Few settings are as historic and sought-after as Halo engagement rings. This vintage-inspired setting was perfected during the Art Deco era. But the Halo has been updated over the years to create a setting that’s now considered both contemporary and classic. In this guide, we’ll cover what defines a Halo setting so that you can decide if a Halo engagement ring is right for you.

Customize any Halo engagement ring setting featuring VRAI created diamonds to create an engagement ring that truly reflects you.

What Is a Halo Engagement Ring?

A Halo engagement ring is a ring whose center stone is surrounded by a circle (“halo”) of smaller diamonds. Although variations can occur, most Halo engagement rings are solitaire rings. This means the halo surrounds a single diamond or gemstone.

The diamonds in a halo are referred to as melee diamonds. They are typically between 0.01-0.02 carats (or smaller). The diamonds are cut and polished from small diamonds or the remnants of a very large diamond, then set in a platinum or solid gold pavé setting. Once in place, the metal seems to disappear and the center diamond appears to glow within the halo.

Types of Halo Engagement Rings

There are several types of Halo settings to choose from.

Gemstone Halo

A less common choice is gemstone Halo settings. Gemstone Halo settings feature a halo made of small colorful gemstones that aren’t diamonds, such as sapphires. Gemstone Halos are typically only found in vintage engagement rings, or custom-designed engagement rings.

Halo Engagement Ring Meaning & History

Halo engagement rings date back to 1700s Europe, with consistent variations found throughout history. Halo engagement rings were very popular during the Victorian Era when intricate, nature-inspired jewelry designs were highly desirable. Historical Halo settings often had colored gemstones, or pearls, and were made to resemble a flower.

During the Art Deco Era of the 1920s, the classic diamond Halo engagement ring we see today was perfected. Its perfect symmetry and dazzling brilliance made the Halo engagement ring as popular then as it is now.

This setting is particularly romantic, which lends to its popularity for engagement rings. A Halo engagement ring means that your love is being showcased and illuminated. The center diamond is on display, just like your commitment.

Halo engagement rings have been consistently chosen by royalty and celebrities. Famous Halo engagement rings include Princess Diana’s (now Kate Middleton’s) Sapphire Halo, Kelly Clarkson’s yellow canary Halo, Gwen Stefani’s Heart cut Halo, Lady Gaga’s pink Sapphire Halo, and Eva Longoria’s Ruby Halo. Paris Hilton, Cardi B, and Ariana Grande have also all had Pear cut Halo engagement rings.

Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Pros and Cons

If you’re not sure if a Halo setting is right for you, consider the pros and cons:

Pros

• Adds More Carat Weight for Less
• Spotlights Beauty of Center Diamond
• Provides More Security
• Enhances the Center Diamond’s Size
• Creates Additional Brilliance and Shine
• Customizable and Versatile

Cons

• Requires Regular Maintenance
• Harder to Resize
• Adds to Total Cost

Should You Buy a Halo or Hidden Halo Engagement Ring?

With numerous variations available to choose from, Halo settings are as versatile as they are brilliant. If you want an engagement ring with undeniable brilliance, additional size, and a true heirloom look, then a classic Halo setting is perfect for you.

If you prefer a more modern or minimalist engagement ring, then you may want to choose a Hidden Halo setting. Hidden Halo settings won’t enhance the size of the center diamond as much as a classic Halo setting. But they will still provide additional brilliance as well as subtle, unique detailing.

Cost of Halo Engagement Rings

A plain 14k rose gold band with a classic Halo setting costs $1,450 at VRAI, without the center diamond. The type of Halo setting, and the center diamond shape and carat weight, will determine how much your Halo engagement ring costs.

Halo settings with fewer and smaller diamonds, like a Hidden Halo setting, will cost less than Halo settings with more or bigger pavé diamonds.

Are Halo Engagement Rings More Expensive?

Halo settings are more expensive than classic Solitaire settings because they have a higher total carat weight. Halo engagement rings feature numerous, expertly set pavé diamonds, which is why this engagement ring setting costs more.

Popular Halo Engagement Ring Styles

There are Halo engagement ring styles for any and every taste. Popular Halo engagement ring settings include the classic and traditional Halo engagement ring, the vintage-inspired and romantic Aurora Halo, and the clean and contemporary Classic Hidden Halo.

Halo engagement rings naturally have a vintage-inspired look, which makes historic diamond shapes ideal for Halo settings. Marquise, Asscher, Pear, and Oval Halo engagement rings are popular choices.

For shoppers with more contemporary tastes, there are many Halo settings to consider. The best modern take on this style is the Hidden Halo engagement ring. The elevated prong setting, and hidden array of diamonds, give this setting a more current look.

What to Consider Before Buying a Halo Engagement Ring

When buying a Halo engagement ring, consider the diamond shape, metal color, and Halo setting type to create a design that reflects your style.

Diamond Shape

First is the diamond shape. Oval Halo engagement rings, Round Brilliant Halo engagement rings, and Pear cut Halo engagement rings will all create a more traditional yet vintage look.

Cushion, Trillion, Princess, and Emerald cut Halo engagement rings will create a more modern appearance. Choose the diamond shape that best aligns with the overall ring style you desire.

Pavé Diamond Color and Quality

To highlight the beauty, size, and brilliance of the center diamond, choose a Halo setting with pavé diamonds of similar quality. The pavé diamonds should have the same color and clarity for a seamless design.

Metal Color and Band

The choice of metal color and band details will also change the overall appearance of your Halo engagement ring. A plain 18k solid yellow gold band creates a look of effortless sophistication, while platinum and 18k solid white gold emulate pristine elegance.

To further spotlight the romance and history of a Halo setting, consider a 14k rose gold band or pavé band.

Shop VRAI Created Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Settings

Explore VRAI’s expertly crafted collection of Halo engagement rings. Choose between eight different types of Halo settings with fully customizable details to create a truly unique Halo ring.

All VRAI Halo engagement rings feature our certified lab-grown diamonds, from the center diamond to the melee diamonds. VRAI created diamonds are grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry. Your Halo ring will sparkle and shine as bright as you and your values.

Halo Engagement Rings FAQs

Read on for more answers to frequently asked questions about Halo engagement rings.

Are Halo Engagement Rings Still Popular?

Halo engagement rings remain one of the most popular engagement ring settings.

Can You Add a Halo to an Engagement Ring?

You can sometimes add a Halo setting to an existing engagement ring by working with a professional jeweler. They can help you create a custom design, or have your center diamond reset into an existing Halo setting.

Can You Remove a Halo From an Engagement Ring?

A jeweler can remove the pavé diamonds from the halo, but the result may not be pleasing to the eye. If you want to remove the halo from your engagement ring, it’s best to have the center diamond reset into another setting by a professional.

Are Halo Engagement Rings Tacky?

Halo engagement rings are anything but tacky. This historic setting has always been considered stylish and elegant.

How Many Carats Does a Halo Add?

A classic VRAI Halo setting with a plain band will add 0.14-0.19 carats to your engagement ring, depending on the center diamond shape. Different Halo settings will add different carat weights, as some will have more diamonds, or bigger diamonds, than others.

Do Halo Diamonds Fall Out?

The halo diamonds should not fall out if you buy a quality, expertly crafted Halo engagement ring. To protect your Halo engagement ring, we recommend properly cleaning and caring for it. Always remove your engagement ring before engaging in any activity that could cause damage.

Does a Halo Ring Make a Diamond Look Bigger?

A Halo ring setting will make the center diamond look bigger. The brilliant circle of melee diamonds will highlight the shape and size of the center diamond. How much bigger the diamond will appear depends on the carat weight and design of the halo setting.