Halo vs. No Halo Engagement Ring: What’s Right for You?

When choosing an engagement ring, the setting plays an important role in defining its overall look and feel. So, one of the bigger decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a halo engagement ring or a no-halo engagement ring. Since both styles have their own unique charm, you might be stuck on which ring type to go with.

But don’t worry, because in this guide we’ll break down everything you need to know about halo vs. no-halo engagement rings—including their features, pros and cons, and how to decide which is best for you (or your girlfriend).

Key Takeaways

• Halo engagement rings maximize sparkle and make the center stone appear larger, while no-halo rings (just any ring that doesn’t have a halo setting) generally offer a more classic, minimalist look.
• Halo rings offer endless design variations (including hidden halos and double halos), whereas no-halo rings can feature elegant details (like pavé bands, bezel settings, or three-stone designs).
• Choosing between a halo and no-halo ring depends on personal style, budget, and lifestyle—halo rings provide extra brilliance, while no-halo rings highlight the center diamond’s natural beauty.

What Is a Halo Engagement Ring?

A halo engagement ring has the center stone encircled by smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a visual “halo” effect. This design enhances the central diamond’s sparkle and can actually make the ring look larger than its actual carat weight.

Halo engagement rings have been around for decades, making them a popular choice for brides-to-be. It’s especially beloved for those looking for an elegant, eye-catching look.

Features of a Halo Ring

Common features of a halo engagement ring include:

• Accent Diamonds: The surrounding stones magnify the sparkle and add dimension to the ring.
• Larger Appearance: The halo effect of the ring makes the center stone—and the entire ring—look much bigger than it actually is.
• Customization Options: You can customize your ring with different halo styles, such as the hidden halo (where the diamonds sit beneath the center stone) or the double halo setting (which has two layers of accent diamonds—talk about extra sparkle!).
• Works with Various Diamond Shapes: Halos also complement practically any diamond shape. From round and oval to cushion and emerald-cut diamonds, you can dream up some beautiful designs.

What Is a No-Halo Engagement Ring?

Simply put, a no-halo engagement ring is any ring without a halo setting. That can include three-stone rings, solitaire rings, pavé rings, and more. Because the criteria for a “non-halo ring” is just any ring without that halo, as you can imagine, there are a lot of different no-halo engagement ring types.

So, while the no-halo type can differ, no-halo rings typically offer a setting that’s classic, timeless, and ideal for those who appreciate simplicity. Without the additional accent stones surrounding it, a non-halo engagement ring usually focuses all of the beauty on the center stone.

Features of a No-Halo Ring

Because there is no one-size-fits-all no-halo ring, the features will vary. However, these are general ring features that differ from most halo rings:

• More Focus on the Center Diamond: With no extra sparkly halo, these rings have fewer distractions and emphasize the center stone. So, its cut, clarity, and color become even more important.
• Simple Accents: While not as prominent as a bejeweled halo, no-halo rings might have some accents, like diamonds along the band, side stones (such as for a three-stone setting), or gemstone accents under the center stone.
• Timeless Appeal: No-halo designs (and solitaire rings in particular) have remained stylish for centuries, offering a minimalist and elegant look.
• Less Maintenance: With fewer smaller diamonds, no-halo rings are often easier to clean and require less frequent upkeep.

Pros and Cons of Halo Engagement Rings

A halo engagement ring is one of the most popular styles. After all, it offers incredible brilliance, a larger-looking center stone, and plenty of room for customization.

Yet, like with any ring, it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Advantages

• More Sparkle: Because of the gorgeous halo setting, halo rings stand out and shine.
• Larger-Looking Diamond: We can’t mention it enough, but halo rings are in a league of their own by making the center stone appear bigger—which can be especially beneficial for those wanting a larger presence without a higher carat weight.
• Endless Design Options: From hidden halos to double halos, you can find a ring that fits your unique style and taste.
• Complements Many Diamond Shapes: A halo ring can enhance various diamond shapes, adding more definition and radiance.

Disadvantages

• More Maintenance Required: The small accent diamonds may loosen over time and require occasional repairs.
• Can Be More Expensive: Because a halo includes additional smaller diamonds, the cost may be higher than a no-halo ring of the same size.
• May Be Trendy Rather Than Timeless: While halo engagement rings are stunning and have been around for a while, they’ve gained massive popularity in recent years. So, the tide could shift so that they feel trendier than other classic ring types (like solitaire rings).

Pros and Cons of  No-Halo Engagement Rings

If you’re drawn to a clean, more minimal design, then a no-halo ring might be right for you. This category of rings includes everything from solitaire rings to three-stone settings—giving you plenty of variety.

However, just as halo rings have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so do non-halo rings. These are the pros and cons worth keeping in mind:

Advantages

• Timeless and Classic: Your most popular non-halo rings (such as solitaire or three-stone) never go out of style.
• Less Maintenance: No-halo rings also offer less continual maintenance or worry since there are generally no smaller diamonds to clean or have fallen out.
• More Versatility: Because there are tons of no-halo ring options, you’ve got a lot of variety you can choose from. Plus, a no-halo engagement ring typically pairs well with any wedding band, which makes stacking them even easier.
• Flexible Budget Options: Without paying for a halo setting and tons of smaller diamonds, you can potentially save more or even allocate your budget toward a higher-quality center stone.

Disadvantages

• Less Sparkle: Without halo diamonds, a solitaire setting or other no-halo rings may not have the same level of shine.
• Diamond Appears Smaller: A non-halo ring’s center stone may not appear as large compared to a halo ring of the same carat weight since there’s no halo setting.
• Fewer Design Variations: While no-halo rings offer plenty of different styles, they may not have the same level of decorative details as halo rings do.

