When you start the time-honored process of buying an engagement ring, one of the first varieties you’ll hear about is the halo engagement ring. This has become one of the most popular styles in recent years, to the point that some jewelers and trend observers call it “the halo craze.” Two of this year’s biggest celebrity weddings involved halo rings: Celebrity journalists noted that Lady Gaga’s brand-new $400,000 engagement ring is a sapphire with a diamond halo; and Nick Jonas proposed to Priyanka Chopra this fall with a cushion-cut diamond surrounded by smaller baguette stones.
Don’t have a six-figure budget? No problem — you can gift like a baller for a fraction of that, and a halo setting is one of the best ways to make your budget go further. Whether you’ve received a request from your partner or a recommendation from a relative who owns a beautiful heirloom halo, here’s a quick guide to what qualifies as a halo engagement ring, the features and benefits of a halo, and how to select the perfect one.
(All of With Clarity’s halo engagement rings are hand-crafted by master artisans, and because we’re online, our prices are much lower than jewelry stores. Learn all you need to know about buying an engagement ring in our comprehensive guide.)
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What is a halo engagement ring?
Think shape. A halo ring is a type of setting, in which a stone is encircled by a ring of round pavé (pronounced pah-vay) or micro-pavé diamonds. Pavé, in French, means “to pave,” and in jewelry, the term refers to a pattern of small gemstones placed closely together, creating an impressive field of shine and sparkle.
Different types of halo engagement rings
Even though the halo sounds like a very specific type, there are many different variations, so you have a lot of room for personalization. The halo around the center stone could be round, squarish or diamond shaped. The band can be white, yellow or rose gold, and the band can meet the center diamond in a straight, twisted or double-ringed design. On many of With Clarity’s halo rings, the stones extend partway onto the band, creating an even more stunning glittery effect.
And, yes, of course, you can personalize your halo engagement ring by choosing your favorite diamond shape for the center stone. With that characteristic alone, there’s tons of variety for this type of ring, from cushion cut halo engagement rings to the classic round halo engagement rings. Some styles riding in popularity are the oval engagement rings with a halo and pear shaped halo engagement rings. But there are also some other types of halo rings with which you might be less familiar. Here’s a quick guide to the lesser-known styles that offer even more personalization for your halo engagement ring:
Split shank halo engagement ring
This shimmering style creates even more real estate for accent diamonds, meaning more glitz for the girl who loves glamour. With this style, the band of the engagement ring splits when it comes close to your center stone and halo. From the top, this setting looks like a diamond, and its halo are supported by two thin bands rather than one. It’s a popular style for its ability to catch the eye thanks to those smaller gems.
Plain shank halo engagement ring
Plenty of ring shoppers know you can’t go wrong with a classic. That’s exactly what this style is. An elegant polished band arcs gently up to the diamond and its halo, ensuring the center stone is getting all the attention.
Double halo engagement ring
On the other side of the spectrum is this style of halo engagement ring for the bride who feels that more is more. The double halo is also a dazzling way to save some dough. Yes, the setting costs more than a single halo, but the little diamonds cost a lot less than a large center stone. And since the single halo can make your diamond look a half-carat bigger, you’re looking at up to a whole carat increase in appearance thanks to the double.
Pave halo engagement ring
Although the plain shank halo has been the favorite for some time, the pave halo ring is catching up quickly. It’s the gorgeous middle-ground for these different ring settings. The extra accent diamonds only extend partway down the shank of the ring. It’s the sweet spot between extra sparkle and timeless elegance.
Benefits of halo engagement rings
The biggest benefit of the halo engagement ring is that it can make the center stone look bigger. This can save you money on the center stone. A halo setting can make the center stone look up to one-half carat bigger, which can translate into hundreds of dollars of savings. (Learn more about carats, and how to choose an engagement ring size, here.)
The pavé design also creates intense sparkle. Smaller stones also cost less, so you get even more sparkle for your buck. One overlooked benefit of the halo is that the surrounding stones offer protection for your center stone (because, yes, they can get damaged).
Are you ready to buy a halo engagement ring? At With Clarity, we have expert gemologists on staff who are highly experienced in working within budgets to find the right ring for each couple. They can walk you through a diamond’s GIA or IGI certificate — which lists a diamond’s carat size, measurements and ratings on various qualities — so you’ll know how to best concentrate your budget.
