Choosing a centre stone is only part of the engagement ring journey. The setting you choose plays a huge role in the overall look, sparkle, and personality of the ring.
Two of the most popular engagement ring styles today are the hidden halo and the solitaire. Both are timeless choices, but they create very different aesthetics.
If you're deciding between the two, here's what you need to know.
What Is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?
A solitaire engagement ring features a single centre stone with no surrounding accent stones.
The simplicity of a solitaire allows the centre stone to take centre stage, making it one of the most timeless and elegant engagement ring styles ever created.
Popular solitaire settings include:
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Oval diamonds
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Round brilliant diamonds
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Elongated cushion diamonds
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Pear-shaped diamonds
Many iconic engagement rings throughout history have featured a classic solitaire design.
What Is a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring?
A hidden halo features a circle of small diamonds positioned beneath the centre stone rather than around it.
From above, the ring often appears similar to a solitaire. However, when viewed from the side, the hidden halo adds extra sparkle and intricate detail.
Hidden halos have become increasingly popular because they provide additional brilliance without dramatically changing the overall appearance of the ring.
Appearance
Solitaire
A solitaire offers a clean, elegant, and timeless look.
It appeals to those who appreciate minimalism and want the centre stone to be the main focus.
Hidden Halo
A hidden halo adds subtle detail and sparkle.
It creates a more luxurious appearance while maintaining a refined overall look.
For many buyers, a hidden halo provides the perfect balance between simplicity and glamour.
Sparkle
When it comes to sparkle, the hidden halo usually wins.
The additional diamonds reflect light from multiple angles and can make the ring appear more brilliant overall.
A solitaire still sparkles beautifully, but all attention is focused on the centre stone.
Making the Centre Stone Look Larger
One of the reasons hidden halos are so popular is that they can visually enhance the appearance of the centre stone.
The added detail beneath the stone can create the illusion of a larger, more substantial ring without significantly increasing cost.
Durability
Both styles can be excellent choices for everyday wear when properly crafted.
A solitaire typically has fewer small stones, making maintenance slightly simpler over time.
A hidden halo contains additional accent stones, which may occasionally require inspection to ensure everything remains secure.
Cost
A solitaire is generally the more affordable option because it contains fewer diamonds and requires less intricate setting work.
A hidden halo typically costs slightly more due to the additional diamonds and craftsmanship involved.
However, many buyers feel the added sparkle is well worth the investment.
Which Style Is More Popular?
Over the past few years, hidden halo engagement rings have become one of the most requested custom ring styles.
Their popularity comes from their ability to add extra brilliance while maintaining a timeless appearance.
That said, the solitaire remains one of the most iconic engagement ring designs ever created and is unlikely to go out of style.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a solitaire if:
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You love timeless, minimalist design.
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You want all attention focused on the centre stone.
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You prefer a clean and classic aesthetic.
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You want a style that will never feel trend-driven.
Choose a hidden halo if:
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You love additional sparkle.
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You appreciate fine details.
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You want a ring that feels slightly more luxurious.
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You want to maximise visual impact without dramatically increasing budget.
My Personal Thoughts
If someone asked me which style has been the most popular recently, I would say hidden halos without hesitation.
However, there is a reason solitaires have remained popular for generations.
Both styles are beautiful. The right choice comes down to your personal style and what makes you smile every time you look at your hand.
At Kofsky & Stone, many custom engagement rings incorporate either a classic solitaire or a hidden halo design. If you're unsure which style is right for you, I'm always happy to help guide you through the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a hidden halo make a diamond look bigger?
It can create the illusion of a larger and more substantial ring by adding sparkle and visual interest beneath the centre stone.
Are hidden halos still in style?
Yes. Hidden halos remain one of the most popular engagement ring styles today.
Is a solitaire engagement ring timeless?
Absolutely. The solitaire is considered one of the most classic and enduring engagement ring designs.
Which setting sparkles more?
A hidden halo generally creates more overall sparkle due to the additional accent diamonds.
Which setting is better for an oval diamond?
Both work beautifully. Oval diamonds are commonly paired with hidden halos and solitaire settings depending on the desired look.