What Is a Halo Solitaire Ring? The Style That Makes the Stone Look Bigger

Short answer: A halo solitaire is a ring in which the centre stone is surrounded by a ring of small diamonds. A halo makes the stone look about one size bigger and much more brilliant, which is why it is the favourite of those who want a big effect with a small centre stone. There are types such as the single halo, the double halo and the hidden halo, and it is used with round, oval, pear, cushion and princess stones.

How does a halo work?

The small diamonds around the centre stone reflect light together. The eye sees the stone and the halo as one, so from a distance the stone looks bigger than it is. A 0.70-carat round stone, for example, can look close to 1 carat with a slim halo around it. The halo also gives the edges of the centre stone some protection against knocks.

Types of halo

Single halo

A single row of small diamonds around the centre stone. The most classic and balanced halo; it enlarges the stone without making it heavy. Halo solitaire design.

Double halo

Two rows of small diamonds. A much more glamorous, bold look; for special occasions and those who love to stand out.

Hidden halo

The small diamonds sit under the stone and are visible from the side. A simple solitaire from above, a surprise of sparkle from the side. Solitaire settings.

Halo by shape

The halo can follow the shape of the centre stone (an oval halo for an oval stone, a teardrop halo for a pear) or take a different shape (such as a cushion-shaped halo around a round stone). A halo that follows the shape looks more graceful; a different-shaped halo looks more vintage.

The pros and cons of a halo solitaire

What to check when choosing a halo

• The quality of the halo stones: the colour of the small stones in the halo should be close to the centre stone; a halo of a very different colour can make the centre stone look yellowish.
• A slim or thick halo: a slim halo looks graceful and modern, a thick halo more glamorous.
• Strong prongs: each small stone is held by its own prongs; a well-set halo stays trouble-free for years. A prong check once a year is recommended.
• Matching with a wedding band: next to a halo solitaire, a curved band or a slim half eternity that fits under the halo sits very well. Wearing a solitaire and a band together.

Which stones does a halo suit?

A halo is used most with round, oval, cushion and pear stones. Oval and pear halos make the finger look long and graceful; a cushion halo gives a romantic, vintage feel. For your own halo ring, you can choose the stone shape in our ring designer and write “halo” in your message; the halo designs made in our workshop are in the gallery.

Frequently asked questions