What Is A Halo Engagement Ring? The Complete Guide

When it comes to engagement rings, there are many different styles to choose from. One of the most popular styles in recent years is the halo engagement ring. In this article, we will explain what defines a halo engagement ring, explain its history and highlight some advantages and disadvantages about the style.

What is a Halo Engagement Ring?

A halo engagement ring is a ring that has a central diamond or gemstone that is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones. The halo setting is the technique used to create this look. It involves setting the smaller diamonds or gemstones around the central stone in a circle, which enhances the sparkle and brilliance of the central stone.

History of the Halo Engagement Ring

Halo engagement rings have been around for centuries, with the earliest known examples dating back to the Georgian and Victorian eras. However, halo engagement rings only started to gain widespread popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, when Art Deco style began to gain popularity.

Today, halo engagement rings are still very popular and are considered a timeless classic. They are a popular choice among many modern brides and grooms and can be found in many different styles and settings. Halo engagement rings have been worn by many famous women and have been featured in several movies and TV shows, which has helped to increase their popularity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Halo Engagement Ring

Halo engagement rings have many advantages, including:

  • They make the central stone appear larger: The halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones creates the illusion of a larger central stone, which can be a great option if you're looking for a ring with a larger diamond or gemstone but don't want to pay the cost of a bigger stone.
  • They create a contrasting effect: The halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones creates a contrasting effect with the central stone, which makes the central stone stand out even more.
  • They are versatile: Halo engagement rings can be designed in many different ways, which makes them a versatile option for many different styles and tastes.
  • They are elegant and timeless: Halo engagement rings are considered a timeless classic, which makes them an elegant and classic choice for an engagement ring.

However, halo engagement rings also have some drawbacks. For example:

  • They require more maintenance: The halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones makes the ring more delicate and can require more maintenance than a plain ring.
  • They can be more expensive: The cost of the smaller diamonds or gemstones in the halo can add to the overall cost of the ring, making it more expensive than a plain ring.

Halo Engagement Ring Styles

A classic halo ring design typically features a large, central gemstone as the main attraction of the ring, surrounded by a circular border of smaller diamonds or other precious stones, on a narrow band. That being said, there are various ways you can personalize your halo engagement ring to suit your taste.

Center Stone

One of the most popular options for a halo engagement ring is a center stone that is a diamond. Diamonds are renowned for their brilliance and fire and make for a stunning centerpiece on any ring. However, other gemstones can also be used for the center stone, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or even colored diamonds. 

This allows for a great deal of customization when it comes to choosing a halo engagement ring, as each gemstone offers its own unique properties, and can be chosen to match the personal style and preferences of the wearer.

Metal

When it comes to choosing a metal for your halo engagement ring, the most popular choices are white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. White gold and platinum are often chosen as they complement the sparkle of the diamonds or other gems used in the ring. Yellow gold is also a good option if you want to add a warmth and classic touch to the design.

Each metal has its own unique properties and will give the ring a different look.

Type of Ring

When choosing the type of ring, there are a few things to consider. One important aspect to think about is the size of the ring. A halo engagement ring can be quite substantial, with a lot of diamonds or other gems set into the band. This can make the ring quite heavy, and may not be comfortable for all wearers.

Additionally, if you have an active lifestyle and do a lot of manual work, a halo ring with a big center diamond and multiple halos may not be practical and may be prone to get damaged.

Setting Style

Another important consideration is the setting style. There are several different setting styles that can be used for halo engagement rings, each with its own unique look and feel.

For example, a bezel setting will encase the center stone in a ring of metal, providing extra protection for the diamond or other gemstone. A prong setting, on the other hand, will lift the center stone up off the band, allowing more light to enter the diamond and creating a more sparkling effect.

Pavé Setting

Another aspect of halo engagement rings that can be customized is the pavé setting. This refers to the small diamonds or gemstones that make up the halo itself. Pavé settings can come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and even black. The choice of pavé color will depend on the overall look that you want to achieve, as well as the color of the center stone.

For example, a white diamond center stone may be complemented by a halo of white diamonds or colored diamonds, while a colored center stone may be paired with a halo of smaller colored stones.

Halo engagement rings are a classic and elegant choice for those looking for an engagement ring. They have been around for centuries and have stood the test of time. They have many advantages and there are many options to choose from such as center stone, pave color, number of halos, and metal choice, which makes it easy to customize the ring to your taste. Ultimately, the choice of ring type should depend on your personal style, budget, and preferences.

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