When looking for the right engagement ring, there is a lot to consider. Do you want wow-worthy bling or a more subtle look? Should the center stone be the star or do you want something with a bit more?
Consider hidden halos, the goldilocks of engagement rings, this setting has incredible sparkle and shine, without being overwhelming. Read on to learn why you should consider a hidden halo engagement ring.
Table of Contents
What Is A Hidden Halo Ring?
Understated yet powerful, hidden halo rings feature a raised center stone that sits on top of a halo of diamonds. This halo is hidden from the top, immediate view and often requires a closer look. But trust us, when people lean in and see it, they are wowed!
Acting as a base for the center stone, hidden halos are pure elegance. It is no wonder this stunning detail has long been a popular choice for brides-to-be.
Halo vs. Hidden Halo
Traditional halo engagement rings feature a ring of sparkling accent stones (typically pavé diamonds) that surround or encircle the larger center stone. Halo settings can either be the same shape as the center stone or completely different.
Hidden halo engagement rings take this halo and place it underneath the center stone, creating delicate dazzle. With hidden halos, the center stone can appear as if it is floating.
Advantages of Hidden Halo Rings
There are a lot of benefits to buying a hidden halo engagement ring, let’s break them down:
- Sophisticated way to increase sparkle
- Setting can work with any center stone
- Can make a center stone appear larger than its actual carat weight
- Settings can more easily utilize multiple metals
How Hidden Halo Rings Enhance Diamond Brilliance
You might be wondering, if the halo is hidden how can it enhance the brilliance of the diamond or center stone? Well, we’ll tell you! Because hidden halos are underneath the center stone, they put the featured diamond or gemstone even further into the spotlight, helping it reflect light and increasing its brilliance.
Additionally, while the halo is hidden from the top view, it is visible from many angles, as well as close up. It also scintillates as you move it and interacts with light, creating additional sparkle and shine.
What Diamonds Are Typically Used In Hidden Halo Settings?
While the hidden halo setting can support any diamond shape, there are a few favorites. Elegant oval, regal emerald, classic round, and timeless pear are not only some of the popular diamond cuts generally, but for hidden halo engagement rings as well.
Types of Popular Hidden Halo Ring Designs
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Title: Types of Hidden Halo Engagement Rings
Classic Round Oval Cushion Cut Emerald Cut Pear Shaped
Hidden halo rings come in a variety of designs. Let’s break them down!
Classic Round Hidden Halo
Round hidden halo rings are a timeless choice. Featuring the classic round cut diamond, these rings will always be in style.
Not only are round cut diamonds universally flattering, they look equally good on petite as well as larger hands, they are a great choice for those with an active lifestyle. Because they don’t have pointed edges, the chances of your center stone catching on things is reduced.
If you are shopping for your partner and unsure what shape to get, round cut diamonds are a safe bet.
Oval Hidden Halo
Oval hidden halo rings feature an oval shaped diamond as the center stone. Featuring a modern, elongated shape, oval diamonds offer an elongating effect, look great on more petite as well as larger hands, and can look bigger than their carat weight thanks to their large table surfaces.
Combine the hidden halo benefits with the perks of an oval diamond, and you’ve got one incredible engagement ring.
Cushion Cut Hidden Halo
Combine trend with romance when you choose a cushion cut hidden halo ring. A rectangular or square shape with soft, rounded corners, cushion cut diamonds are loved for their pillow-like appearance. But the benefits don’t stop here!
Appearing larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight, this shape is known for its ability to hide inclusions, making it a great option if you go with a lower-quality grade diamond.
Simply put, cushion cut hidden halo rings have as many benefits as they do sparkles.
Emerald Cut Hidden Halo
The epitome of understated luxury, emerald cut hidden halo rings are hard to say no to. Emerald diamonds have a number of benefits. From the timelessness of their clean cut lines to their elongating effect on fingers, this shape also has a large table surface, allowing it to appear larger than other cuts at the same carat weight.
Embody the look of royalty when you choose an emerald cut hidden halo engagement ring.
Pear Shaped Hidden Halo
Pear shaped hidden halo rings are simply whimsical. Featuring pear shaped diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, these rings combine the distinctive shape of pear diamonds with the romance of a hidden halo setting.
The perks don’t stop there. Pear shaped diamonds have an elongating effect on fingers, appear larger than counterparts at similar carat weights, and are always trending.
Another benefit? This shape allows you to change up the look by wearing your ring with the diamond’s pointed end facing up or down.
Are Hidden Halo Rings Suitable For All Diamond Shapes?
Yes! Hidden halo settings are incredibly versatile and work with any diamond cut or shape, so pick your favorite!
The most popular options are:
- Round
- Oval
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Pear
Additional options are:
- Princess
- Radiant
- Asscher
- Marquise
- Heart
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
Like any other engagement ring, choosing the right metal is important. After all, this ring is forever! However, unlike other rings, hidden halos allow you to mix metals.
When choosing the right metal, keep in mind skin tone, lifestyle, and budget. Some metals weigh more, others require more maintenance, and others are better if you have sensitive skin. Other things to consider are durability, scratch resistance, and of course, personal preference.
Luckily, hidden halo engagement rings come in a wide variety of metals.
FAQs
Why are hidden halo engagement rings trending?
Hidden halo engagement rings are popular thanks to their unique design, versatility, and budget-friendly way to maximize sparkle.
Can a hidden halo ring be resized?
Yes! Hidden halo rings can normally be resized if this is needed. However, it must be done by a skilled expert as it requires incredible precision.
Do hidden halo rings make the center stone look bigger?
Yes! A great benefit of hidden halo rings is that the hidden halo is raised in the setting, making your center stone appear larger than its actual size.
What diamond shapes work best with hidden halos?
Whatever shape you want! Hidden halo settings can accommodate any diamond or gemstone shape. The most popular options are round, oval, cushion, emerald, and pear.
Are hidden halo rings durable?
Because hidden halo rings feature such intricate diamonds, they can be more challenging to care for. Make sure to remove your hidden halo ring for activities such as sports, cleaning, applying lotions and makeup, and swimming at the beach.
Can hidden halo rings be customized?
Yes! Customize your hidden halo ring so it is uniquely you. Select your metal and choose your diamond or gemstone shape. Add an engraving for a personal touch and go for an uncommon, bold setting to make your hidden halo ring really stand out.
How much extra does a hidden halo ring cost?
Luckily, hidden halo rings cost the same as traditional halo rings. Both rings feature the same halo feature, but the difference is the placement. Hidden halos are underneath the center stone, while traditional halos surround the center stone.
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With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.