How to buy a halo engagement ring
So you’re thinking of buying a halo engagement ring. That might sound like a reality competition show coming to Fox, but in actuality, the process doesn’t have to be anywhere near stressful. We’re here to help!
First, feel good about your choice. Halo settings — in which small accent diamonds or gems encircle a center stone, like a halo — are beautiful, popular, and a great way to maximize your budget. A halo adds sparkle to any setting and can make a center diamond seem up to a half-carat bigger. But when it comes to a halo engagement ring, you have no shortage of options. Here are some particular concerns you should consider before buying.
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GET FAMILIAR WITH THE DIFFERENT HALO STYLES AVAILABLE
Here’s a quick rundown of halo engagement ring styles:
- Plain shank halo engagement ring: Totally classic. An elegant polished band arcs gently up to the diamond and its halo, ensuring the center stone gets all the attention.
- Split shank halo engagement ring: The band of the engagement ring splits as it approaches the center stone and halo. This style is popular because it creates more real estate for eye-catching accent diamonds.
Split-shank Halo Rings
Rising Split Shank Ring
starting at: $1,400
Split Shank Halo Ring
starting at: $1,500
Split Shank French Halo Ring
starting at: $1.400
Twisting Split Shank Halo Ring
starting at: $1660
Split Shank Rounded Halo Ring
starting at: $1,620
Split Shank Squarish Halo Ring
starting at: $1,240
- Pave halo engagement ring: Pave accent diamonds only extend partway down the shank of the ring. It’s the sweet spot between extra sparkle and timeless elegance.
- Double halo engagement ring: A dazzling way to save some dough. It’s more expensive than a single halo setting, but the added accent diamonds cost much less than a large center stone. Since the single halo can make your diamond look a half-carat bigger, you’re looking at up to a whole carat increase.
DECIDE WHICH FITS YOUR/HER STYLE AND PERSONALITY THE BEST
Like tattoos or the Kardashians, halos can be subtle or flashy. Think about what you’ll actually want to wear forever. The most important consideration here: Will you go with a smooth shank or pave? There is no right answer; it all depends on your personal style. And smooth shank doesn’t mean “boring,” nor pave “flashy” — we offer hundreds of styles in each setting, and you amp up or dial down the drama as much as you’d like.
Browse smooth shank halo engagement rings and pave halo engagement rings.
THINK ABOUT THE TOTAL SIZE OF THE CENTER OF YOUR RING
Whether it’s a single or a double, the halo adds size. If you think your finger will be overwhelmed by 3 carats, you’ll want to go smaller on the center stone, otherwise, the halo will exceed that size.
CONSIDER HOW YOUR CENTER STONE WILL MATCH THE DIAMOND HALO
Although we’re big fans of some of the near-colorless diamond grades — they can save you a lot of money — you can only go so low when choosing a halo ring. That’s because if there’s a big difference between the grade of the halo accent stones and the grade of your center diamond, it will be noticeable, which may not be ideal.
Are you ready to buy? We’re here to walk you through the process! At With Clarity, we have expert gemologists on staff who are highly experienced in working within budgets to find the right ring for each couple. They can walk you through a diamond’s GIA certificate or IGI certificate— which lists a diamond’s carat size, measurements, and ratings on various qualities — so you’ll know how to best concentrate your budget.
How to personalize your halo engagement ring
You really can’t go wrong no matter which halo engagement ring you pick. The design — a center stone surrounded by smaller accent diamonds — can make even the smallest carat diamond look huge. And if you have a large stone? A halo setting can make it look like a headlight.
That said, it might seem like opting for a halo engagement ring means you have to give up on adding personality to your ring. Luckily, that’s not true! There are dozens of ways to make a halo engagement ring your own, ranging from simple enhancements to big, bold changes.
Details, details, details
The Milgrain Flower Halo Diamond Engagement Ring adds even more dimension to the flower effect. Take a closer look and you’ll see tiny dots of metal around the edges. That metal work is called milgrain, and it’s an uncommon but beautiful element that can be used on engagement rings.
