| Halo rings feature accent diamonds that surround the center stone, while hidden halos have accent diamonds tucked underneath the center stone. Halos create a strong visual impact from above, while hidden halos add dimension from the side. |
Choosing between a halo vs. hidden halo can change the entire look and feel of a ring. Both styles use accent diamonds to highlight a center stone, but the effect depends on placement, profile and overall design.
This guide to halo vs. hidden halo ring settings walks through how each option looks, wears and fits into everyday style. Whether you’re choosing a unique engagement ring, upgrading an existing piece or exploring different types of ring settings, understanding these details can help you decide with confidence.
What’s the Difference between Halo vs. Hidden Halo Rings?
Halo and hidden halo designs are both popular halo ring setting styles, but they differ in where accent diamonds sit. In a halo ring, accent diamonds surround the center stone’s outline. In a hidden halo ring, those diamonds sit beneath the center stone, usually at the base of the prongs.
That single design choice affects visibility, profile height and how the ring looks from different angles. Below is a clear comparison to help you see how halo vs. hidden halo rings differ. Let’s explore each design in detail.
| Feature | Halo | Hidden Halo |
| Gemstone placement | Around center stone | Beneath center stone |
| Top-view visibility | Fully visible | Not visible |
| Side-profile sparkle | Visible | Highly visible |
| Visual impact | Striking | Subtle |
| Aesthetic style | Classic, bold | Modern, minimalist |
| Profile height | Often lower or medium profile | Higher profile (to fit the halo |
| Snag risk and daily wear | Higher snag risk | Lower snag risk |
| Cleaning and upkeep | Standard maintenance | Higher upkeep (traps skin oils) |
| Stone protection and security | High (shields the stone’s edges) | Minimal (edges stay exposed) |
| Wedding ring fit and stacking | May not sit flush with traditional bands; may need a curved band | Sits flush with traditional wedding bands |
| Budget considerations | Higher price point | Lower price point |
What Is a Halo Ring?
A halo ring frames the center stone with a ring of visible accent diamonds. This halo setting ring enhances the stone’s outline and makes the center appear larger from the top view.
Halo ring settings have vintage origins dating back to the Georgian era (1714–1837), when jewelers used intricate detailing to create floral patterns.
The halo ring rose in popularity once again during the Art Deco period of the 1920s, fitting right in with the era’s emphasis on geometric and symmetrical designs.
Today, halo ring designs are traditional and vintage-inspired choices for engagement rings. They most commonly feature round cut stones, but the design also pairs well with oval, cushion and princess diamond cuts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Makes the center stone appear larger | Can visually compete with the center stone |
| Adds sparkle from all angles | May require more routine inspection than rings without any halo due to additional settings |
| Creates a bold, eye-catching outline around the center stone | Includes more small accent stones and prongs than a hidden halo |
Types of Halo Ring Settings
There are several variations on the halo ring:
- Single halo: A single row of accent diamonds sits around the center stone. This is the most common halo style.
- Halo with pavé band: Accent diamonds surround the center stone, plus additional diamonds along the band.
- Halo with cathedral setting: The band slopes upward on both sides to support the center stone.
- Double halo: Two rows of accent diamonds hug the center stone, further enhancing the ring’s brilliance. Larger than a single halo, double halos appear even more lavish and glamorous.
- Hybrid styles with both visible and hidden halos: The ring includes both a ring of accent diamonds around the center stone and another at the base of the prongs. This adds extra sparkle from both the top-down and side-view angles.
What Is a Hidden Halo Ring?
A hidden halo ring features accent diamonds placed beneath the center stone, usually near the base of the prongs. These diamonds are mostly visible from the side. From the top view, the center stone remains the focus.
This subtle placement adds dimension without changing the stone’s outline. For many people, that balance is what makes buying hidden halo engagement rings appealing.
