Halo engagement rings have surged in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason — they offer more sparkle, more perceived size, and more visual drama than almost any other ring style. A halo consists of small accent diamonds arranged in a circle around the center stone, creating a border of brilliance that amplifies the ring's overall impact.
Why Halos Make Diamonds Look Bigger
A halo adds visual size to the center stone in two ways. First, the ring of accent diamonds extends the perimeter of the sparkling area, making the entire assembly appear larger. A 1-carat center diamond in a halo setting can appear similar in size to a 1.50-carat solitaire. Second, the accent diamonds create additional light reflection that draws the eye and makes the center stone appear to radiate more brilliance.
This "size boost" effect makes halo rings an excellent choice for buyers who want maximum visual impact. You can choose a smaller (and less expensive) center diamond and still achieve an impressive, eye-catching ring.
Single Halo vs. Double Halo
Single halo: One row of accent diamonds surrounds the center stone. This is the most popular and versatile option, adding sparkle and size without overwhelming the design. It works with virtually any center stone shape.
Double halo: Two concentric rows of accent diamonds create an even more dramatic effect. Double halos add significantly more sparkle and perceived size, but they also make the ring larger and more visually complex. This style works best with round and cushion-cut center stones.
Hidden Halo
The hidden halo (also called a "secret" or "peek-a-boo" halo) places the accent diamonds beneath the center stone rather than surrounding it on top. From directly above, the ring looks like a solitaire, but when viewed from the side or at an angle, a ring of sparkling diamonds is revealed beneath the center stone. This is a beautiful compromise for those who want the elegance of a solitaire from some angles and the sparkle of a halo from others.
Best Diamond Shapes for Halos
Virtually any diamond shape works in a halo setting, but some pairings are particularly stunning:
- Round center with round halo: The classic combination, creating a perfectly symmetrical circle of brilliance
- Cushion center with cushion halo: Creates a soft, romantic pillow of sparkle
- Oval center with oval halo: Elongates the finger and creates an elegant, distinctive look
- Pear center with pear halo: A dramatic teardrop silhouette
- Round center with cushion-shaped halo: Mixing shapes creates a unique, vintage-inspired aesthetic
Explore halo designs in our engagement ring collection or create your own using our Design Your Own Ring tool.