Blog article reposted from the Gabriel Editorial Team on July 21, 2024

A circle of radiance. A luminous crown. A bright aura… A halo stands for all things positive and pure because of its association with light. In jewelry, the halo does exactly that – it enhances the beauty of every piece, adding sparkle and sunshine.

In an engagement ring, the center stone is typically surrounded by smaller pavé diamonds to enhance the beauty of the piece. Brides are particularly fond of halos because – let’s face it – who doesn’t want to add some glitz to their bridal look? The main allure of a halo is that you can use it with a much smaller center stone, and the overall effect is one that does not compromise either size or sparkle – and, in fact, makes it look better than ever.

Single Halo Setting

The single halo may come across as a simple setting, but don’t underestimate its elegance and classic sophistication. This setting first gained popularity in the Art Deco era of the 1920s, where diamond halos were often used against colored gemstones to add flamboyance and drama. The practice soon extended itself to diamond center stones as well. A single halo setting offers an enhanced ring appearance but one that is also affordable. When compared to other halo settings on the market, it does its job without setting you back too much. Round and oval cut diamond center stone rings particularly look fabulous with a single halo setting. It is perfect for the vintage bride who wants to cherish a timeless piece.

Sketch of a Single Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Double Halo Setting

The double halo setting is the perfect choice for the woman who loves grabbing attention for her style and isn’t afraid of flaunting a little extravagance. As the name suggests, this design features two concentric rows of pavé diamonds surrounding the center stone, creating a breathtaking display of sparkle and shine. Women with a flair for the dramatic or those who appreciate old-world Hollywood-inspired glamour are often drawn to this setting. The downside? Even though the center stone may be smaller, the increased number of accent diamonds and added metal naturally result in a higher price tag. However, if you prioritize luxury and are willing to invest in a show-stopping piece of jewelry, consider the double halo setting your best friend. Also, ensure that special care is taken of the halo settings, as the accent diamonds may fall out easily.

Sketch of a Double Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Hidden Halo Setting

Why should you care about a halo setting if it’s hidden? Well, less is more, and if you want to add a bit of intrigue to your engagement ring, the hidden halo is perfect. This setting features the halo at an angle beneath the center stone rather than directly around it. It appeals to women who value subtle sophistication and appreciate the innovative setting. The center stone takes center stage, but that doesn’t mean it has to do all the sparkling on its own. With accent stones playing peekaboo, you’re sure to dazzle with the hidden halo setting. What’s particularly fascinating about a hidden halo setting is that the halo is not visible from the front or top view but can be seen from the side. This makes the ring look stunningly captivating and sparkling when seen from any angle. There is no fixed price range for hidden halos, as it depends on the setting and the stones used, but on average, hidden halo engagement rings tend to be affordable and accessible, making them highly coveted.

Sketch of a Hidden Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Semi-Hidden Halo Setting

Hidden halos on semi-mount settings are becoming increasingly popular, especially since they distinguish between elegance and glamour, style and affordability. Usually, these are prong-set so that the hidden sparkle beneath is enhanced without any clutter. The pavé diamonds almost seem to fall in line with the center stone seamlessly. The diamonds are set at an angle placement of almost 45 degrees to the center stone, which makes them partially visible from the front. Semi-hidden halo settings tend to be streamlined and minimalist, and their price tags are comparable to those of pocket-friendly single-halo settings.

Sketch of a Semi-Hidden Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Floating Halo Setting

As the name suggests, this setting tends to be quite dreamy. Floating halos are ideal for the Gen Z bride who wants to stand out with innovative jewelry choices. This contemporary take on the classic halo design offers a ring that creates a sense of fluidity. Instead of the classic ‘flush’ halo where the center stone is flush against the halo itself, here, there is a unique floating effect that creates a sense of movement. This is caused by the space between the center stone and the halo. Because of its unique and unconventional design, floating halo settings tend to be slightly higher priced. But if you decide to invest in one, it is well worth it.

Sketch of a Floating Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Cluster Halo Setting

Strictly speaking, cluster halos were the forerunner to conventional halos as we know them today. The cluster halo setting is ideal for the nature lover who wants to add a romantic and whimsical aesthetic to her engagement ring. To create a floral motif, it features a tiny center stone with a circular array of similarly sized accent stones. Those who value tradition and gravitate toward conventional designs often prefer this setting. It takes a skilled artisan to create a tightly packed cluster without compromising on design and quality aspects, so rings with this setting generally fall within a mid to high range, making them a worthwhile investment and an heirloom.

Sketch of a Cluster Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Scalloped Halo Setting

The scallop design follows the gentle curves of the seashell after which it has been named. With this halo setting, the young, confident, and individualistic bride chooses a piece that focuses on intricate detailing. A single circle of round pavé diamonds is set in precious metal that has been scalloped to frame the outline of each tiny stone. Although it evokes a sense of nostalgia, the scalloped halo is synonymous with a modern bride who has an eye for detail and excellence. Because of the craftsmanship involved, scalloped halo settings may be slightly higher priced.

Sketch of a Scalloped Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Square Halo Setting

Although one has a tendency to stereotype halos as round or oval settings, the square halo setting is an extremely popular choice among brides who like geometric designs and sleek lines. Contemporary and minimalistic in their design, they can be either square or rectangular, framing princess cut, cushion cut, or emerald cut rings. Square halos don’t vary much and are around the same price as traditional round halo settings, so you can have a completely unique ring, which is also affordable.

Sketch of a Square Halo Setting in an Engagement Ring

Custom Halo Setting

And, of course, our favorite is the custom halo setting, which gives us scope to incorporate the halo into our engagement ring in any way our hearts desire. The possibilities are endless, such as mixing and matching one or more styles of halo settings. Do you want a cushion cut center stone with a floating round halo setting? Or have your heart set on a Kate Middleton-inspired engagement ring that features a colored stone in the center? Go for it! Customization gives you the freedom and confidence to design your own ring, which reflects your style and personality. Of course, pricing varies greatly depending on the ring you choose, but if it’s truly one-of-a-kind, consider indulging a little.