The hidden halo engagement ring is a more modern design, often chosen for its refined look and architectural detail. It pairs especially well with round, oval, cushion, pear, and emerald cuts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Keeps the top view clean and refined | Less visible sparkle from above |
| Adds sparkle from the side or angle | More subtle overall effect |
| Highlights craftsmanship and detail | Less size enhancement |
Types of Hidden Halo Designs
Here are a few variations on the hidden halo you might come across:
- Single hidden halo: A single ring of accent diamonds sits near the base of the prongs.
- Hidden halo with pavé band: Accent diamonds sit below the center stone, plus diamonds along the band.
- Hidden halo with cathedral setting: A row of accent diamonds sits hidden at the base of the stone. The band rises upward to support the center stone, with the halo detail beneath it.
- Double hidden halo: Two rows of accent diamonds sit near the base of the prongs, adding extra sparkle from the side view.
- Hybrid styles with both visible and hidden halos: Accent diamonds appear both around and beneath the center stone.
How to Choose between Halo vs. Hidden Halo Rings
It can be difficult to choose between halos and hidden halos when both have their own unique flair. Here are some factors to consider to make your decision easier.
Compare Rings With Your Budget
Because they usually include more diamonds, halo setting rings are typically more expensive than hidden halo rings. Hidden halos are a more budget-friendly way to add extra shine.
Match the Ring to Personal Style
If the person you’re shopping for loves bold and traditional designs, a halo ring is probably more to their taste. If they love minimalist and modern designs but would still appreciate that extra touch of shine, a hidden halo makes for a more subtle and unique engagement ring.
Consider Daily Wear and Maintenance
Both styles are durable enough for everyday wear, but they require different types of care.
Halo rings have more exposed accent stones and prongs, which means they benefit from regular cleaning and occasional prong checks to keep everything secure and bright.
Hidden halos typically trap more oils and residue beneath the center stone, making them harder to clean thoroughly. While they snag less during daily wear, they often require more attentive cleaning to maintain sparkle over time.
Evaluate Center Stone Size
Choose a halo ring to make your stone look bigger. Halo rings can make smaller center stones appear much larger and more glamorous. If you want your center stone to stand alone or are worried about it feeling bulky, opt for a hidden halo instead.
Think About Wedding Band Pairing
A flat wedding band may not sit flush next to a halo ring due to its circle of accent diamonds. You may need a curved or custom wedding band that will contour around the halo. Hidden halo rings are more likely to sit flush with a flat band since the ring of accent diamonds is more tucked away.
Decide How Much Customization Matters
Traditional halo rings may be more suitable for alternative engagement stones and shapes, as they enhance the center stone’s presence and define its outline. In contrast, hidden halos are designed to be much more subtle and may be less customizable.
If you like both and can’t decide, some jewelers offer hybrid designs that combine the benefits of visible and hidden halos. These styles blend bold outline with subtle detail, without leaning fully in one direction.
Refine Your Style with Blue Nile
After comparing halo vs. hidden halo rings, you know that halos are ideal for striking, maximum sparkle, while hidden halos are a sleek and understated way to add shine. Now it’s time to find the right fit for you or your loved one.
At Blue Nile, we’re here to help you capture life’s most meaningful moments with quality jewelry. Browse our collection of halo rings and hidden halo rings to find and fall in love with the engagement ring of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is necessarily better than the other—hidden halos and halos offer different design aesthetics that appeal to different people.
A hidden halo is better at creating an understated sparkle below the diamond. A halo setting engagement ring is better at emphasizing the center stone with a ring of smaller diamonds around it.
A hidden halo can make a diamond look slightly bigger, though not as big as a halo can. A hidden halo’s ring of accent diamonds defines the center diamond’s edges. This lets the center diamond appear larger and more prominent, especially from the side.
A hidden halo can add support beneath the stone, but overall security depends on prong style and craftsmanship.
Halo settings typically add more sparkle from the top view because the accent diamonds are visible around the center stone. Hidden halos add sparkle that shows up more from the side or at an angled view.
A hidden halo includes a ring of accent diamonds that sit below the center diamond, angled toward the sides. A reverse halo is a less common design where accent diamonds are set beneath the center stone, angled downward.
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