Go big (and small)
Pave accent diamonds don’t have to all be the same size on a halo setting. The Star Halo Diamond Engagement Ring uses different sizes to create an almost-regal look. Plus, the play on sizes keeps your eye moving when you’re looking at it, creating the illusion of movement.
It’s a secret
Add in a secret element to create a different look, like in the Crown Diamond Ring. What’s the value of a hidden halo, you might ask. Although you don’t see the profile of your ring much, other people do. And they’ll be drawn to the subtle pops of sparkle coming from your demure ring.
All in the angles
Not every halo has to be completely rounded. Angular halos, like on the Octagon Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, give a more modern look to the classic style. It’s also a great way to give a little bit of edge to a round, feminine center stone.
Rotate, rotate, rotate
Rotate your angular halo like on the East West Halo Diamond Engagement Ring just to switch things up a bit. Bonus: the corners pointing along the length of your finger can make your hands appear longer and thinner by drawing the eye up and down.
Double the fun
Add a second halo like on the Double Floating Halo Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring. Each halo can add up to a half carat to your center stone, which means a double halo can make your center diamond look a full carat larger.
Make a statement
Not every diamond engagement ring needs to have a simple band. A statement band, like on the Heirloom Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, proves that with an intricate look that screams “vintage and antique.” Only you’ll know the truth.
Get it twisted
Let your ring band get in on the action with a twisting shank swirls to become the halo like on the Open Twist Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Some variations on this design have tighter or looser twists, and some feature two diamond encrusted bands or only one.
Opt for intricate
An intricate band with added details — like the Vintage Halo Diamond Engagement Ring — can add a bit of extra personalization without going overboard (if that’s not your thing). Several of our settings have subtle nature-inspired designs like the leaves on the band of this engagement ring setting.
Don’t stop at the halo
Why only add accent diamonds around the center stone? Go for a ring that has them throughout the band, like our Cathedral Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. The cathedral setting also adds some height to the center stone, which can draw more attention without any additional elements that are seen from the top of the ring.
Think outside the diamond
Halos can be created with other types of stones besides diamonds. Our custom gemstone rings let you create a contrast that’s just as striking as a diamond center stone. Plus, in this style, the cushion cut does an amazing job at showing off the rich colors of gemstones, making it a great cut for this ring.
How to make your halo diamond ring more affordable:
- 1. Choose a center diamond that’s just shy of critical weight. For example, choose 0.95 carats instead of 1 carat. Then use the extra money to invest in the cost of the setting.
- 2. Select 14kt white gold as your metal setting instead of platinum. Platinum is more expensive than 14kt white gold. However, when it comes to daily wear, they are both made to withstand everyday activities.
- 3. Choose a lab diamond as the center, so that more money can be used towards a more elaborate helo setting design. Lab diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and therefore optical qualities like a natural diamond. The only difference between the two gems are its origin and price-tag.
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Other ways to personalize a halo ring
As you can see, there are already a million-and-one ways to personalize your halo engagement ring, but you have even more options.
One big way? Choose a metal that stands out against your diamonds, like yellow or rose gold. Although rose gold has been popular lately, white gold and platinum are the most popular for engagement rings, so you can stand out just by choosing a different metal.
Engraving is another legit option, too. At With Clarity you can also get an engraving on the inside of your ring to personalize it to your relationship and make something that’s truly your own.
How to match a halo engagement ring and wedding band?
A halo engagement ring will typically have a matching wedding band that can be paired with it. Because a halo engagement ring has a circular shape and a head that can protrude out further than a typical engagement ring, it is important to pair with a wedding band that is made to match the dimensions and measurements of the ring.
This will ensure that there is a snug fit between the ring and the band. A matching wedding band should also have accent diamonds that are the same size and quality as the accent diamonds on the shank of the engagement ring or the halo of the engagement ring.
If you’re looking for a wedding band that can be work separately and is not stacked, you can opt for a band that is straight with or without diamonds. Ensure that you speak with a gemologist on the With Clarity to learn more about the right match for your engagement ring.
Whether it’s a round halo ring or another shape like a pear or emerald, be sure that you’re choosing a band that you will love wearing for years to come.
Still not sure which is best for you? Get in-touch with a With Clarity expert. Our gemologists know all the secrets to personalize your halo engagement ring and truly make it your own (with a price you can handle, too!).