Not working with a celebrity budget? No worries — you can achieve a luxe look on a smaller scale, and a halo setting is an excellent choice to stretch your budget. Whether your partner has specifically asked for one or a family heirloom has inspired some ideas, this guide will clarify what defines a halo engagement ring, its key features and benefits, and how to pick the ideal one.
(Every halo engagement ring at Artful Bracelets is meticulously hand-crafted by master artisans. With our online model, we offer prices significantly lower than traditional jewelry stores. Explore our extensive guide for all the essentials on buying an engagement ring.)
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What is a Halo Engagement Ring?
Think shapes. A halo ring entails a setting where a stone is surrounded by a ring of round pavé (pronounced pah-vay) or micro-pavé diamonds. Pavé, a French term meaning “to pave,” describes a pattern of small gemstones closely placed together, resulting in a striking display of shine and sparkle.
Different Types of Halo Engagement Rings
Despite its seemingly specific nature, the halo setting allows for a plethora of variations, granting ample room for personalization. The halo surrounding the center stone could be round, square, or diamond-shaped. The band options include white, yellow, or rose gold, and it can meet the center diamond with a straight, twisted, or double-ringed design. Many of Artful Bracelets’ halo rings feature stones that partially extend onto the band, further enhancing their glittering appeal.
Additionally, customization is possible by selecting your preferred diamond shape for the center stone. This characteristic alone offers a wide array of halo ring varieties, ranging from cushion-cut to classic round halo engagement rings. Newly trendy styles include oval engagement rings with a halo and pear-shaped halo engagement rings. But there are also less common halo ring styles worth considering. Here’s a brief overview of these lesser-known, yet highly customizable types:
Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring
This dazzling style offers more space for accent diamonds, delivering extra glamour for those who crave sparkle. In this design, the band splits as it approaches the center stone and halo. Viewed from above, it looks as if the diamond and its halo are supported by two narrow bands instead of one, catching the eye with its abundant smaller gems.
Plain Shank Halo Engagement Ring
Many ring shoppers appreciate classic simplicity, which is precisely what this style offers. An elegantly polished band gracefully ascends to meet the center diamond and halo, ensuring the main stone captures all the attention.
Double Halo Engagement Ring
For brides who believe more is merrier, this elaborate style offers an eye-catching option. Though a double halo setting is pricier than a single, the increased sparkle from the small diamonds, which are far less expensive than a large center stone, can substantially augment the ring’s visual impact. With one halo capable of making the diamond appear half a carat larger, the double halo can simulate up to a full carat increase in size.
Pavé Halo Engagement Ring
Though the plain shank halo has long been a favorite, the pavé halo is rapidly gaining popularity. This style offers a balanced blend of accents, with additional diamonds extending partway down the shank, striking the perfect mix between added sparkle and timeless elegance.
Benefits of Halo Engagement Rings
The primary advantage of a halo setting is its ability to make the center stone appear larger, allowing you to economize on the central gem. A halo can enhance a stone’s visual size by up to half a carat, translating into significant savings. (Discover more about carats and selecting the right ring size here.)
The pavé setting also delivers exceptional brilliance. More affordable smaller stones contribute to an even more dazzling effect. An additional, often overlooked benefit of a halo is that the surrounding stones provide added protection for your center stone (which, indeed, can sustain damage).
Are you ready to choose a halo engagement ring? At Artful Bracelets, our seasoned gemologists are adept at working within various budgets to find the perfect ring for every couple. They can guide you through a diamond’s GIA or IGI certificate — detailing carat size, measurements, and quality ratings — to help you make the most informed budgetary decisions.
How to Buy a Halo Engagement Ring
Considering a halo engagement ring purchase? Although it might sound like a reality competition show, the process needn’t be stressful. We’re here to assist!
First, feel confident in your selection. Halo settings — which feature small accent diamonds or gems encircling a center stone — are visually stunning, immensely popular, and offer excellent value for your money. A halo enhances any setting and can make a central diamond look up to half a carat larger. When choosing a halo engagement ring, keep in mind the wealth of options available. Here are a few key aspects to consider before making your purchase.
Explore Different Halo Styles
A brief overview of halo engagement ring styles:
Plain Shank Halo Engagement Ring
Totally…
classic. A gracefully polished band curves subtly towards the diamond and its halo, making sure the center stone captures all the focus.
split shank halo diamond engagement ring” />Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring
The engagement ring band divides as it nears the center stone and halo. This design is favored because it allows for additional space to showcase stunning accent diamonds.
Pave Halo Engagement Ring
Pave accent diamonds only stretch partially down the shank of the ring. It’s the perfect blend of added sparkle and timeless charm.
Double Halo Engagement Ring
An eye-catching way to economize. This setting is pricier than a single halo but adding accent diamonds is significantly cheaper than opting for a larger center stone. Since a single halo can make your diamond appear up to half a carat bigger, a double halo can enhance the look by up to a full carat.
Decide Which Fits Your/Her Style and Personality the Best
Much like tattoos or the Kardashians, halos can range from understated to ostentatious. Consider what you or she would want to wear for a lifetime. The key question here: smooth shank or pave? There’s no right or wrong choice; it’s all about personal taste. Smooth shank doesn’t equate to “boring,” nor does pave mean “flashy” — we offer a myriad of styles in both settings, allowing you to customize the drama as desired.
Peruse smooth shank halo engagement rings and pave halo engagement rings.
