Halo Engagement Rings: Halo vs Hidden Halo vs Solitaire

A hidden halo, sometimes called an under-halo, is a row of small diamonds set around the base of the setting, just under the center stone. From above you see a solitaire; the hidden halo shows from the side, as a thin line of sparkle between the stone and the band, and catches the light when the hand turns.

Because it sits underneath, a hidden halo does not change the face-up size of the diamond. It adds sparkle and a finished, detailed look to the profile, which is the part of the ring you see most when you look down at your own hand.

Our Aurielle Oval is a hidden halo design: an oval diamond in six slim claw prongs, with a row of small diamonds tucked beneath it, on a slim, plain band. The claws hold the oval at its ends and sides and keep most of its outline open.

• Round and oval. The classic halo shapes. The halo makes an even, continuous frame, and an oval halo lengthens the look of the finger.
• Cushion. A cushion and a halo are a traditional vintage pairing that softens the square outline.
• Pear and marquise. The halo follows the curve and the points, which protects the tips and makes these elongated shapes look even longer. Look for a prong or a V of metal at each point.
• Emerald, Asscher and radiant. A halo with corners frames the step cuts like a picture. Many people prefer these shapes as solitaires, so their long, clean facets stay the focus.

A halo also changes how the center stone's color reads. The small diamonds sit right against it, so choose a center color grade close to theirs; a big difference can show. The The 4 Cs of Buying Diamonds explains color grades.

• Check the small stones. Halo and pavé diamonds are held by tiny beads of metal. Have the setting checked about every six months, and sooner if you knock it hard or a stone looks dull or uneven.
• Clean it more often. Lotion and soap collect around small diamonds and dull the halo first. Soak the ring in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap and brush gently with a soft toothbrush, under and around the halo.
• Take it off for rough work. The gym, gardening and moving boxes are hard on any ring, and harder on dozens of small settings.
• Resizing. Pavé that runs partway down the band, as on the Elysian, leaves the bottom of the band plain, which is the part a jeweler cuts and resizes. A band set with diamonds all the way around is much harder to resize, so get the size right first.

Read How to Care for Your Engagement Ring and How to Size Your Ring.

1. Decide how much sparkle you want around the center. All of it, for a halo; a little, from the side, for a hidden halo; none, for a solitaire.
2. Think about size on the hand. A halo makes the center look much larger. A hidden halo and a solitaire show the diamond at its true size.
3. Think about your shape. Round, oval, cushion and pear take a halo beautifully; emerald and other step cuts often shine most on their own.
4. Be honest about upkeep. More small diamonds mean more cleaning and more prong checks.
5. Plan the wedding band now. Choose a design and band that fit together.
6. Ask us. Every ring is made to order in our Chicago studio in about 4 to 6 weeks, in 14k or 18k gold or platinum, with a lab-grown or natural center from 1.0 to 4.5 carats and an IGI or GIA report. Want a halo on a different shape or design? Our custom process starts with a video or phone call with Yareli, our founder and designer.