The History of Halo Engagement Rings
Angelic by nature and name,
halo rings feature a central round stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller diamonds or gemstones. In addition to looking beautiful, this setting offers numerous benefits that many brides to be desire.
One major advantage being you can make a smaller center stone appear much larger by utilizing a halo setting, so they’re a little friendlier on the wallet.
Ritani 1RZ1323 French-Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Besides its good looks, the halo engagement ring draws inspiration from architecture and art movements and is absolutely steeped in rich lore. Would you like to know more about the history of the halo engagement ring and what makes it so timeless?
What is a Halo Ring?
Valoria Amphora Diamond Engagement Ring
Rings with
halo settings surround a central diamond with a collection of pavé or micro-pavé diamonds or even colored gemstones. All eyes will be drawn to your exquisite piece due to the stones, which reflect light around them.
While halo settings have a vintage charm, they are the perfect example of contemporary design combined with classic favorites. Their design is much greater and bolder than a traditional solitaire engagement ring and perfect for those with a desire for traditional details.
Halo diamond engagement rings are appealing due to the way they can accentuate the size of the diamond. If your center diamond is large, a halo setting will make it appear even more impressive.
It's especially beneficial for diamonds under a
carat, as the halo can make the diamond appear bigger and fill out the ring finger considerably. In addition, it can create a dramatic side profile view of the pavilion that highlights its sharp angles that are not usually observed.
Regardless of the budget you have for your engagement ring, a diamond halo ring gives you the most sparkle for your spend. The halo setting will always make it look enlarged and enhanced.
History of the Halo Ring
The popularity of halo rings is not a
recent trend, but it is one that goes through troughs and peaks in interest. In fact, the history of the Halo Diamond engagement ring is quite extensive, with preliminary designs
dating back as far as Georgian times (1714-1837).
The concept of encircling a center stone with diamonds in order to create a halo of brilliance was discovered during this period, and the Georgians were fond of the extravagance of the design and how it enhanced a ring's appearance while highlighting the center stone.
During this time, rings often had smaller diamonds or pearls surrounding the central diamond to emphasize the beauty. With growing prosperity came the opportunity to display wealth and your status in society through such a dazzling ring.
This continued even during the Victorian era, between 1837 and 1901, when colored gems were used as center stones. Designs became softer and more romantic with halo engagement rings resembling blooming flowers, with diamonds representing petals.
Simon G. LR1133 Classic Romance Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that the halo ring as we know it today was popularized. And what an impression it made.
Art Deco Halo Rings
During the Art Deco era, color contrast was king, and the combination of a colored stone surrounded by diamonds proved irresistible. As designers played around with the concept, they explored more graphic gemstone cuts, surrounded by angular halos.
In the end, the Art Deco aesthetic was characterized by strong geometric patterns and symmetry. Their jewelry designs frequently incorporated a center stone surrounded by concentric circles as a reflection of this.
The ring featured a splendid
rounded or
cushion-cut diamond in the center, enveloped by intricately framed round diamonds - creating a truly dazzling engagement ring to be envied and adored.
Halo Rings in Royalty
A tray of rings, including heirlooms of the Queen, were presented to Princess Diana when she was contemplating her engagement ring. An impressive
sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds caught her eye, a new design created by the House of Garrard, the British Crown Jeweler at the time.
The jeweler drew inspiration from Prince Albert's wedding present to Queen Victoria in 1840. On her wedding day, the late prince gifted the Queen a brooch with a similar diamond and sapphire design, which she wore as her "something blue."
As part of fashion's enduring interest in all things Diana and the design's absolute classicism, Diana's halo engagement ring is now recognized as one of the most iconic halo engagement rings in history. Many brides-to-be try to put their own spin on this breathtaking design, worn by now by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Her choice of the halo design ring has been attributed to its resemblance to her mother's engagement ring, so it gives us an indication of just how timeless the halo design already was and continues to be.
Our Favorite Halo Ring Designs
Designs and styles change frequently, but one thing that is always in style is a classic design that showcases diamonds so delightfully. As history has proven so well, halo jewelry is a majestic, elegant, and timeless style that will never completely fade away.
Halo Engagement Rings
Item Code: 31883-100
18k White Gold Tacori 2620RDP Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring (0.25ctw, For 1ct Center Diamond)
18k White Gold Tacori 2620RDP Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring (0.25ctw, For 1ct Center Diamond)
Price:
$3,490.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 32692
14k White Gold Ritani 1RZ1321 French-Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
14k White Gold Ritani 1RZ1321 French-Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Price:
$1,859.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 11312
14k White Gold Verragio Renaissance 939R7 Solitaire Engagement Ring
14k White Gold Verragio Renaissance 939R7 Solitaire Engagement Ring
Price:
$2,050.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 33112
14k White Gold Ritani 1RZ1323 French-Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
14k White Gold Ritani 1RZ1323 French-Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Price:
$1,673.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Modern halo engagement rings come in a wide variety of flattering styles to suit every taste and style.
A designer engagement ring can offer you anything from the artistic elegance of the
Verragio Rings to a simple solitaire with a striking halo center.
It does not matter what size or shapes the center diamond is, the result is always stunning. From all angles, the fire and sparkle of diamonds can be enhanced, and when nestled in a halo diamond rings appear larger. The halo setting also has a spectacular way of highlighting the pavilion's angles in a dramatic manner from its side profile. Beauty from every perspective.
For the more adventurous ring buyer, halo settings can be adapted in many ways to suit various styles. Accenting with rose gold, opting for a colored stone in the center, and experimenting with cut shapes are just a few of the ways you can customize your own angelic halo ring.
Halo engagement rings are characterized by a center diamond that is the focal point, so it is important to select the most beautiful diamond you can for your budget. The
A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows diamonds from Whiteflash are widely regarded as some of the finest cut diamonds, accentuating the very sparkle we’ve come to know and associate diamonds for.
Choosing a halo design for your engagement ring is a truly heavenly decision. Add your own chapter to the halo engagement ring saga with our selection of designer halo settings;
Verragio,
Tacori,
Ritani,
Simon G as well as our own
Whiteflash collection are beckoning from above.