Think About the Total Size of the Center of Your Ring
Whether you choose a single or double halo, the setting increases the perceived size. If you believe a 3-carat look may be too overwhelming for your finger, opt for a smaller center stone to balance the halo’s impact.
Consider How Your Center Stone Will Match the Diamond Halo
Although we’re advocates of some near-colorless diamond grades for their cost-efficiency, it’s crucial to mind the difference in grades when choosing a halo ring. A stark contrast between the halo accent stones and your center diamond could be noticeable and potentially undesirable.
Ready to make your purchase? We’re here to assist you through every step! At Artful Bracelets, our expert gemologists are proficient in working within budgets to find the perfect ring for every couple. They can guide you through understanding a diamond’s GIA or IGI certificate — which includes carat size, measurements, and quality ratings — ensuring you make the most informed decision regarding your budget.
How to Personalize Your Halo Engagement Ring
Regardless of which halo engagement ring you select, you can’t go wrong. The design — featuring a center stone encircled by smaller accent diamonds — can make even modest carat diamonds appear substantial. And if you have a larger stone? A halo setting will amplify its presence dramatically.
Yet, it might seem like choosing a halo engagement ring comes at the expense of personalization. Thankfully, that’s not the case! There are numerous ways to add your unique touch to a halo engagement ring, from simple enhancements to bold changes.
milgrain” />Details, Details, Details
The Milgrain Flower Halo Diamond Engagement Ring introduces additional depth to the flower motif. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice fine dots of metal along the edges. This metalwork is known as milgrain, a rare yet beautiful detail that can be applied to engagement rings.
Go Big (and Small)
Pave accent diamonds on a halo setting don’t need to be uniform in size. The Star Halo Diamond Engagement Ring utilizes varying sizes to achieve an almost-regal aesthetic. Additionally, the play on sizes keeps your gaze moving, creating an illusion of motion.
It’s a Secret
Add a hidden element for a distinctive look, as seen in the Crown Diamond Ring. The allure of a hidden halo lies in its subtle sparkle, visible to others and adding a surprising dimension to your elegant ring.
All in the Angles
Not every halo needs to be perfectly round. Angular halos, like those on the Octagon Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, offer a modern twist to the timeless style. This approach gives a touch of edginess to a traditionally round, feminine center stone.
Rotate, Rotate, Rotate
For a slightly different look, rotate your angular halo as seen on the East West Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. The points along the length of your finger can make your hands appear elongated and slender by directing the viewer’s eye up and down.
Double the Fun
Add extra sophistication with a second halo, as featured on the Double Floating Halo Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring. Each added halo can enhance the center stone’s appearance by up to half a carat, meaning a double halo could make your center diamond look a full carat larger.
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Make a Statement
Who says every diamond engagement ring has to feature a plain band? The Heirloom Halo Diamond Engagement Ring boasts a statement band with intricate details that evoke a vintage and antique feel. It’s your little secret.
Get it Twisted
Allow the band of your ring to be the center of attention by selecting a twisted shank that elegantly swirls into the halo, as seen in the Open Twist Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Some variations offer tighter or looser twists, and you can choose between one or two diamond-encrusted bands.
Opt for Intricate
Looking for a band with added details? The Vintage Halo Diamond Engagement Ring provides that extra touch of personalization without being overly flashy. Many of our settings incorporate subtle nature-inspired designs, such as the leaves on this ring’s band.
Don’t Stop at the Halo
Why restrict accent diamonds to just the halo? The Cathedral Halo Diamond Engagement Ring features accent diamonds throughout the band. The cathedral setting also elevates the center stone, drawing more attention without requiring extra top elements.
Think Outside the Diamond
Halos aren’t limited to diamonds. Our custom gemstone rings allow you to create a contrasting look that’s just as stunning. The cushion cut, in particular, beautifully showcases the deep hues of gemstones, making it an ideal choice for this style.
How to Make Your Halo Diamond Ring More Affordable
- Opt for a center diamond that’s just under a critical weight, such as 0.95 carats instead of 1 carat. Use the savings to invest in the setting.
- Choose 14kt white gold over platinum for your metal setting. Platinum costs more, but both materials are durable for daily wear.
- Consider a lab diamond for the center stone, thereby freeing up more budget for a detailed halo setting. Lab diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and optical qualities as natural diamonds, differing only in origin and price.
Other Ways to Personalize a Halo Ring
There are countless ways to personalize your halo engagement ring. Here are some more options.
One significant way is to choose a metal that contrasts with your diamonds, such as yellow or rose gold. While rose gold has gained popularity, white gold and platinum remain the most common, so selecting a different metal can make your ring stand out.
Engraving offers another personal touch. At Artful Bracelets, you can add an engraving inside your ring to capture your relationship’s unique story.
How to Match a Halo Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?
A matching wedding band is often available for halo engagement rings. Given the circular shape and protruding head of a halo ring, it’s essential to pair it with a band that matches its dimensions and measurements for a snug fit.
A matching wedding band should ideally feature accent diamonds that are identical in size and quality to those on the engagement ring’s shank or halo.
If you prefer a band that can be worn separately and isn’t stacked, opt for a straight band with or without diamonds. Consult a gemologist at Artful Bracelets for advice on the best match for your engagement ring.
Whether you choose a round, pear, or emerald halo ring, ensure you select a band you’ll love for years to come.
Still undecided? Reach out to an Artful Bracelets expert. Our gemologists can help you personalize your halo engagement ring to make it truly your own, all while staying within your budget.
