A Halo-style ring is one which showcases the center stone (whichever size diamond you’ve chosen) surrounded by a selection (often called a pavement or pavé) of smaller accent stones. There’s no denying it: Halo rings are in.
But fashion is a fickle beast. Remember, “trend” rhymes with “end”. If you’re always choosing what’s in vogue you can be left feeling confused when the fashion cycles move on. An engagement ring is not an everyday jewelry purchase. This is your forever finger we’re talking about! Rings that signify commitment are pretty serious business.
History of Halo Engagement Ring
The Halo engagement ring has been around since Georgian times (1714-1837). It was common for the earliest styles to imitate a flower, and these first Halo rings often saw Sapphires chosen for the center stone. It was the Art Deco period of the 1920’s that gave the modern Halo-setting its rise to fame. Today, the popularity of the Halo-style is second only to the classic Solitaire setting.
Why We Love Halo Engagement Ring
One of the biggest attractions of halo rings is the illusion that you’re wearing a much bigger rock than you are. The setting of small accent diamonds adds sparkles and light. This setting makes the overall size appear quite impressive, when in reality the total carat size could be much less than a solitaire of greater size.
People are also drawn to the vintage-inspired nature of these rings. They come in an impressive range of interesting shapes and halo options. Like solitaires, halo rings can feature cuts including: Round, Princess, Ovals, Emerald-cut, Pear, Cushion-cut and Marquise diamonds.
On a safety note, many jewelers are of the opinion that the halo setting actually adds security to the center diamond.
Important Points about Halo Engagement Rings
If the Halo setting does in fact make for a more secure center diamond, it needs to be mentioned that the smaller stones are certainly at risk of becoming loose or lost. This means more maintenance and care is often required to keep these rings in their original condition. If you’re someone who wants an easy-to-care-for piece, perhaps the halo isn’t the best option.
Because the setting of the center diamond is often elevated about the rest of the accent stones, this ring can be a nuisance. It is not uncommon for the raised setting to become snagged on clothing and other materials.
Resizing can be a hurdle. It is not impossible to resize your Halo engagement ring, but there are definitely risks associated. Making Halo rings smaller requires adjusting the ring shank, or band. Ensure you go to a reputable jeweler so the structure of the ring is not damaged.
