Education
Education
Halo
Everything You Need to Know About Halo Rings
Captivating, radiant, and timeless, halo engagement rings are a firm favorite with modern couples. With their stunning center stones encircled by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, these rings offer a breathtaking display of sparkle. Whether you're already captivated by their beauty or simply curious to learn more, this article outlines everything you need to know about halo engagement rings, where romance meets brilliance.
What is a Halo Setting?
A halo setting engagement ring is a style where a circle of smaller accent diamonds or gemstones surrounds the center stone, creating a "halo" effect. This design adds brilliance, enhances the appearance of the center stone, and provides a glamorous and eye-catching look. Originally, the halo was invented in order to make the center stone look larger, draw attention and highlight it.
History of the Halo Setting
The concept of encircling a center stone with smaller stones dates back to ancient times. In ancient Rome, it was common to adorn jewelry with small gemstones surrounding a central stone to enhance its beauty and create a sense of grandeur.
However, the modern halo engagement ring as we know it today gained prominence in the Art Deco era of the 1920s. During this period, geometric and symmetrical designs were in vogue, and halo settings became a popular choice. These rings featured a center diamond or gemstone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, often with intricate detailing and milgrain accents.
In recent decades, the halo engagement ring setting has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Celebrities like Cardi B and Carrie Underwood flaunting halo engagement rings have further propelled their desirability. The versatility of the halo design has allowed it to evolve with changing fashion trends, making it a timeless and sought-after choice for engagement rings.
The Molly with a 2 carat Cushion cut Diamond and The 1.8mm Chevron Hannah in White Gold
What is So Special About Halo Engagement Rings?
The allure of the halo setting lies in its ability to enhance the appearance of the center stone. By encircling it with smaller diamonds or gemstones, the halo creates the illusion of a larger, more radiant center stone. It also provides extra shimmer and brilliance, adding to the overall beauty of the ring.
For those who can’t get enough sparkle, a double halo engagement ring is a captivating style that features not one, but two concentric circles of smaller accent diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center stone. This design creates an extra layer of brilliance and adds a dramatic and luxurious effect to the ring.
Best Diamond Cuts for the Halo Setting
The halo setting is highly versatile and can complement almost all diamond cuts. However, certain diamond cuts are particularly well-suited for this setting due to their ability to maximize the brilliance and visual impact of the ring. Here are some of the best diamond cuts for the halo setting:
-
Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is a classic choice for the halo setting. Its symmetrical shape and excellent light performance allow for optimal reflection and refraction of light, resulting in exceptional sparkle. When surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, the round brilliant cut diamond creates a stunning display of brilliance and fire.
The Katelyn with a 3.5 carat Round cut Diamond and the 4ct Round U Prong Eternity in Rose Gold
-
Cushion Cut: The cushion cut is a popular choice for halo settings due to its romantic and vintage-inspired appeal. Its soft, rounded corners and large facets create a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. When paired with a halo, the cushion cut diamond appears even larger and more dazzling, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a glamorous and timeless look.
-
Princess Cut: The princess cut, with its modern and square shape, contrasts beautifully with the rounded halo, creating a striking juxtaposition. The clean lines and geometric facets of the princess cut diamond blend harmoniously with the halo setting, resulting in a contemporary and eye-catching design.
-
Oval Cut: The elongated and graceful shape of the oval cut diamond lends itself well to the halo setting. The halo accentuates the length and curves of the oval diamond, creating a visually pleasing and elongating effect on the finger. The combination of the halo and the oval cut offers a balance between traditional and modern aesthetics.
-
Pear Cut: The unique teardrop shape of the pear cut diamond adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the halo setting. The halo emphasizes the shape of the pear, creating a captivating and feminine look. The combination of the pear cut and the halo setting can make for a stunning and eye-catching engagement ring.
-
Radiant Cut: The radiant cut's brilliant faceting maximizes the diamond's sparkle and brilliance, enhancing its visual appeal. When placed in a halo setting, the smaller diamonds accentuate the rectangular shape of the radiant cut, creating a stunning contrast and adding an extra layer of brilliance and elegance.
