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You might be trying to decide between a halo or hidden halo, or perhaps skipping the halo and going for a different setting altogether. If you’re not sure what the differences between any of these are, read on to learn more about the hidden halo vs. halo ring. We’ll go over the differences and features of choosing a halo or no halo for engagement rings, too.
1. Halo Ring vs. No Halo Ring — A halo ring setting is one where a central diamond is surrounded by other little diamonds. The halo of diamonds sits around the center stone. It doesn’t have to be diamonds. It could be other precious stones, but it’s normally a diamond encircled by other diamonds. The stones face upwards on the halo ring setting. If you’re looking for another option besides a halo ring, consider the ever-popular solitaire ring setting with a round brilliant cut diamond. You may enjoy the beautiful symbology of the three-stone ring to represent your relationship’s past, present and future. If you prefer bling along the band of the ring, opt for a pavé-set ring.
2. Halo Ring vs. Hidden Halo Ring — The main difference between the halo ring and the hidden halo ring comes down to the diameter. If the diameter of the halo of diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center stone is bigger than the center stone, it’s considered a halo ring. If the diameter of the halo is smaller, then it’s a hidden halo setting. With a hidden halo, you won’t see the halo when the table of the center stone faces in your direction. You’ll see the halo in a hidden halo when you turn the ring sideways. While the stones on the halo ring are set facing upwards, the stones on the hidden halo ring face sideways.
3. Pros and Cons of a Halo Ring — The halo ring is a classic design. The halo effect will make your center stone look even bigger than it actually is. There’s something about the halo design that gives your ring just the right amount of extra glamour. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and modern. However, the solitaire ring setting remains one of the most popular settings. Some say that while the halo engagement rings are so popular today, they’re inherently trendy, and trends can go away. Others will say that the halo ring is just too flashy for their taste.
4. Pros and Cons of a Hidden Halo Ring — A hidden halo offers the wearer a modern twist. Like the halo ring, a hidden halo ring will also make the center stone appear larger. Unlike the traditional halo ring, the hidden halo is especially unconventional for anyone looking for a unique ring setting. You’ll also get more sparkles from more angles than the top view of the traditional halo design. However, the diamonds in the hidden halo are harder to reach and, therefore, harder to clean. Finding a matching wedding band may also be a challenge when the hidden halo ring requires a higher setting. The higher sitting ring may easily damage or snag the hidden halo ring.
5. Pros and Cons of a No Halo Ring — The prong setting of a solitaire ring allows for maximum sparkles when the center stone takes the stage. If you’re active, you may worry about your solitaire ring hitting everyday objects since there’s no protection around the center stone. A pavé setting offers more bling around the band of the engagement ring. One of the challenges of the pavé-set ring is resizing the band if need be, which is more complicated compared to a plain band. Also known as a side stone setting, the three stone setting features a center diamond flanked by two side stones. There’s more creativity that can come into play with different stones on the side than just diamonds. Yet the accent stones, whether they’re diamonds or sapphires or other precious gemstones, can actually make the center diamond look smaller than it actually is.
Find Your Perfect Solitaire Ring
6. Four-Prong vs. Six-Prong — According to the Gemological Institute of America, if you’re opting for a no-halo ring setting like the solitaire ring setting, you may also have to choose between a four-prong or six-prong ring. The prongs on the ring are small wires that bind the diamond to keep it in place. Four prongs are ideal for a diamond to take center stage. Four prongs pair well with a princess cut or cushion cut diamond. However, a four-prong doesn’t hold a diamond as securely or offer as much protection as a six-prong setting. While a six-prong setting offers more stability and security, keep in mind that any diamond less than half a carat may be overshadowed by a six-prong setting.