Hidden Halo Engagement Rings: A Modern Guide
Hidden halo engagement rings feature an alternative approach to adding extra sparkle that goes on top of the centre stone. This is achieved by having smaller diamonds mounted towards the bottom of the metal band rather than in a traditional circular shape around the head of the ring.
It creates an interesting effect – from above, the ring head has a pared-down aesthetic, but when tilting it back and forth, you could see extra glimmering diamonds framing the main stone.
I find these unique rings perfect for those wanting something a bit different to a classic solitaire or halo-style ring.
They are suitable for round, oval, pear, cushion, emerald or other types of diamond shapes, giving couples even more options to personalise their hidden halo ring. You can also have a say in the choice of metals, whether you want natural diamonds or lab made, alongside the choice of the band width and style. Learning more about the benefits and hidden drawbacks of a halo could also help you pick the style that would suit best the one you picture as your forever ring.
Looking at How Hidden Halo Engagement Rings are Different
The difference between a classic halo and a hidden halo is the position of smaller side stones in relation to the head of the ring. While traditional halo settings are exactly that – have a circular pattern of smaller diamonds around the head, a hidden halo is placed at the bottom of it.
A Hidden Halo Engagement Ring Has Several Interesting Benefits Over Other Ring Styles:
1. Extra sparkle when viewed from the side profile
2. More intricacy without making small diamond side stones the focal point
3. Larger overall ring head measurement
4. Added detail on the bottom of a ring making its side profile more interesting
A hidden halo means that while the extra diamonds are present, they do not compete with the main stone.
Picking the Centre Diamond for Your Hidden Halo Ring
What the centre stone lacks in variety of shapes, it is compensated by the variety in cut – round brilliant, oval, pear, radiant/cushion, and emerald. The latter is a classic choice, which is elegant, versatile and can suit most skintones, but an oval cut makes the illusion of a longer slender finger when worn. Similar to a pear shape, which apart from also lengthening the fingers can have a symmetrical tear drop.
When opting for lab made diamonds, you can always consider a bigger carat weight or a higher quality of cut within your chosen budget. A diamond’s cut is actually what defines its brilliance, so even if buying a natural stone, make sure it has a good quality of cut. The overall quality of the precious metal will also define how bright the whole ring is going to be depending on the type.
Picking a Metal Suitable for Hidden Halo Engagement Rings
The choice of gold, platinum or other metals will define how the ring is going to appear as well as require a certain maintenance.
While platinum and white gold will give it a more modern sophisticated look, yellow gold will add a warm contrast against natural uncoloured diamonds. Rose gold is also a good option if considering your hidden halo ring, as the reddish hint will offset the side profiel diamond arrangement, making them seem more noticeable. Some rings also use a combination of metals, often having a yellow gold band with white gold diamond holders, or vice versa.
Practical Advice on Picking the Ideal Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
The extra detail might require additional maintenance, which should also be considered when thinking about the practicality of such a ring style.
There is a question as to whether or not a hidden halo would make its head taller. If so, this could prove more practical as a higher-set head helps to better display diamonds. On the flip side, the extra height of the ring head may not be suitable for someone with a manual job. There may be concerns around the security of diamonds, especially if the hidden halo uses smaller individually set side diamonds. Finally, ensure how comfortable the ring is going to be on your everyday wear and if a plain wedding band, would suit the overall ring head shape.
FAQ About Hidden Halo Wedding Rings: What Questions to Ask?
Does a hidden halo make a diamond appear to be bigger?
A ring with a hidden halo can make the whole head of the ring seem larger, but only a small increment to the actual measurement of the head. That said, it creates the effect that the centre stone becomes the focal point as the halo is more hidden on a ring bottom side.
Can it be paired with any other shape and cut of the diamond?
There are multiple diamond shapes that a hidden halo would suit, but the most popular styles are round, oval, pear, cushion, radiant as well as emerald, marquise, princess and others.
Is it harder to clean the band?
In some ways, it can be seen as a bit more maintenance to get into all crevices than a standard ring head. So long though as it is worn as advised by a jeweler, regular cleaning and maintenance are likely needed any regular interval or when there is noticeable grime building up on the detail of the setting.
Can a ring with a hidden halo be worn on a wedding band?
Technically, it can, but will depend on the height of the ring head and if it’s a basket-style head. It will also determine if a plain wedding can be worn in a way it would sit flush with the engagement ring head on both sides.
