The Definitive Guide to Halo Rings

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THE BASICS--

Halo engagement rings bring together vintage charm and eye-catching sparkle in a style that never goes out of fashion. Designed to enhance the center stone with a ring of smaller diamonds, they offer a brilliant, elegant look that feels both timeless and romantic. First seen in Victorian and Art Deco designs, halo rings have long been chosen for their ability to elevate the center stone and add symbolic beauty to a meaningful piece. Whether you're drawn to antique details or simply love the extra shimmer, a halo ring offers a classic yet personal way to celebrate your love.

NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About the Halo Ring
• History
• Victorian
• Art Deco
• Mid-Century
• Why Choose a Halo Ring?
• Versatility
• The Timeless Elegance of Halo Rings

About the Halo Ring

A halo ring features a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding a central stone, enhancing its brilliance and creating a timeless, glamorous appeal. When paired with vintage details like milgrain accents, filigree designs, or geometric patterns inspired by the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco eras, it brings together sparkle and the elegance of historical craftsmanship. Perfect for those who value beauty, history, and timeless design, vintage halo rings offer a unique way to celebrate love with style and meaning.

History

The halo engagement ring design dates back to the Georgian era (1714–1837), when jewelers began surrounding center stones with smaller diamonds to enhance sparkle and size. The style gained popularity during the Victorian period, often featuring colored gemstones like sapphires or rubies encircled by diamonds. In the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, halo rings became more geometric and symmetrical, reflecting the bold aesthetics of the time. While the halo style has evolved over the centuries, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to create brilliance, frame the center stone, and evoke timeless elegance. Today, halo rings remain one of the most sought-after engagement ring settings.

• Victorian

Victorian halo rings often featured colored gemstones like rubies or sapphires surrounded by small diamonds, reflecting the romantic and sentimental style of the era. These designs were typically crafted in yellow gold with ornate details like filigree or floral motifs.

• Art Deco

Art Deco halo rings from the 1920s and 1930s showcased bold, geometric shapes with clean lines and symmetry, often using platinum settings. They frequently paired diamonds with contrasting stones like onyx or sapphires to create striking, architectural designs.

• Mid-Century

Halo rings from the mid-century and into the 1970s and 1980s embraced bold, dramatic styles with larger center stones and eye-catching diamond halos. These decades often featured yellow gold settings and cluster-inspired halos that reflected the glamour and opulence of the time.

Why Choose a Halo Ring?

A halo ring is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a combination of brilliance, elegance, and timeless appeal. The surrounding circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones amplifies the center stone's sparkle and creates the illusion of a larger, more radiant centerpiece. Halo rings can reflect vintage charm or modern elegance, making them a meaningful symbol of love and a beautiful choice for any engagement.

When comparing halo rings to other settings, it really comes down to the look and feel you want. A halo ring adds a circle of smaller diamonds around the center stone, making it appear larger and adding extra sparkle. A solitaire ring keeps it simple with just one center stone, offering a timeless and elegant style. Three-stone rings use a center stone with two side stones, often chosen to represent a couple’s past, present, and future. A bezel setting wraps the center stone in a thin band of metal for a sleek, modern look that’s more subtle than a halo.