Should I Choose a Diamond Halo Engagement Ring?

A diamond halo ring has centuries of history and allure. Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a momentous decision, symbolising the long-lasting commitment and love shared between two individuals. Amidst the myriad of options available, the diamond halo engagement ring stands as a stunning and popular choice.

From increasing the size of your ring to adding vintage-inspired design details or inserting colourful gemstones, here’s our case for why diamond halo rings have a certain something about them – and why an engagement ring halo setting might be the right choice for you.

In this article:

• What is a diamond halo engagement ring?
  
• History of the diamond halo ring
  
• Types of diamond halo ring
  
• Reasons to choose a halo diamond
  
• Pros and cons of a diamond halo ring
  
• An alternative option: Solitaire ring
  
• Summary: Making the decision
  

A halo is the addition of gemstones (typically diamonds) around the main, centre stone of an engagement ring. A simple, classic diamond halo engagement ring will feature round melee diamonds set in a pavé or scallop style – a refined, and timeless style. Alternatively, halos can be designed in a much more intricate and elaborate fashion, from metalwork crafted as floral motifs to bold, calibre cut Art Deco designs.

There is one more unique style of halo engagement ring with a subtle design element that adds a secret sparkle, enhancing the centre stone's brilliance: the hidden halo ring. To help you understand more about this style of ring, we have a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring Guide with all the information you need – from its benefits to its unique characteristics.

The diamond halo ring's roots extend to historical jewellery design, notably observed in Georgian and Victorian eras. These periods showcased ornate styles, often surrounding centre gemstones with smaller stones for enhanced brilliance.

However, the modern resurgence emerged in the 1920s' Art Deco era, celebrating bold geometric designs and intricate craftsmanship. This period popularised the halo ring settings for its glamour and sophistication, leading to its evolution and continued popularity throughout the 20th century. It gained widespread popularity for its ability to make the centre stone appear larger and more radiant while offering a touch of vintage-inspired elegance.

Today, contemporary jewellers have embraced the halo setting, offering a myriad of variations in shapes, sizes, and designs. Whether featuring a round, cushion, pear, or princess-cut centre stone, the halo setting continues to captivate couples seeking a perfect blend of sophistication, sparkle, and timeless beauty in their engagement rings.

Discover the allure of halo diamonds. This elegant setting, encircling a central diamond with smaller stones, offers compelling reasons why it's a top choice for those seeking timeless beauty and sophistication in their jewellery

If you’re taken with such shapes as pear and marquise rings, consider framing your diamond with a halo setting. Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but chipping can occur at weaker points, like the sharp apex of pears and marquise diamonds.

We’ll always ensure a setting is secure enough to protect whichever diamond you choose, but choosing a diamond halo to essentially ‘protect’ your diamond may ensure your peace of mind.

Pear shaped diamond engagement rings with a halo are undoubtedly a firm favourite of Queensmith clients, and with good reason. The ethereal diamond shape is romantic and feminine, and lends itself beautifully to the delicate-looking addition of a diamond halo.

The cost of a diamond increases exponentially with size. Once you’ve defined your budget, you’ll need to decide whether to put more emphasis on a single diamond or maximise the size of your ring (without spending more on the diamond) by exploring diamond halo engagement ring settings. The cost of many little diamonds plus the centre diamond will be significantly less than one diamond of the same total carat weight.

The size of a 1 carat diamond can actually vary depending on its shape. For example, a 1 carat marquise or pear-shaped diamond will appear larger than a round engagement ring or princess cut diamond. But if size is the goal, and you want to maximise the 'profit', consider a double halo engagement ring – two rows of melee diamonds are sure to make for an attention-grabbing ring.

One of the main appeals of a diamond halo ring is its ability to magnify the appearance of the centre diamond. The surrounding smaller diamonds or other gemstones create a halo effect, making the central diamond look larger with an iridescent sparkle.

The more diamonds, the more sparkle. There’s a very particular science as to why diamonds sparkle, but essentially a diamond’s facets encourage reflection, refraction and dispersion of light. One brilliant diamond on its own is wondrously sparkly, but if you add, say, 20 small diamonds to the outer edges, the sparkle will be next level as each stone works together to boost light dispersion.

Create a diamond engagement ring with a sapphire halo, or vice versa, for a slightly different look. Sapphires and diamonds are a classic combination, but a sapphire halo is a less commonly chosen design – so if it’s a unique design you’re after, consider this. For a staple, regal design akin to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, set a diamond halo around a sapphire centre stone.

If you’re considering a gemstone halo, think about the colour – blue isn’t your only option. Sapphires are a good option due to their hardness, lustre, and the ability to be sourced in pretty much any colour of the rainbow. Think hot pinks, subtle peach tones, teal greens – you name it!

Learn more about the different types of coloured gemstones, including sapphires, rubies and emeralds, which will work for you and your ring.

We’ve covered the benefits of having a halo engagement ring. Let's explore the specific pros and cons of offsetting a halo ring:

For a classic look, try choosing a rounded centre stone with a simple scallop or pavé setting. Cushion cut halo diamond engagement rings are incredibly popular, but try using a round brilliant diamond with a slightly squared halo, for unequivocal sparkle. Oval halo engagement rings are the perfect option for those setting a flattering and elegant shape.

A solitaire ring (non-halo ring) boasts timeless elegance and simplicity, showcasing the singular appeal of the centre stone. Its classic design focuses all attention on the main gem, allowing its natural brilliance and shape to be showcased.

Beyond aesthetic appeal, solitaire rings often come at a more accessible price point, making them an excellent choice for those with budget considerations.

Earlier, we covered the benefits and drawbacks of a diamond halo ring, but it’s also worth weighing up the appeal of a solitaire ring and a halo cut, as it’ll vary in style, price and maintenance. Our comparison table below highlights the strengths of both halo and solitaire engagement rings. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the significance one places on the overall design against showcasing the beauty of the centre stone.

However, solitaire is not the only ring choice you can opt for. There are:

• Trilogy engagement rings - which feature three diamonds, symbolising the past, present and future with your significant other.

• Diamond band engagement rings - ideal for those who are on the go and like a minimalist look to their engagement ring.

Ultimately, the decision to choose a diamond halo engagement ring should align with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Consider trying on different ring styles to see what feels comfortable and reflects your or your partner's personality and taste.

If the allure of a halo ring resonates with you, explore the various options regarding the shape of the centre stone, the size of the halo, and the choice of metals to find the perfect ring that symbolises your love and commitment.

Whether it's a classic solitaire or a striking halo setting, what matters most is the significance of the ring and the promise it represents for a beautiful future together.

Ready to start your diamond search and begin the engagement ring hunt? If you’d like more information, know exactly what you want, or to hear from the experts, we’re here to help – just drop us a message.

At Queensmith, we create our rings from scratch, allowing the opportunity to create the perfect setting for the diamond you choose. It’ll be tailor made to the specificities of your diamond, and with your design details in mind. Whether you want to create something original or recreate one of our classic designs, we’ll be able to help you iron out the details, find the best diamond, and craft your unique engagement ring in 2 to 4 weeks.