Should I Choose a Diamond Halo Engagement Ring?

In the throes of choosing an engagement ring style, you may seem a little overwhelmed with choice - but fear not. You’ll be met with four classic styles to choose from: solitaires, trilogies, diamond bands and halo engagement rings. 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 a halo engagement ring might be the right choice for you.

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

If you’re taken with such diamond shapes as pears and marquise, then consider framing your diamond with a halo setting. Diamonds are the hardest natural material to exist, 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 you peace of mind.

Pear shaped halo diamond engagement rings are undoubtedly a firm favourite of Queensmith clients, and with good reason. The ethereal diamond shape is romantic, 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) 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.

If size is the goal, consider a double halo engagement ring - two rows of melee diamonds will be sure to make for an attention-grabbing ring.

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 add, say, 20 small diamonds to the outer edges and the sparkle will be next level as each stone will work together to boost light dispersion.

Create a diamond engagement ring with sapphire halo, or vice versa, for a slightly different look. Sapphires and diamonds a classic combination, but a sapphire halo is a less commonly chosen design - so if it’s uniqueness 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!

For a classic look, trying 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.