Halo vs. Hidden Halo Engagement Rings: What’s The Difference?

When choosing an engagement ring, the variety of settings available can feel overwhelming. One of the most popular choices is the “halo” engagement ring, known for its ability to make a center diamond appear larger. However, a modern twist on this classic design has been gaining popularity—the “hidden halo” engagement ring. Both settings offer unique advantages, but what’s the difference between them? Let’s take a closer look at the key distinctions between halo and hidden halo rings to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Halo Engagement Ring?

A halo engagement ring is a timeless design. It features a center diamond encircled by a “halo” of smaller diamonds. These smaller stones frame the center stone, adding extra sparkle and enhancing its overall size and brilliance. Halo rings have been popular for many years. And it has known for their ability to make a diamond appear more substantial and glamorous. The surrounding smaller diamonds reflect light toward the center, creating a radiant and eye-catching effect.

Halo rings come in various designs.  And they can accommodate all shapes of center stones. Whether round, oval, princess, pear, or cushion cuts. They are versatile, elegant, and suit almost any aesthetic preference. They are making them a go-to choice for people looking for a statement engagement ring.

Pros of Halo Engagement Rings:

1. Maximized Sparkle: The halo of smaller diamonds enhances the overall brilliance, creating a dazzling visual impact.
2. Larger Appearance: The halo makes the center diamond appear larger without the cost associated with purchasing a larger stone.
3. Customizable: Halo settings work well with various diamond shapes and metal types, offering many opportunities for personalization.
4. Timeless Appeal: Halo rings never go out of style and are suitable for people who prefer a more classic and elegant look.

Cons of Halo Engagement Rings:

1. Frequent Cleaning: The intricate design, featuring many small stones, requires regular maintenance and cleaning to maintain its sparkle.
2. Bold Design: While stunning, some may find the traditional halo setting too bold or attention-grabbing for their personal taste.

Hidden Halo Engagement Ring: A Modern Twist

The hidden halo engagement ring adds a subtle yet glamorous twist to the classic halo design. In this setting, smaller diamonds are placed beneath the center diamond, not around it. The halo is “hidden” from the top-down view, with the extra sparkle visible from the side. This creates elegance and intrigue while keeping the center stone the focus.

Many modern brides choose hidden halo settings for their balance of sparkle and subtlety. The hidden halo enhances the center stone’s brilliance without overwhelming it. This design works well with larger diamonds, adding depth and balancing proportions.

Pros of Hidden Halo Engagement Rings:

1. Discreet Brilliance: The hidden halo adds sparkle while maintaining a more subtle and understated design.
2. Unique Visual Appeal: The halo beneath the center stone adds depth and visual interest when viewed from the side.
3. Timeless Yet Modern: Hidden halos blend the classic elegance of traditional halos with a contemporary, minimalist twist.
4. Works with Various Styles: While more discreet, the hidden halo setting complements multiple diamond shapes and ring styles, giving it versatility.

 g of Hidden Halo Engagement Rings:

1. Less Top-Down Sparkle: Since the halo is hidden, the center stone won’t appear as large or dazzling from the top view as with a traditional halo.
2. Compatibility: Hidden halo settings are most effective with round and cushion cuts and may not work as well with other diamond shapes.

The Origins of the Halo Setting

The halo setting dates back to the Georgian and Victorian eras when jewelers began using smaller diamonds to frame larger stones. These rings gained major popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s. They have been known for their geometric shapes and lavish designs. The halo setting embodied the extravagant, glamorous spirit of that time. It has remained a staple in fine jewelry ever since.

Today, halo rings are still a favorite for brides due to their versatility and ability to enhance the center stone’s brilliance. Celebrities like Kate Middleton and Jennifer Lopez have boosted the halo ring’s popularity, solidifying its status as both timeless and trendy.

A Closer Look at Hidden Halo Rings

The hidden halo, while relatively new compared to the traditional halo, has become a favorite for modern brides seeking something unique. It’s a design that allows the wearer to enjoy the brilliance of the halo while keeping the overall look more refined and subtle. Hidden halos are perfect for those who appreciate intricate details and want a ring that offers something unexpected.

With hidden halo settings, the focus remains on the center stone. From a top-down view, the diamond appears to float on its own, while the hidden halo adds sparkle and dimension when viewed from the side. This setting gives the illusion of a minimalist design but with an added touch of sparkle that makes it special.

Key Differences Between Halo and Hidden Halo Engagement Rings

Although both halo and hidden halo rings offer added brilliance and visual appeal, there are several key differences to consider:

1. Visibility: In a traditional halo ring, the smaller diamonds are highly visible from the top view, surrounding the center stone. In contrast, a hidden halo is placed underneath the center stone and is only visible from the side profile.
2. Perception of Size: Halo settings are known for making the center stone appear much larger than it is, thanks to the surrounding diamonds. On the other hand, hidden halos don’t significantly change the size perception of the center stone from a top-down perspective, but they do add depth and dimension from other angles.
3. Overall Style: Halo rings are bold and glamorous, drawing attention to the center stone with their eye-catching sparkle. Hidden halos are more subtle and refined, appealing to those who prefer understated elegance with a unique twist.
4. Diamond Shapes: While halo settings can accommodate virtually any diamond shape, hidden halos work best with round, cushion, and oval-shaped diamonds. Hidden halos are less commonly used with more elongated shapes like marquise or pear.
5. Customization: Both halo and hidden halo settings offer plenty of customization options, but hidden halos provide an opportunity to mix and match different styles. For instance, you could pair a hidden halo with a more elaborate band or add decorative side stones to create a unique look.