Halo Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

What a halo does

A halo is a ring of small diamonds set close around the center stone. From a little distance the halo and center blend together, so the stone looks noticeably bigger than it is. A 1 carat round in a halo can face up close to the size of a 1.5 carat stone. The small diamonds also add sparkle from every angle, which makes a halo ring lively even in soft light.

It is a good choice if you want presence on the hand, or if you would rather put part of your budget into the setting than into a heavier center.

Halo shapes

A halo usually follows the outline of the center stone: round around a round, oval around an oval, and so on. Some designs mix them on purpose. A round center in a cushion shaped halo has a vintage look. A square halo around a round stone feels more geometric. Every halo setting on this page can be made for any center shape, and the halo is built to fit your exact stone.

Single, double or floral

• Single halo: one row of small diamonds. Clean and classic.
• Double halo: two rows, for maximum size and sparkle.
• Floral halo: slightly larger stones set like petals, softer and more romantic.
• Milgrain edge: a fine beaded metal border around the halo, for an antique feel.

What to check on a halo

Look closely at the small stones. They should match each other in color and sparkle, sit level and be spaced evenly with no gaps. The halo should hug the center stone without a visible ring of metal between them. On the side, check that the halo sits high enough to look generous but not so high that it catches on clothes.

The center stone's color matters a little less than in a solitaire, because the halo stones surround it. If the halo is in white metal with bright, white stones, a center of G or H usually looks right. A center much warmer than the halo can stand out, so we match them by eye on the tray.

Metal choice

White gold and platinum make the halo look like one continuous field of sparkle. Rose and yellow gold give the halo a warm outline that frames the stone, which many people love on vintage designs. You can also choose a white halo head on a yellow or rose band.

Wearing and care

A halo has many small stones, so it is worth a quick check every few months to make sure none have loosened. Our jewelry care guide explains how to clean a halo at home. If you want a subtler version, a hidden halo puts the small stones under the center instead of around it.

At your viewing

Try the same center stone in a halo and in a plain solitaire. Seeing the size difference on your hand makes the choice easy. Then compare a single and a double halo. Send your stone wishes through the loose diamond request, then book a viewing at 30 West 47th St, Suite 805, or call (732) 581-7932.