The most frequently asked questions about halo design rings

What is a halo?

The classic definition of a halo is:

ˈhālō

noun

1.a disk or circle of light shown surrounding or above the head of a saint or holy person to represent their holiness.

2. a circle of white or colored light around the sun, moon, or other luminous body caused by refraction through ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Synonyms: ring of light, nimbus, aureole, glory, crown of light, corona

verb

1. surround with or as if with a halo.

     This is what the name for a halo ring design comes from: a ring of diamonds (regardless of shape) surrounding the center stone of a ring. A halo does not have to be round or square, it can be whatever the shape of the center stone is: round, square, rectangular, heart-shaped, oval, etc. Halos can also be duplicated; double halo designs being very popular. So, here we want to take the time to answer the most frequently asked questions about halo-style engagement rings.

What is the difference between a cluster and a halo?

     A halo and a cluster differ drastically in intend and design, although most people may not understand the different. The intent of a cluster design is to mimic the look of a larger stone by clustering together multiple stones or to just give a large fashion ring look without a center stone.

            Fashion Cluster            

   Cluster Engagement Ring     

Quad Cluster Engagement Ring

     Clusters come in different shapes, sizes and  styles. One type of cluster setting is called invisible setting/quad setting which consists of multiple different princess cut diamonds seamlessly set together. There are even some rings that group together triangular shapes or pear shapes that mimic the look of cushion shapes, oval shapes or flower-like shapes. As a company, we do not traditionally stock cluster engagement rings. How does a halo differ from a cluster? A halo isn’t designed with the sole purpose of creating the illusion of a larger center stone (although this can be an added benefit to a halo design). A halo is a design element of an engagement ring that is intended to accent or highlight the center stone, like diamonds going down the side of a ring.

Will a halo detract from my center stone?

     The shortest answer we can give for this is: it depends. As stated before, halos aren’t designed to make your center diamond look larger. However, if a halo is designed with diamonds that are too large, it can cause your center stone to look smaller or detract from the look of your center stone. Look at the image below and decide which center stone looks larger?

     When showed this diagram, most people say that they believe that the image on the right’s center stone appears larger despite the fact they are the same size. While, the stylistic choice is up to the wearer whether they want to have a thick or thin halo, you are more likely to pull focus from the center stone as opposed to highlighting it. As  a professional jewelry designers, we view the halo as a frame for your center stone. Like when you frame a picture, you obviously take the time to select the perfect frame for a picture that is going to highlight the picture. You want a frame that is going to enhance a picture without overpowering it. That frame has the power to completely change the image you are seeing, and it depends on what frame you choose whether it will accentuate or detract from the ring of your dreams.

Will halo designs ever go out of style?

     The biggest fear professionals address regularly is that the fear that designs guests like is just a “fad” for engagement rings and the ring is going to be out of style in a few years. The time this question comes up most frequently is with halo rings. There are several things that can be said about this topic, but first, and foremost, it doesn’t matter if it is a fad. Everyone has a style that they like, and whether it is popular with tons of people, or very few people, if you like it, that is all that matters! However, that does not usually help quell the fears of many. So, let us give you a brief history of the halo style ring:

• While it is true that halo engagement rings have made a huge leap in popularity in the last few decades, halo rings have been around since the early Georgian Era of the late 1700’s.
• The halo began to steadily climb in popularity until the Victorian Era leading into the 1900’s where halo rings were used to imitate the look of flowers.
• The modern halo style (as we know it now) came into existence during the Art Deco Era of the 1920’s and can still be found in many antique and vintage jewelry designs of the time.
• The style fell out of vogue during the 70’s and 80’s and were only found in some design styles of the time.
• The halo’s currently rise in popularity began in the mid 1990’s.
• The halo’s popularity is still going strong today with halo designs being one of the most popular designs currently in the jewelry industry.

     Unfortunately, you are unlikely to ever get the answer that you want, because, like all fashions, different trends and styles change. What is most important is that you are happy with your ring.

Is a halo a more secure setting for your center stone?

     The biggest determining factor of the security of any center stone is how well you take care of your ring. While different types of settings can provide a more secure setting for your center stone, if you take care of your ring, you should be fine regardless. Every ring should be regularly inspected by a professional jeweler to ensure the security of the all stones in your ring (especially your center stone). The stones of a halo can be set in a myriad of ways, just like the stones on the side of a ring. The most popular setting styles are bead setting, prong/micro-prong and pavé setting:

• Bead setting gets its name because the stones are set into the metal with small beads of metal for prongs. This style also includes a small lip of metal on the outside of the stones.
• Prong/Micro-prong setting is name describing melee stones (diamonds of .2ct or smaller) set with small prongs. The prongs can be full prongs, shared prongs or split prongs (a prong that is split down the middle to hold two stones).
• Pavé is another popular style used in jewelry today. Pavé refers to melee  diamonds set with small shared  micro prongs that hold two or more stones in place.

                        Bead Setting                       

                    Pavé/Shared-Prong               

Prong/Micro-Prong(With Fish Tail Scallop)

     Each type of setting has advantages and drawbacks. Bead settings have the advantage of low-set diamonds with a small edge of gold on the outer edge of the diamonds providing a slightly higher level of protection. This ring is also ideal for vintage styling with added milgrain detail. The prongs however are smaller and can therefore be more likely to break if hit in the right way. Micro-prong setting is going to often be the most secure style of setting. However, depending on the design, the prongs are often highly visible. Pavé is going to be the least secure of the settings, however, it shows the least amount of metal and shows off diamonds the most.

     As for the security of a center stone being enhanced by the halo surrounding the center stone, a halo can be an added barrier between outside and your center stone. The most important aspect that is going to protect your center stone is ensure that your ring is well-made. A halo can accommodate secure settings in a variety of different ways, whether you prefer tradition or claw prongs, or a bezel.

    Prong     

Claw-Prong

     Bezel     

Will a halo work with any center stone?

     A halo will indeed work with any center stone. However, there are a few things you will want to be conscious of. Different shapes of halos with different shapes of stones. Halos can be designed in any shape you can imagine. There are art deco style halos, flower-shaped halos, or traditional shapes like round, square or oval. Traditionally you can determine by sight what shapes work well in a halo. Square shaped halos are great for princess-cut, cushion shaped, Ascher cut or even round diamonds. However, you wouldn’t likely put an oval shaped diamond or a heart shaped diamond in a square halo. However, this usually comes down to personal preference. If a ring can accommodate a stone, you can put whatever stone you want in a halo. As a professional, rings with square halos and heart-shaped center stones, or oval halos with marquise center stones have been designed.

     It is also good to be conscientious of the size of your center stone in relation to the size of your halo. Too much space between a center stone and the halo can be viewed as distracting. The reverse of that is a halo that is too small for a center stone can make the ring look like it was designed for a stone of a different size.

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Will a halo look good on me or my partner?

     This is a fair question; however, it is a question that is impossible to answer. Like choosing clothing, cars or shoes, it is best to try them on and see if you like the way they look. So, get out there and try on rings, see what style appeals most to you and what you think looks best on your finger.

Why should we come to you to design my ring?

     We involve you in every step of the process. We will first sit down with you and go over any concerns you have and any specific design elements you want the ring to have. Once we have established exactly what you want the ring to look like, we will proceed with the design process. Once you see this design, if you want to make any changes, or if you have any questions or concerns we will be happy to address them for you. Our role is to help you create the perfect ring and that means we will listen to you and make sure that your ring is truly one of a kind. 

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.

    

                                                                                                   

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

Email:  Koorosh@WeddingBandscompany.com

Phone: 312-920-0726

Business Text Message Line:312-785-8333