Ultimately, the choice of diamond cut for a halo setting depends on personal preference and style. It's important to consider factors such as the wearer's tastes, finger shape, and desired aesthetic when selecting the best diamond cut for a halo engagement ring. Each diamond cut brings its own beauty and charm to the halo setting, ensuring a breathtaking and radiant result.
The L'Amour Brilliance Collection of Halo Engagement Rings
L'Amour Brilliance has a collection of halo engagement rings that add their own unique perspective to this hugely popular style. Here is part of them:
-
The Madelyn has an elegantly crafted shank embellished with pavé-set diamonds that beautifully illuminate and accentuate the center stone, creating a mesmerizing display of sparkle.
-
The Molly has double diamond-set shoulders gracefully intertwining to form a magnificent halo, making it a true standout piece for any occasion. Prepare to be entranced by its opulence and magnificence!
-
The Lana is adorned with pavé-set diamonds that gracefully flow along the band and extend to X-shaped claws delicately holding the center stone. The total effect is a captivating blend of glamor and elegance.
-
The Katelyn is adorned with microdiamonds that embellish the bridge, halo, and band, creating a dazzling display of opulence. With an elevated head, this ring allows for effortless stacking with wedding and eternity bands.
Advantages of the Halo Setting
-
Enhanced Brilliance: The halo setting significantly increases the overall brilliance and sparkle of the center stone. The smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center stone reflect and refract light, creating a dazzling display of radiance.
-
Illusion of Size: By encircling the center stone with a halo, the halo setting can make the center stone appear larger than its actual size. This can be a cost-effective way to create the illusion of a larger diamond or gemstone.
-
Added Protection: The halo setting provides an extra layer of protection for the center stone. The surrounding halo acts as a buffer against accidental bumps and impacts, reducing the risk of chipping or damage to the main stone.
-
Design Versatility: The halo setting offers design versatility, allowing for various shapes, sizes, and arrangements. It can be paired with different diamond cuts, gemstone colors, and metal choices, providing ample opportunities for customization and personalization.
-
Vintage and Timeless Appeal: The halo setting has a classic and romantic aesthetic that evokes vintage charm. It can give an engagement ring a timeless appeal, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a touch of nostalgia or vintage-inspired style.
Disadvantages of the Halo Setting
-
Complexity in Cleaning: The smaller diamonds or gemstones in the halo setting can create small crevices that require extra attention during cleaning. Dust and debris can accumulate in these spaces, requiring more meticulous maintenance compared to simpler settings.
-
Potential for Reduced Center Stone Visibility: The halo setting may slightly obscure the visibility of the center stone, especially with larger halos or if the center stone is smaller. Some individuals prefer a setting that allows the center stone to be the focal point without any obstruction.
-
Higher Cost: The addition of smaller diamonds or gemstones in the halo setting increases the overall cost compared to a simpler solitaire or classic setting. The additional stones and intricacy of the design contribute to a higher price point.
The Madelyn with a 4 carat Emerald cut Diamond in White Gold
-
Doesn’t Work With All Wedding Bands: When opting for a low-sitting halo engagement ring, finding a wedding band that sits flush against it can be challenging.
-
Works Best With Higher Quality Stones: The center stone takes the spotlight in a halo setting, so it's crucial to choose a high-quality diamond to maximize its sparkle. While Moissanite is a popular alternative, it may not always be the ideal match for a halo setting.
-
Ultimately, the decision to choose a halo setting for an engagement ring depends on personal preferences, style, and budget. Considering these advantages and disadvantages can help individuals make an informed choice that aligns with their desires and priorities.
Conclusion
With its encircling halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, the halo setting enhances the beauty and size of the center stone, creating a dazzling display of sparkle and radiance. It not only adds visual impact but also provides protection to the center stone, making it a practical choice for those seeking both style and durability.
While there are considerations such as cleaning intricacies and potential center stone visibility, the advantages of the halo setting, including enhanced brilliance, illusion of size, and design versatility, make it a beloved option for couples worldwide. Whether you're drawn to vintage-inspired allure or seeking a touch of glamor, the halo engagement ring setting promises a symbol of love that will captivate hearts for years to come.
