Halo engagement rings feature a surround of smaller stones around a centre diamond, creating a more eye-catching display without relying on the sole presence of the centre stone. They can add to the perceived brightness and detail of an engagement ring, but the quality of the final ring extends beyond the number of diamonds surrounding the centre.
For New Zealand buyers, the questions that matter are the practical ones. How secure is the setting? Does the centre diamond work with the halo? What about the height? How will the ring fit against a wedding band? How much maintenance will the small accent stones need?
Understanding these details can help buyers to compare based on more than the aesthetics of the ring.
How a Halo Setting Influences the Appearance of a Diamond
A halo setting creates contrast with the centre stone and the small diamonds that sit close to the main diamond reflect additional light, creating the effect that the top view of the ring appears larger.
This does not mean that the centre diamond itself grows larger, though. Carat weight refers to the weight of the diamond, and visible size relates to measurements, the shape of the diamond, the proportions of the cut and the manner of mounting.
A well-fitted halo creates a supportive environment for the centre diamond rather than overpowering the main attraction. If the surrounding stones are too large, the appearance of the centre can be diminished, while the use of a very small accent can create a more delicate outlining, and larger stones can create a more prominent effect.
The distance between the main stone and the halo also has an impact on the appearance of the ring. A close fit can create a more unified look, and a visible gap can make the separate details easier to differentiate between.
Prioritise the Centre Diamond to Compare Different Designs
The centre stone is largely responsible for many of the choices that will affect the rest of a ring design.
Round brilliant diamonds are a popular choice for halo settings as well as circular or scalloped surrounds, but oval, cushion, pear, emerald and radiant-cut diamonds can also work. Each requires a setting that fits to their dimensions.
Two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear to be significantly different once set, as an elongated oval can extend across the fingers in ways that a round diamond would not. For this reason, it is good to compare:
- diamond measurements in millimetres
- length to width ratios of long shapes
- information about the cut, or proportions
- the colour and clarity
- how the stone fits the intended setting
The 4Cs remain applicable in assessing a lab-grown centre diamond, though, with cut relating to the proportions and craftsmanship of the stone, colour describing the presence or absence of hue under the relevant grading system, clarity referring to inclusions and blemishes, and carat as a matter of weight rather than size.
Assessing Cut, Colour and Clarity for a Faceted Diamond
For many faceted centre diamonds, the cut quality is a point of serious consideration as it can affect the brightness and contrast of the ring.
A higher clarity grade does not necessarily create a more attractive ring, either, as a diamond with a very high clarity grade would not show much difference as compared to a diamond of a lesser grade that cannot be seen without magnification.
Colour can also have an impact with the use of a white metal, as subtle colour differences can be more evident in some diamonds, and yellow or rose gold also have an effect on the appearance of the stone.
Rather than seeking the highest possible levels for each category, it is better to compare the appearance of a specific diamond and how its features work for a specific halo design.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Perfect for Halo Designs
Lab-grown diamonds possess the basic structural similarities of carbon that are associated with diamond, but their origin differs from that of natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are formed within the earth, and laboratory-grown diamonds are created in a scientific environment.
Two methods can be used for producing laboratory-grown diamonds: HPHT, or High Pressure High Temperature, creates the environment needed to grow diamonds from high pressure and heat, and CVD, or Chemical Vapour Deposition, creates a diamond from carbon gas inside a chamber.
Neither method influences the potential quality of a finished diamond, and buyers should assess the characteristics of the individual stone.
Lab-grown diamonds should not be confused with simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
For those considering halo engagement rings, retailers such as novitadiamonds.co.nz offer the necessary New Zealand context to research the combination of lab-grown centre stones, accent diamonds and the different setting styles that can be chosen.
The Grading Report Should Reflect the Features of the Centre Stone
An independent grading report for the centre stone can help buyers to understand what to expect.
Depending on the laboratory and report format, a grading report can include:
- carat weight
- colour grade
- clarity grade
- measurements
- proportions
- polish and symmetry assessments
- fluorescence notes
- information about laboratory-grown origin
- report numbers
Recognised organisations such as IGI and GIA assess laboratory-grown diamonds according to their own systems.
A grading report is not the same as an appraisal or resale valuation, either, as it only describes the characteristics of the diamond according to the laboratory’s grading system, rather than guaranteeing future value.
Where a report number or laser inscription is delivered, ensure that the details match with the stone being offered.
Assessing Comfort and Fit for a Wedding Band With the Ring Profile
The side view of a halo ring is one that can be overlooked when shopping online with photographs.
Some designs sit far above the finger to provide space underneath the halo. Other designs appear lower. Neither is necessarily better.
A higher setting allows for space for certain wedding bands to be worn alongside it, but a lower setting is likely to be less intrusive during regular use.
A lower setting can also appear more compact, but may require a curved, contoured or specially matched wedding band to be worn together.
Request to see the ring from several angles before making a decision.
The band width also influences the overall proportion, as a very slender band can make the centre arrangement appear larger, and a wider band can allow the overall appearance to be more substantial.
Hidden Halo and Traditional Halo Settings Are Different
A traditional halo is obvious when looking down on the top of a ring and the surrounding diamonds directly contribute to the appearance of the face-up view of the centre stone.
A hidden halo is set below the centre diamond, and is more apparent from the side view. It adds detail to the gallery, but does not replicate the expanded appearance of the centre as per a traditional halo.
Some designs employ both.
The choice between them will depend on whether the additional diamonds need to be incorporated as part of the design or as a subtle feature that will be seen from certain angles.
Accent Stones Require Additional Maintenance
Halo rings include more small stones, prongs and narrow spaces than a simple solitaire. This can mean extra cleaning and inspection over the lifespan of a ring.
Lotions, soaps and daily residue can build up between the centre setting and surrounding stones and dull the sparkle of the ring.
Regular maintenance should lab grown diamonds gentle cleaning in appropriate ways for the ring’s materials, as well as regular inspection of the setting for worn or damaged prongs, especially if the ring is worn every day.
Before purchasing, enquire whether the listed carat number refers only to the centre diamond or the entire carat weight across all of the diamonds that make up the ring. The figures describe very different aspects of a ring and should not be confused with each other.
Comparing Complete Halo Engagement Rings
A good halo design creates balance with the centre, accent, metal, band and set height as a complete piece.
When shopping, it is important to consider the grading details, actual measurements and appearance of the centre diamond. The construction of the halo should then be assessed to see how secure it is, the ring profile matches lifestyle and the preferred wedding band will be able to be worn alongside the engagement ring.
It is also good to review the terms and conditions for returns, resizing options, servicing and documentation before making the purchase.