Halo Rings: Types, Setting Styles, and When to Wear

 

A ring in which the central gemstone is encircled with the small “halo” stones is known as a halo ring. The small rings on each side of the central stone enhance the brilliance and sparkle of the central ring. Halo designs originated from the Georgian and Victorian eras, symbolizing eternity, unity, and enduring love. Halo designs are versatile in nature as the center and the halo stones can be customized according to the unique personality.

What Are the Different Types of Halo Rings?

Here are the six different types of halo rings:

1. Classic Halo: These are the traditional rings that contain one circle of small stones around the main gem. It enhances the sparkle and brilliance of the main gem when viewed from the top.
2. Double Halo: In this type, the center gem is encircled with a double halo for more bold and elegant design. These styles are also available with a triple halo.
3. Hidden Halo: The stones are designed on the lower side of the main diamond, which are not visible from the top. They give a subtle sparkle from the side profile. 
4. Floral Halo: These designs are inspired by the historical vintage designs, like Edwardian or Victorian eras. This style provides a softer, romantic, and intricate look. Stones are used to create different shapes like hearts or florals, adding a natural touch.
5. Geometric Halo: Stones of different shapes, like octagon, hexagon, or cushion shape, are utilized for the halo outline. These shapes remind the Art Deco period, in which the use of geometrical shapes was common for ring designs. 
6. Colored Gem Halo: Stones of different colors, like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds, are used to add visual contrast to a ring.

What Metals Best Complement Halo Rings?

Here are five metals that are best to use for halo rings:

1. Platinum: This is known for its durability and natural white color. Unlike white gold, it keeps its natural shine without rhodium plating, making it easier and cheaper to maintain.
2. White Gold: It offers the same brightness as platinum at an affordable cost. It requires proper maintenance to maintain the shine in the long term. 
3. Yellow Gold: 18k or 14k gold is used with other metals to create a durable and balanced yellow gold. It brings warmth and vintage charm.
4. Rose Gold: It is the most durable metal compared to other metals due to the presence of copper. It also makes them allergic to sensitive skin. 
5. Two-Tone Metals: Different metals are mixed to create a single design. For example, white gold is mixed with platinum, in which the band center is made from one unique metal to enhance its sparkle at that point. 

What Gemstones Work Best for Halo Rings?

Here are the five gemstones that work best for halo rings:

1. Diamonds: This is a durable and classic choice. It is used in the center to create a sparkle, and colored gemstones are used to create a halo. This style creates visual contrast. 
2. Sapphires: Gemstones with a blue color, symbolizing trust and loyalty. They are known for royalty and score 9 on the Mohs scale. Sapphires are also available in fancy colors like yellow, pink, and green. 
3. Morganite: It scores 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale and is soft pink in color. Morganite is paired with a rose gold band for a modern look. 
4. Emeralds: The rich green color of emeralds made them perfect for pairing with white diamonds. They symbolize harmony, growth, and beginning. 
5. Moissanite: An affordable, ethical, and radiant alternative to diamonds. These stones offer enhanced brilliance and sparkle, rivaling diamonds, and are highly durable and resistant to scratches.

What Are the Popular Halo Ring Setting Styles?

Here are the five popular halo ring setting styles:

1. Prong Halo Setting: Stones are held in place with metal claws, maximizing the brilliance. It is less secure than the other settings, as their edges are exposed, making them more prone to damage. 
2. Bezel Halo Setting: A continuous rim of metal encloses the halo setting, creating a smooth and clean finish. It provides more protection to the stones compared to a prong halo setting. 
3. Pavé Halo Setting: It is derived from the French word paved, in which the stones are held together with tiny metal beads. This setting minimizes the visible metal and creates a highly brilliant effect. 
4. Split Shank Halo: The ring’s band splits into two bands when it reaches near the halo setting. The small gap in the band adds style and balances the bold look of a double or standard halo setting.
5. Cathedral Halo: Arches are used to place the stone at a dramatic height, adding architectural elegance.

How to Choose the Perfect Halo Ring for Your Style?

Here are the five tips to choose a perfect halo ring:

1. Romantic: Choose cushion-cit or floral design for detailed, soft, and sentimental designs. Oval-shaped stones are set with rose gold to create a vintage design. 
2. Modern: Hidden halos with geometric-shaped stones offer a modern and sleek look.
3. Classic: Round or oval shapes, larger stones are paired with a single halo design for a classic look. 
4. Glamorous: choose double halos or colored stones to create a glamorous style for a night event.
5. Minimalist: These designs prefer understated elegance rather than a sparkling effect. The use of a hidden halo is the best practice here. 

When to Gift or Wear a Halo Ring?

Here are the four occasions to wear and gift a halo ring:

1. Engagements: The rings with a solo gemstone are commonly exchanged on engagements. The halo rings are also designed in such a way that they symbolize eternal love, commitment, and a new beginning. 
2. Anniversaries: The continuous line of halo rings around the larger ring represents the everlasting love and the journey that the couple has shared. 
3. Special Occasions: The glamour of the halo rings makes them a perfect choice to celebrate achievements like graduation or at red-carpet events.
4. Heirloom Jewelry: The timeless design and history in Edwardian and Victorian eras make these rings a good choice for heirloom jewelry. 

How to Care for and Maintain a Halo Ring?

Gently clean the ring with warm water and a small amount of mild soap weekly to prevent buildup. Use a soft-bristle brush to wash out the trapped dirt particles and oils from the halo design. Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals that can fade the shine of the ring stones. Keep it in a soft, padded jewelry box to prevent scratches and keep the stones secure. Schedule professional cleaning and inspection twice a year to maintain its glamour and protect its halo design in its place.