An Informative Background of the Halo Engagement Rings

Much has been said about the character of halo engagement rings. Their style, the distinct ring settings they give rise to, and their overall appeal in an evolving market for newer and more personalised designs. However, what has been lacking is an exploration of the origins of this design. How they came about, and what kind of changes they have undergone over the years. In the course of this post, we will also mention some useful clues on picking the right engagement ring for you.

Origins of Halo Engagement Rings

The origins of halo engagement rings, or underlying it the halo style, go back hundreds of years. According to certain records, the stylistic adoption of this engagement ring style began during the Georgian era, in the early part of the 18th century and extended over a century. This era was marked by halo diamond rings where the size differences between the main gemstone and the accent stones were less significant. Since this was a time when advanced gem cutting of today or even the more primitive but relative advanced gemstone shaping of the early part of the 20th century was still far away, the gemstones that made up the halo setting were somewhat larger. Which in turn was compensated by a larger centre stone.

Understandably, this engagement ring style, and for that matter engagement rings in general were not for the mass market. That will start to change with the onset of the industrial revolution. It is difficult to break down all the main features of this ring setting since it was from a different era. However, its original contributions remained.

The Victorian Era and Industrial Revolution

Moving closer to the modern period, but still, an while away, we enter the Victorian era which began during the 3rd decade of the 19th century and continued onward until the start of the 20th one. The notable change that took place during this era was the industrial revolution, which pretty much revolutionised the way how diamond jewellery and jewellery, in general, were made and sold.

Notable changes include the greater precious in gem cutting, whilst still lagging behind present times, which were significant in terms of the kind of effects they had on the final style of the ring. With carefully crafted gemstones that can actually fit in the slim area surrounding the gemstone. Thus giving rise to many of the modern halo ring settings that we know today.

Another major change that entered the world of halo diamond rings is the inclusion of coloured gemstones. With growing awareness of the wide variety of coloured gemstones and other non-carbon-based gems around the world, made possible by the expansion of trade, and growth of gem and diamond mining companies around and importantly the reach of the British empire. If the names of the various eras that marked the development of halo engagement rings didn’t give you an indication, then this would. One of the main drivers of the growth and expansion of the worldwide gem trade and fine jewellery was the imperial connections of Europe. You can learn more about this in our Education pages.

The Modern Era Changes to Halo Engagement Rings

The modern era, starting with the early decades of the 20th century, with the effect of the industrial revolution now in full flow, and with it coming the changes to society in terms of greater wealth creation meant greater strength to greater sections of the populace. Which in turn gave rise to new stylistic shifts that came to have an effect on the jewellery industry. Notable here was the Art Deco Movement. Which emerged during the roaring 20s and continued for over a decade. This movement placed great emphasis on symmetry and streamlining the jewellery style. And it was also the period when geometrically shaped diamond cuts become vogue. Notable here are the oval halo engagement rings which captured the artistic sensibility well.

Halo Engagement Rings Today

As the decades went on, the advances in gem cutting and jewellery design just kept going. With newer jewellery companies entering the mix, opening the doors to new ring designs that basically took the core concepts of the halo setting and added their own particular enhancements. This meant that unique ring styles that borrowed design concepts from the times and the past were integrated into the halo ring setting. So buyers today, can find oval halo engagement rings that closer to the modern style, with more stylistic simplicity; or those which are closer to the vintage style, that feature filigrees and on the bands.

Newer changes followed, with modern jewellery companies, especially those which specialise in selling halo diamond rings online. Now companies adopting ring settings for the halo style that incorporate multiple halos. Going from one to two or more. Each of these gemstone halos adds a new level of complexity to the ring design making it more luxurious and generally aimed at those who embrace the design philosophy of maximalism.

The beauty of the halo engagement ring setting is that fits with virtually all major gemstone cuts that are in use for engagement rings. From famous oval halo engagement rings to princess cut, round cut, and cushion cut styles. And other more exotic gemstone cut options. Although new engagement ring buyers and others who research it must be noted that certain gemstones are better suited for the halo ring setting. For example, emerald cuts and generally emerald cut engagement rings are not the top choice when it comes to this ring style.

However, exceptions can be made, given the advances in jewellery design, notable if we are talking about their stone engagement rings. In this case, halo ring settings can be incorporated. Though this would greatly depend on the engagement ring provider, and also the extent of their custom ring design offerings.

In Conclusion

The halo engagement ring has a long history. Arguably as long as the modern engagement ring style, with many of the changes it has undergone corresponding to the social and technical changes that society has undergone. However, one that has remained firm is the original concept of the halo. The circle of gemstones that surround the centre stone adds to its glow and increases the value of the engagement ring. It is a stylistic option for premium and budget-oriented engagement ring seekers.