular trend in engagement rings.

Floral Halo

The stones in the halo are grouped in the shape of petals.
The floral halo style looks wonderful on romance or old-fashioned rings.
They look wonderful with rose gold or a mix of metals.

Geometric Halo

Halos that were shaped like squares, hexagons, or odd shapes.
Art Deco styles gave me ideas.
It has an eye-catching, trendy look.

Colored Gemstone Halo

The halo is made up of colored stones, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or black diamonds, instead of white diamonds.
It makes things stand out and makes them unique.
You can use a gem or your favorite color to symbolize it.

Why Choose a Halo Engagement Ring?

These are some of the main reasons women and buyers choose halo engagement rings:

A halo can make a 1-carat center diamond look as big as 1.5–2 carats, even if the diamond itself is only 1 carat.
Better Sparkle: More diamonds mean more fire and brightness.
Design Flexibility: There is a halo design for every taste, whether you like old-fashioned, modern, glamorous, or romantic.
Stability: The ring helps protect the center stone in some way.
The halo is classic and on-trend at the same time. It has endured over time and continues to adapt to new styles.

Common Myths About Halo Engagement Rings

Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:

“They stand out too much.” Not always—minimalist halo bands and designs with hidden halo elements offer a hint of sparkle without being too flashy.
The halos all seem to be the same. Because they can be customized in so many ways, halo bands can be as unique as solitaires or antique jewelry.
“Halos are a trend right now.” In reality, they have been around for hundreds of years and come from traditional jewelry making.
“Big diamonds are the only ones that fit them.” Halo rings are excellent for making smaller center stones look better.

Who Halo Engagement Rings Are Best For

Rings with halo shapes are excellent if you:

Want the most shine and sparkle?
I like the look of old or classic things.
Our goal is to improve a gem look.
I like scenes that are very detailed and have a lot of texture and depth.
You might be interested in personalized style options and new ways of putting things together.

If you really like clean, simple lines or don’t like the idea of a busy design, these might not be the best choice for you.

The Bottom Line

There’s more to a halo engagement ring than just a circle of sparkle. It’s a celebration of love, balance, and classic style. The halo is still one of the most popular and useful choices because it can increase brightness, make things look bigger, and open up a giant range of design options.

There is a halo design for every type of love story. A secret halo engagement ring is adorable and understated, a double halo is dramatic and beautiful, and a floral halo is romantic and sweet.