Start with Our Diamond Quiz
Hidden Halo vs. Halo Rings
The main difference between hidden halo and traditional halo engagement rings lies in where the halo is placed. In a halo setting, a ring of small accent diamonds encircles the center gemstone and is clearly visible from the top view. In contrast, a hidden halo features a row of diamonds placed beneath the center gem — visible only from the side profile. This difference influences the overall sparkle, silhouette, and style of the ring, and shapes the ring’s visual impact. Halo rings create bold, immediate sparkle, while hidden halos offer a refined, surprise element seen from side angles.
Hidden Halo | Halo | |
|---|---|---|
Gemstone Placement | Beneath the center gem | Surrounds the center gem |
Visibility | Seen from the side profile | Prominent from top view |
Center Gemstone Effect | Maintains the center gem's original size appearance | Enhances size appearance of center gem |
Visual Impact | Subtle sparkle enhancement | Bold, eye-catching brilliance |
Sparkle | Adds brilliance from the side | Radiates sparkle from all angles |
Design Aesthetic | Sleek, minimal, modern | Glamorous, vintage, ornate |
Price | Often more affordable because of fewer accent diamonds used | Potentially higher due to more accent diamonds |
What Is a Hidden Halo Ring?
A hidden halo setting (also called a secret halo, under halo, or concealed halo) features a circle of small diamonds set just beneath the center gemstone, around the base of the prongs. Unlike a traditional halo, these accent diamonds are only visible from the side view, giving the ring an elegant sparkle without altering the top view of the center gem.
Hidden halo rings are a contemporary take on the halo setting, combining subtle brilliance with modern design. This style is popular among those who appreciate clean lines and architectural details while still enjoying the refined sparkle of additional diamonds.
Hidden Halo Features:
- Diamond halo placed beneath the center gemstone, encircling the base or basket of the center setting
- Adds surprise sparkle when viewed from the side
- Preserves the solitaire look from the top view
- Enhances detail and craftsmanship without overwhelming the design
Hidden Halo Types:
- Single Hidden Halo: One row of small diamonds beneath the center gemstone
- Profile Halo: Diamonds visible along the prong or profile area
- Custom Hidden Halo: Personalized designs with colored gems or unique motifs
Works well with:
- Solitaire and cathedral settings
- Colored gemstone center gems (allowing the color to remain dominant)
Something to consider is that a hidden halo setting may raise the center diamond slightly higher to accommodate the side-set gemstones. This elevation enhances light exposure but can affect how flush a wedding band sits. Hidden halo rings may also cost more than traditional solitaires due to the added accent diamonds, but they offer strong value by boosting visual interest without requiring a larger center stone.
What is a Halo Ring?
A halo setting features a ring of small accent diamonds (or other gemstones) that encircle the center gemstone. This setting is designed to enhance the overall size and sparkle of the ring. A halo setting can be used in various types of rings, including engagement rings, cocktail rings, as well as other fine jewelry pieces. Halo rings are popular for several reasons. They provide a dramatic sparkle that amplifies the visual size of the center gem. They also have a rich history, adding significant meaning to the style.
This history dates to the Georgian era in the early 18th century. Initially, these rings featured smaller colored gemstones surrounding a larger center diamond, often in a floral pattern. The Victorian era continued this trend, adding intricate details and romantic motifs. The modern halo ring gained popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s. This era’s emphasis on geometric designs and symmetrical patterns perfectly suited the halo setting, cementing its place in jewelry history.
Halo Features:
- A circle of accent gemstones surrounds the center gem
- Delivers maximum sparkle from every angle
- Enhances the perceived size of the center gemstone
- Adds dimension and visual depth to the design
Halo Types:
- Classic Halo: Features a single row of small diamonds around the center gemstone.
- Double Halo: Includes two rows of smaller diamonds for extra brilliance and an even larger center diamond appearance.
- Floral Halo: Designed with a flower-like pattern around the center gemstone, often featuring mixed shapes and sizes of accent gems.
- Vintage Halo: Incorporates intricate details and milgrain edges for an antique look.
- Custom Halo: Personalized designs that can include unique patterns, colored gemstones, or other bespoke elements.
Works well with:
- Round brilliant diamonds (creating a flower-like appearance)
- Cushion cut diamonds (enhancing their soft corners)
- Oval diamonds (smoothing out the overall shape)
- White gold or platinum (creating a seamless look with white diamonds)
Something to note about halo rings is that they can be slightly more expensive than solitaire settings due to the additional diamonds surrounding the center gemstone. However, they do offer added value: The halo setting can make the center gemstone appear larger, maximizing the visual impact of the ring without significantly increasing the budget.
Hidden Halo vs. Halo: Which Is Better?
Both settings bring beauty and brilliance to engagement rings, but your final decision depends on personal taste, lifestyle, and how you want the center diamond to shine.
Choose a Hidden Halo Setting If You:
- Prefer a minimalist top view with sparkle from the side
- Want subtle detailing without overpowering the center gem
- Love architectural or modern designs
- Have a larger center gemstone and want it to remain the focal point
Choose a Halo Setting If You:
- Want to maximize sparkle and brilliance
- Prefer a vintage, glamorous, or ornate aesthetic
- Want the center gemstone to appear larger
- Are working with a modest center diamond but want bold impact
Make sure to try both styles in person to see how they look from different angles, and consider how each setting pairs with your preferred diamond shape and wedding band style. If you prefer a ring with a striking and glamorous look, a traditional halo ring may be the best choice. It offers immediate brilliance and enhances the center diamond’s appearance. On the other hand, if you appreciate subtle elegance and want a unique design element, a hidden halo ring could be ideal. It provides a sophisticated and understated sparkle that reveals its beauty from different angles.
If you’re still having trouble choosing between the two styles, some engagement rings feature both a traditional halo and a hidden halo, offering sparkle from every angle. This hybrid design suits those who want the dramatic brilliance of a halo with the refined elegance of a hidden halo.
