What Is a Halo Setting?
A halo setting surrounds the center diamond or gemstone with a frame of smaller accent diamonds. This ring of micro-set stones serves two purposes: it amplifies the sparkle of the center stone by adding dozens of extra facets, and it makes the center stone appear noticeably larger than its actual carat weight. A 0.75-carat center diamond in a halo can look as large as a 1.00-carat solitaire—which is one of the reasons the halo has become one of the most popular settings in fine jewelry.
At USA Jewels, we carry halo designs across our entire jewelry collection—rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a pair of everyday earrings, or a statement pendant, the halo setting adds brilliance and visual presence to every piece.
Halo Jewelry Styles We Carry
Halo engagement rings are the crown jewel of our halo collection. We offer single-halo and double-halo designs, each available with round, cushion, oval, princess, pear, and emerald-cut center diamonds. A single halo adds a clean frame of accent diamonds. A double halo layers two rows of stones for even more sparkle and a larger visual footprint. Both styles are available in your choice of metal and diamond quality. Browse our full engagement ring collection.
Halo earrings are one of our most popular gift items. Halo stud earrings take a center diamond and surround it with accent stones, creating a disc of continuous sparkle that catches light from every angle. They offer the brilliance of a much larger diamond at a fraction of the carat weight. Halo drop earrings add elegant movement and are stunning for evening occasions. Shop our earring collection.
Halo pendants frame a center diamond or gemstone with a circle of smaller diamonds, maximizing the sparkle at the neckline. Every halo pendant comes with a matching chain in the same metal type. Halo pendants are available with diamonds as well as colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds for a vibrant look.
Halo gemstone rings pair colored gemstones with a diamond halo frame. A blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, a ruby in a diamond halo, or an emerald framed with white diamonds—each combination creates a striking contrast of color and brilliance. Browse our halo gemstone ring collection.
Choosing the Right Halo Piece
Center stone shape: The shape of the center stone determines the overall look of the halo. Round halos are the most classic and versatile. Cushion-cut halos have a soft, pillow-like silhouette that is romantic and elegant. Oval halos elongate the finger beautifully. Princess-cut halos offer clean, geometric lines. Pear-shaped halos are distinctive and fashion-forward. Every shape we carry is available in a halo setting.
Single vs. double halo: A single halo is subtle and refined—it adds sparkle and size without being overly ornate. A double halo makes a bolder statement with two concentric rows of accent diamonds. If you want maximum visual impact, the double halo delivers. If you prefer understated elegance, the single halo is the way to go.
Diamond quality: The accent diamonds in a halo are carefully matched for color and clarity so they blend seamlessly with the center stone. Our diamond education guide explains how the 4Cs apply to both center stones and accent diamonds. For halo settings, prioritizing the cut quality of the center diamond is especially important because the halo amplifies whatever the center stone projects.
Metal choice: White gold and platinum are the most popular metals for halo jewelry because the white metal blends with the accent diamonds, creating a seamless look of continuous sparkle. Yellow gold creates a warm, vintage-inspired contrast. Rose gold adds a romantic blush that pairs beautifully with both diamond and gemstone halos. Every piece is available in 14K or 18K gold and platinum.
Not sure which halo style is right? Contact us and our team will help you find the perfect piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a halo setting make a diamond look bigger?
Yes, significantly. The frame of smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone adds visual diameter, making the center diamond appear roughly 0.25 to 0.50 carats larger than it actually is. A 0.75-carat diamond in a halo setting can rival the visual presence of a 1.00-carat solitaire. This makes halo settings an excellent choice if you want maximum visual impact at a given carat weight.
What is the difference between a single halo and a double halo?
A single halo has one row of accent diamonds surrounding the center stone. It adds sparkle and size while keeping the profile clean and refined. A double halo has two concentric rows of accent diamonds, which creates an even larger visual footprint and more overall brilliance. Single halos are more popular for everyday jewelry and engagement rings where a sleek look is preferred. Double halos make a bolder statement and are often chosen for special-occasion pieces or when maximum sparkle is the goal.
Are halo settings durable for everyday wear?
Yes. Halo settings are designed for daily wear. The accent diamonds are micro-set into the metal with individual prongs or beads, which holds them securely. The halo frame also offers a practical benefit: it acts as a protective border around the center stone, shielding the girdle and edges from direct impact. With normal care and periodic professional inspections, a halo setting will hold up beautifully for a lifetime.
Can I get a halo with a colored gemstone instead of a diamond?
Absolutely. Our halo gemstone ring collection features center stones in sapphire, ruby, emerald, tanzanite, and many other gemstones, each surrounded by a frame of white diamonds. The contrast between the colored center stone and the diamond halo is especially striking. Gemstone halos are also available in our pendant and earring collections. This combination is a popular choice for birthstone jewelry and unique engagement rings.
What metal looks best with a halo setting?
White gold and platinum are the most popular choices because the white metal blends with the accent diamonds, creating a seamless field of sparkle. This maximizes the visual impact of the halo. Yellow gold creates a warm, vintage feel that contrasts beautifully with the white diamonds—many customers love this classic look. Rose gold adds a romantic warmth that is particularly striking with cushion and oval halos. There is no wrong answer—it comes down to personal style and which look resonates with you.