Halo setting

A halo is a prong or bezel set centre gemstone surrounded by a ring of smaller accent stones. Pavé, small stones set close together, is commonly used in halo designs. The ring of small diamonds emphasizes the shape of the centre stone and gives the ring a bold focal point.

The idea is old. Halo settings have roots going back at least to the Georgian era, although the word “halo” came into wide use much later. Vintage-inspired versions may add milgrain, a row of tiny beads along an edge.

A halo adds extra sparkle and creates a frame that can make the centre stone appear larger. That is an impression, not extra weight. The centre diamond stays the same size, and a grading report describes that stone alone. The accent stones add to the ring's total carat weight, so ask for the centre stone's weight and the total as two separate numbers when you compare rings.

That gives you a real choice. A halo lets a centre stone read bigger than its weight suggests, while a solitaire puts everything into the one stone. Neither is wrong. See each on a hand before you decide.

Both styles can be beautiful, and the right one depends on what you want to see and how much upkeep you are comfortable with. The differences below are a starting point for questions rather than a verdict on any one ring. A halo is a bigger commitment in small stones; a solitaire is a bigger commitment in one stone. Use the table to decide what to ask about when you compare two rings side by side.

More than a plain solitaire. Halo and pavé designs have many small details that can collect dirt, and pavé and prong settings usually benefit from periodic inspection to make sure stones remain secure. You can clean one at home with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, and periodic professional cleaning is also recommended.

Practically, that means checking the small stones for looseness now and then, and taking the ring in if one is missing or the halo looks uneven. Ask whoever sets the ring how the accent stones are held and what a repair would involve.

A halo adds a ring of stones around the centre stone, which can change how close a straight band sits to it. That depends on the ring, so test it. Bring the band you are considering, or ask to see a wedding band next to the engagement ring, before the ring is made. Ask whether the halo can sit lower, whether a contoured or notched band suits it, and whether you would rather keep the two rings apart.

A hidden halo is a variation that sits below the centre stone instead of around it. If you want to see the options in person, visit a showroom, or begin from the design studio. A custom engagement ring can be shaped around the band you plan to wear with it.