Popular Halo and No-Halo Engagement Ring Styles

Whether you prefer the sparkling elegance of a halo ring or the subtle beauty of a non-halo ring, there are several design options to choose from. Halo settings come in many styles, each offering its own unique look and feel. Meanwhile, no-halo rings range from classic solitaires to intricate three-stone designs—leaving plenty of room to make your own personal ring.

To help you get more insight into choosing between a halo or non-halo style, these are the most popular ring types for each category:

Halo Ring Styles to Consider

• Classic Round Halo: A round center stone surrounded by halo diamonds for stunning shine.
• Hidden Halo Engagement Ring: Subtle, small accent diamonds beneath the central diamond—giving you sparkle from all angles.
• Double Halo Ring: Two layers of diamonds for added dimension and brightness.
• Vintage-Inspired Halo: Incorporates millgrain edges and antique details to exude a romantic, old-world feel.

Halo Ring Styles to Consider

• Classic Solitaire: A single-prong-set diamond that gives an elegant, sophisticated look.
• Three-Stone Setting: Enjoy a balanced design that features a center stone with two side stones, giving more meaning and story to your ring.
• Bezel-Set Solitaire: This modern ring has a central diamond encased in metal (like gold or silver) for extra security and a complete, satisfying look.
• Pavé Setting: Featuring small accent diamonds along the band, a pavé ring gives a lot of shine while still keeping the center stone as the focal point.

How to Choose Between a Halo and No-Halo Engagement Ring

You don’t need us to remind you that selecting the perfect engagement ring style is a deeply personal choice. While halo and non-halo rings each have their unique advantages, they both still produce gorgeous, breathtaking, and treasured rings.

So, the best option for you (or your future wife) will depend on factors like personal taste, lifestyle, and long-term preferences. To make the decision easier, ask yourself (or your girlfriend) these key questions:

• Do You Want Extra Sparkle? If you’re all about a dazzling, bold look, a halo setting is a great choice. If you want something more classic and clean, then three-stone or solitaire is the way to go.
• What’s Your Budget? Keep in mind that a halo ring may cost more because of the extra accent diamonds. (By the way, don’t let culture or others pressure you into spending way more for your engagement ring. Avoid paying the average ring cost and choose an amount that you and your girlfriend think is right without breaking the bank.)
• Do You Prefer a Trendy or Timeless Look? Since halo rings have gained significant popularity recently, they feel modern and glamorous, whereas other rings may offer a more test-of-time feel.
• How Important Is Daily Wear and Maintenance? An engagement ring is meant to be worn and loved, so don’t worry too much about always taking your ring off to protect it. But, if this is on your mind, then remember that a halo settling may require more upkeep due to the small accent diamonds.
• What Kind of Wedding Band Do You Want? This is a big one to keep in mind, especially since some guys can make the mistake of focusing so much on the engagement ring that they forget to visualize how their future wife’s wedding band will look with the engagement ring. So, know that some halo rings can have a unique shape (which can make finding a matching wedding band more challenging), whereas non-halo rings tend to pair more easily with different band styles.
• Do You Want to Maximize Diamond Size? If you’re working with a modest carat weight but want the ring to look larger, then a halo setting can make the center stone look bigger without actually increasing the carat size (or your budget).
• What Is Your (or Her) Personal Style? If you love glamorous, red-carpet-worthy looks, a halo ring could be the perfect match. If you prefer a timeless and understated ring, then a no-halo ring might be more fitting.

Want to Make the Ring Buying Process Straightforward and Stress-free? Contact Faithful Platform for One-on-One Support

In addition to asking yourself the questions above, your next step should be getting some personalized, expert advice. And that’s where Faithful Platform can help.

With a heart for service, we offer free, no-commitment consultations. Our team is equipped and eager to bring your dream ring to life by working with you one-on-one to hear more about what you—or your girlfriend—are looking for and then designing a custom ring just for you. 

Plus, as over 1,000 Google reviews can testify to, we’re committed to offering you a beautiful engagement ring for less than what other big-box stores will charge you. That’s part of the Faithful Platform mission to “help you save on the ring, so you can invest in your marriage.”

Learn more about different engagement ring types and discover how we can help you—and your future marriage—by contacting Faithful Platform online today to schedule your ring expert consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the point of a halo on a ring?

A halo setting surrounds the center diamond with smaller accent stones, enhancing its sparkle and presence. This not only adds brilliance but also creates the illusion of a larger diamond, making it a popular choice for those who love extra shimmer.

Do halo engagement rings look bigger?

Yes, a halo setting can create the illusion that the center stone is larger, often making it appear up to half a carat bigger than its actual size. The surrounding smaller diamonds extend the overall visual size of the ring, giving it a bolder, more prominent look without increasing carat size.

Are halo diamonds out of style?

Halo engagement rings have been a top choice for years, and they continue to be loved by many brides-to-be. The key is choosing a design that suits your style—a single halo offers a classic, elegant look, while bolder variations like double halos or geometric halos lean more toward current trends.

Should you get a hidden halo engagement ring?

If you love extra sparkle but want something subtle, a hidden halo engagement ring is a great option. It adds a touch of brilliance underneath the center stone, making it shine from unexpected angles without overpowering the overall design.

Is a halo ring more expensive?

A halo engagement ring can be slightly more expensive than a no-halo ring because of the additional accent diamonds and the craftsmanship involved. However, it can also be a cost-effective way to make the center stone look larger, allowing you to achieve a bigger visual impact without increasing carat weight.