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A halo surrounds the centre diamond with a circle of small pavé diamonds — making the centre look larger and the whole ring sparkle more. It is one of the most popular and glamorous settings, and a clever way to maximise presence. Here is how it works and how to choose.
Key takeaways
- A halo rings the centre stone with small diamonds, making it look noticeably larger.
- It adds sparkle and lets a smaller centre stone read big — strong value.
- Variations include single, double, and hidden halos.
- It is glamorous and vintage-friendly; a hidden halo is the cleaner, modern alternative.
- The small stones mean the setting quality matters — and Montare matches them to the centre.
What is a halo setting?
In a halo, a ring of tiny diamonds encircles the centre stone on the face of the ring. The effect is twofold: the centre looks bigger because the halo extends its visual footprint, and the whole top of the ring sparkles. A halo can make a centre stone appear as much as a half-carat larger than it is — which is part of its enduring appeal.
Types of halo
- Single halo — one row of diamonds around the centre; the classic.
- Double halo — two concentric rows for maximum size and sparkle.
- Hidden halo — the diamonds sit beneath the centre stone, seen only from the side, for a clean modern face. See our hidden halo guide.
Every centre diamond is Triple Excellent, D–E, VVS and at least three carats — the hard calls are made for you.
Design your ringHalo vs hidden halo
A traditional halo maximises size and glamour from above; a hidden halo gives a subtler size boost while keeping a solitaire-clean top. Choose a halo for impact and a vintage feel, a hidden halo for understated modern elegance. Both pair beautifully with round, oval and cushion centres.
Things to consider
Because a halo uses many small stones, the setting must be well made so they stay secure and bright — quality matters. A halo also commits the look to a particular style, so it suits those who love its glamour. The accent diamonds should match the centre in quality, which at Montare they always do.
The best shapes and pairings
Halos flatter almost every shape; round, oval and cushion are the most popular, and cushions in particular glow inside a halo. Explore the full range in our guide to settings and compare shapes in our visual guide.
Halos and the Montare standard
Every Montare halo is built around a centre held to the house floor — D–E, VVS1–VVS2, Triple Excellent, three carats minimum, IGI certified — with matched accent diamonds. Cut makes all of them sparkle as one; see why Triple Excellent matters. Design a halo in the ring builder or book a consultation.
See the halo setting built around a centre diamond that never drops below the Montare standard — D–E, VVS, Triple Excellent, 3ct minimum, IGI certified.
See halo rings →Frequently asked questions
Does a halo make a diamond look bigger?
Yes — a halo can make the centre stone appear up to about half a carat larger by extending its visual footprint with surrounding diamonds.
What is the difference between a halo and a hidden halo?
A halo sits around the centre on the top face for maximum size and glamour; a hidden halo sits beneath the stone for a subtler boost and a cleaner top view.
Are halo rings still in style?
Yes — halos remain popular and classic, while the hidden halo has become the modern favourite for a cleaner look.
Do the small halo diamonds fall out?
Not when well set. Quality of craftsmanship is key, and occasional professional checks keep the pavé secure.
Design a halo. Build it in the ring builder or book a consultation.
The Montare standard
Lab-grown · D–E colour · VVS clarity · Triple Excellent · 3ct minimum · IGI certified
Every ring is made to order in Toronto and backed by our lifetime setting upgrade, with free, fully insured shipping.
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