The Halo design is one of the most popular engagement ring settings. As it sounds, the halo engagement ring is shaped like a halo of diamonds surrounding the main, central diamond or gemstone. The presence of the diamond halo causes the center gemstone to appear larger and more sparkling. The Halo ring is relatively new, first appearing during the “Art Deco” period, circa the 1920′s and 1930′s.

Traditionally, the Halo was round shaped, but today the most popular shape is the cushion style, known by its distinctive “cushiony” rounded corners. Below, are two examples using a cushion cut diamond as the center stone.

Cushion style halo engagement rings are not limited to using a cushion cut diamond as the center stone. Below are two examples using (left) a round cut diamond and (right) a princess cut diamond.

Coming in a close second to the cushion style is the traditional round halo design. Two designs are shown below…

While somewhat less popular are the square halos featuring a princess cut diamond as the center stone…

To accent the halo and add uniqueness to your ring, designs with twisted bands, split shanks and infinity bands are becoming increasingly popular. Below are two examples…

At the high end of the price range are beautiful settings by renowned designers such as Verragio, Vatche or Ritani. These rings, paired with a top-quality one carat diamond from a high-end boutique jeweler such as Whiteflash will run upwards of $12,000 to $14,000…

There are a few more choices to make when selecting a halo engagement ring. One of which is whether the girdle of the diamond sits flush with the halo (below left) or is raised above it (below right). When the center diamond is flush with the Halo the two “blend” together making the center diamond appear larger and more sparkly. When the center diamond is raised above the halo it becomes the center of attention with the halo acting as an accent.

The other choice to make is whether there is a gap between the Halo and the center diamond. Known as an “airline” gap, settings with no gap (below left) make the center diamond appeared larger, while designs with a gap (below right) will emphasize the center diamond with the halo once again acting as an accent.

Another popular setting option is to include diamonds along the shank of the band. These “pave” diamonds add extra sparkle and brilliance to the ring (above left).

Blue sapphire center stones are also in style. Made popular by the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, they offer a unique and affordable alternative to the more common center diamond…

Halo Engagement Ring Gallery

The classic halo setting, with its vintage feel, is one of the most beautiful and sparkly engagement ring styles. Below are a few more setting styles to choose from…

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Related Posts

• Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings – One of the more fashionable engagement ring styles for 2012 is the sapphire and diamond halo made popular by the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton…
• Vintage Style Engagement Rings – Influenced by the ornate detailing of the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, Vintage rings bring back the romantic stylings of bygone eras…

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