There’s something quietly enduring about halo rings. They’ve evolved, they’ve divided opinion, but they’ve never truly faded. And what about now? Yes - halos are still very much in style. But perhaps not in the way you think...
From a design perspective, halos offer more than an added sparkle. They’re a clever way of introducing contrast into a piece - especially in stone-set jewellery like engagement rings. That contrast, when done well, can elevate a design from good to unforgettable.
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One of the first halo rings I ever designed was also one of my most popular: the Cannelé. It worked - and still works because of the deliberate difference in scale. The centre stone is bold, confident, and full of presence. The halo around it is almost whisper-thin. Each diamond sits so close to the next they’re nearly touching, forming a delicate outer ring of light. That play between large and fine, bold and restrained, creates a depth that’s hard to ignore, especially when viewed up close.
And of course, there’s the optical magic halos are known for - making the centre stone appear larger. If the entire setting is diamond-on-diamond, the effect can be pretty dramatic. It’s an obvious point, but one that’s still worth saying: halos can amplify both size and sparkle in a way no other design quite does. For example, a yellow gold halo with brilliant cut diamonds makes the white of the diamonds more prominent – it defines the stones more as opposed to a dazzle of white stone and white metal.
Halos: Playing with Light, Colour, and Meaning
Where halos really shine - quite literally - is in their ability to enhance colour. A diamond halo around a sapphire or ruby doesn’t just frame the stone; it can intensify its hue, making it appear deeper, more vivid, more alive.
In some of my more experimental pieces - like the Clair de Lune - we’ve taken that idea further. See the image of the Clair de Lund Roux - a rich ruby centre, surrounded first by a ring of pink sapphires, and then a second halo of diamonds. The effect is layered, unexpected, and full of movement. Each colour plays off the next - cooler tones giving way to brilliance. It’s a beautiful way of using the halo not just for scale or sparkle, but as a tool for expressive colour play.
There’s also something in the name “halo” itself - a touch of the celestial. A ring of light. A sense of something pure, elevated, even saintly. That symbolic edge resonates with a lot of people, whether consciously or not.
It’s important to also add that a well executed halo suits all precious metals - platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. And depending on the stones within the halo and the centre, the metal colour creates different visual effects within the piece.
So… Are Halo Engagement Rings Still in Style?
Absolutely. In fact, I’d say more than ever.
When I started designing in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, halos existed — but they weren’t the star. Solitaires ruled. There was a kind of design minimalism then that kept halos on the sidelines. But somewhere along the way — and I remember it clearly — halos surged forward. Suddenly it was halo-everything. And it hasn’t really gone away since.
Ask any serious jewellery designer working in bridal and they’ll tell you — there’s always a part of them thinking: What’s my next halo? How can I reimagine it? What hasn’t been done yet? Sometimes the answer is subtle. Sometimes bold. But it’s almost always on the table.
And the reason is simple: halos add dimension – they add to the rings feature. Whether in a ring, a pendant, or earrings, they open up a world of design possibilities. They also offer a showcase for the setter’s craftsmanship — whether it’s in fine cut-down work or a sculptural castell setting. In the right hands, a halo becomes part of the architecture of the piece — not just decoration. And we haven’t even touched the possibility of using different diamond shapes in the halo such as princess cuts or ever the emerald cut!
For me, it all started with the Cannelé. That design sparked a kind of love affair with the halo. One that hasn’t faded.
So — are halo rings still in style in 2025?
Yes. Undoubtedly.
And from where I’m sitting, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. To discuss a halo diamond engagement ring or of any other piece of jewellery for that matter please make contact to book an appointment.
FAQs:
1. Are halo engagement rings still fashionable in 2025?
Yes - halo engagement rings remain a popular and stylish choice in 2025, especially when reimagined with fresh proportions, colour play, or bold centre stones.
2. What makes a halo ring different from other engagement ring styles?
A halo ring surrounds the centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds or gems, enhancing sparkle, size, and contrast - and offering endless room for creative design.
3. Do halo rings make the centre diamond look bigger?
Absolutely. The halo setting is known for its optical illusion - making the centre stone appear larger by surrounding it with a ring of brilliance.
4. Can halo settings be used with coloured gemstones?
Yes. Halos are particularly striking around sapphires, rubies, and other coloured stones - amplifying their hue and adding contrast through light and tone.
5. What is the Cannelé ring, and why is it popular?
The Cannelé is one of Andrew Geoghegan’s signature halo designs - known for its whisper-thin halo, elegant balance, and timeless sparkle. It remains a client favourite for its subtle drama and refined craftsmanship.
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