A Guide to Halo Engagement Rings

Have you always wanted an engagement ring that stands out from the others? An engagement ring with a modern unique look that is a classic choice but won’t go out of style? If so, a halo engagement ring is an excellent choice for a larger showstopping ring that stands out from the crowd. Our guide looks at halo engagement rings and the fascinating history behind this engagement ring style.

What are Halo Engagement Rings?

A halo engagement ring features a circle (‘halo’) of diamonds surrounding the centre stone on your jewellery. This is a popular choice for many jewellery pieces from engagement rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. These pieces typically feature coloured gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds as the diamonds complement their bold colours and add an extra layer to a jewellery setting. When a diamond halo is added to a jewellery piece, it showcases the centre stone, with the smaller diamonds giving the illusion of a larger diamond. You will notice this more on the hand as a halo brings extra sparkle to the engagement ring.

A Brief History of Halo Engagement Rings

 

While halo engagement rings have recently exploded in popularity, the origins of halo rings have been said to go back to the early 18th century, in the Georgian Era. The first halo rings featured pearls or diamonds surrounding the centre stone. Halos increased in popularity in the Victorian era, where the most popular halo rings had coloured gemstones which were said to resemble a flower. 

What Shapes Work Well for a Halo Engagement Ring?

The versatility of a halo engagement ring makes it well-suited for various diamond shapes. There’s something for everyone when finding the perfect halo engagement band to propose with. Our favourite shapes that work well with halo rings include:

• Oval halo engagement rings
• Cushion cut halo engagement rings
• Round-cut halo engagement rings
• Princess-cut halo engagement rings
• Pear halo engagement rings
• Emerald-cut halo engagement rings

Best Settings for a Halo Engagement Ring

 

Selecting the right setting for your halo ring is important as it can affect the overall appearance of your engagement ring's size and style. The most common settings for a halo engagement ring are:

• Pave setting- The most popular style of halo rings is the pave setting, this allows the diamonds to sit a half set into the halo with tiny claws that hold the diamonds into the setting and this helps the diamond halo catch more light, creating a continuous sparkle around the ring’s centre stone. This style compliments coloured gemstones beautifully and is popular as it is the best option when choosing a diamond centre stone to help create a larger centre stone appearance as they all blend beautifully.

• Hidden Halo Setting - A modern halo setting that has become huge over the last couple of years, where you will not see the halo from the face-up appearance of the ring. The halo is underneath the centre stone and set in the diamond gallery which still surrounds the centre stone but with the diamonds facing out to the side almost as if they were cuddling the diamond. This has been a popular seller in shapes such as Round cut, Oval cut, Pear cut, Radiant cut and Marquise cut diamond and gemstone engagement rings.

• Channel setting - A vintage style, keeping all the stones neatly lined up. The diamonds can be tension set or grain set between the metal rim edge of the halo setting, this is popular for round cut diamonds in the halo but also princess cut and baguette cut diamonds as it can hold them closer together in a neat line-up of diamond and sparkle whilst protecting their vulnerable edges to daily wear and tear.

• Bezel/Rubover setting - A halo ring with a bezel setting features a metal rim or edge, which encases the centre stone completely and is referenced as a rubover setting in many jewellery stores. This adds more protection to the diamond, creating a modern look to the ring. This halo ring setting is popular with a yellow gold setting with a colourful gemstone centre. The bezel protects the centre stone from potential damage to the ring, particularly with unusual diamond shapes, such as a pear cut or a heart-shaped diamond, which are vulnerable to chipping or cracking. However, they add a splash of elegance to your ring and additional detail in a minimalist modern style.

The Benefits of Choosing a Halo Engagement Ring

 

Have you decided on buying a halo engagement ring for your upcoming engagement proposal? There are many benefits to choosing a halo ring, including:

• It can create the illusion of a larger diamond centre.
• You can pass a halo ring down from generation to generation.
• It offers more protection to the centre stone from daily knocks or wear and tear.
• A halo engagement ring will never go out of style.
• Halo engagement bands are available in different shapes and sizes.

How to Care for a Halo Engagement Ring

 

Over time, your halo engagement ring will succumb to regular wear and tear from your daily routine. Proper care and cleaning are crucial to maintaining your halo ring’s signature sparkle and keeping the smaller diamonds secure in their setting. You should take your halo engagement band off when doing any hands-on manual activities, such as:

• Going to the gym, playing sports or swimming.
• Gardening or home DIY of any kind.
• Cooking or cleaning equipment.
• Using any cream/liquids on the hands such as moisturiser/suntan lotion/fake tan/antibacterial fluids

We recommend having your halo engagement ring cleaned ourselves every few months. Shining Diamonds offers free jewellery cleaning services and setting checks to our customers from our London and Brighton showrooms. We will inspect your engagement ring’s setting each time we clean it to give you peace of mind and ensure your halo ring setting maintains its clean and bright appearance, with that beautiful sparkle you remember when you first purchased it.

Merge vintage and contemporary styles with a dazzling halo engagement ring from Shining Diamonds. Are you looking to create a one-of-a-kind halo engagement band? Book an appointment at our Brighton Lanes or London Hatton Garden showroom today. Our skilled jewellers and friendly diamond experts are here to help create a stunning halo ring when it comes to popping the question with an engagement ring that your loved one will treasure forever.