Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring with a Halo Setting
A halo ring refers to a type of setting in diamond rings. It is a smart choice for those who want more bling for their budget, making it one of the more popular settings in engagement rings. But that’s not its only allure.
Celebrities like Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Natalie Portman have all been proposed to with halo engagement rings. They’ve been spotted wearing them proudly, year after year as a testament to the eternal beauty of halo rings. Wondering if it could be for you? Find out in this article as we discuss its characteristics and share a few points to consider so that your purchase is practical, within budget, and timeless.
What is a halo setting in diamond rings?
A halo setting has a large center stone encircled by a ring of smaller, perfectly aligned accent stones. The shape of the halo can be the same as the center stone, or it can be different, depending on the taste and preference of the wearer. A halo adds more sparkle to a ring and provides wider finger coverage by adding to the overall ring size.
Types of halo settings in diamond engagement rings
Halo diamond engagement rings are available in a wide variety of designs and styles thanks to their popularity and adaptability. They match a wide variety of center stones and can be maximized for even more sparkle. The following are four different types of halo rings to match every taste and style.
Single or double halo
Halo rings may constitute single, double, or even triple halos. Obviously, the more halos there are, the bigger and more sparkly the ring becomes. Depending on the number of halos, it could enhance the size of the center stone to seem significantly larger than it really is. Exercise caution though, as some find double and triple halos over the top.
Also, a double halo would naturally cost more than a single halo and a triple halo, more than a double halo. But then, smaller diamonds cost less than a large center stone so the increase in price may not be that exorbitant when compared to a solitaire ring.
Pave halo
Pave is a type of setting characterized by the placement of small diamonds so close to one another that the metal prongs are not apparent on the surface. The small diamonds or accent stones in a pave halo extend partway down the shank of the ring as an alternative to plain shank halos.
Split shank halo
In a split shank halo ring, the band of the ring splits as it joins the center stone and halo. It is a popular setting to create an intriguingly feminine feel.
Various center stone cuts
At Keyzar, halo engagement rings can be personalized with a wide selection of shapes for the center stone. Some of the center stone cuts that match halo rings are round, oval, pear, cushion, elongated cushion, radiant, emerald, and princess. It’s also possible to choose the band from white, yellow, and rose gold to reflect personal taste.
Pros and cons of a halo setting
Halo rings have been well-loved and admired for decades. As versatile as they are, they may not be for everyone. If you feel drawn to this setting, check out the pros and cons below before deciding if it’s the right one for you.
Pros
- One of the main reasons the halo setting is still making waves is that it complements the center stone to make the ring and the center stone appear larger. You can get a smaller center stone and the ring will still look impressive because of the halo.
- Some cuts such as the emerald and Asscher are known for their intricate detailing and clean lines more than for their sparkle. If your heart is set on getting one of these exquisite stones as the center stone, a halo will add sparkle to a ring that also has character and mystique in spades.
- As smaller diamonds are less expensive than a single diamond of the same weight, you can potentially save a few hundreds of dollars with the right combination of center stone and style.
Cons
- Depending on the setting, a halo ring is not always more budget-friendly due to the more resources and gems required.
- A halo ring will require maintenance to preserve shine, retip worn prong, and secure each accent stone. But then, this is true of any diamond ring of any setting.
- A halo ring is big. It could pose a challenge to those who have an active lifestyle or engage in sports often. One option is to remove the ring whenever a strenuous activity is expected and then wear it as soon as the activity is over.
Are halo rings more expensive?
It depends on the size of the center stone and the setting. But yes, as a general rule, halo settings are slightly more expensive. If we compare a solitaire ring and a halo ring with the same center stone size, the halo ring will surely be more expensive due to the additional accent stones. But not necessarily by much. Check out your options and adjust the center stone size to get the most for your budget.
How to match a halo engagement ring and wedding band?
At Keyzar, you have the option of picking a matching wedding band for a halo engagement ring purchased with us. Halo rings are unique. They have protruding heads so it’s wise to pair them with wedding bands that match the dimensions of the rings for a snug fit. The accent diamonds in the wedding band (if present) should also match the size and quality of the halo engagement ring accent stones.
Conclusion
Diamond engagement rings with halo settings are classic and have been around for a long time. But like everything else in life, it may not be for everyone. Hopefully, this guide has given you a 360° view of this style and all the factors to consider when choosing one.
If you’re ready, check out our selection of halo diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.
Frequently asked questions about halo diamond engagement rings
1. Are halo diamond rings tacky?
We believe that in the wrong hands, anything can be made to look tacky, even something as beautiful as a halo engagement ring. Keyzar’s halo diamond engagement rings are made thoughtfully by matching stone, style, setting, choice of metal, and the overall design to produce a delicate and tasteful collection.
2. Can colored stones be used in a halo setting?
Yes, it is possible. But as a rule, we pair white transparent stones to preserve the sophistication and opulence associated with diamond engagement rings.
3. What cut of diamond pairs well with a halo setting?
Just about every diamond cut there is, pairs well with a halo setting. Round diamonds however have always been a favorite due to their perfect symmetry. To make a strong visual impact, pair an emerald cut center stone with round cut accent stones.
