Halo vs Solitaire Engagement Rings: How to Choose
A solitaire is a single center stone on a band. A halo surrounds that center stone with a ring of small stones. They are two of the most common engagement ring settings, and they look very different on the hand. Here is how they compare on look, sparkle, size and everyday wear.
The solitaire
Shown: Jade Oval Moissanite Solitaire Engagement Ring
A solitaire puts all the attention on one stone. With nothing around it, the shape of the center shows clearly, whether it is a round, an oval or an emerald cut. The band can be plain metal or set with small stones along the top, as on a pavé solitaire.
A solitaire is the easiest setting to pair. A straight wedding band usually sits right beside it, and it works with stacking bands of almost any style. A plain solitaire, with no small stones, is also the quickest to clean.
The halo
Shown: Danielle Round Moissanite Halo Engagement Ring
A halo frames the center stone with a circle of small stones. The frame makes the center look larger from a distance and adds a ring of sparkle around it. Halos come in many outlines: a classic single halo, a double halo with two rows, vintage-style halos, and sunburst, floral and petal halos that turn the frame into a pattern.
A halo is wider at the top than a solitaire, so check how it sits with the band you plan to wear, or choose a bridal set made to fit together. The small stones need a soft brush now and then to keep their sparkle. On many of our halo rings the small stones are cubic zirconia.
The hidden halo
Shown: Lexi Round Moissanite Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
A hidden halo sits under the center stone instead of around it. From above, the ring looks like a solitaire. From the side, a band of small stones shows beneath the center. It suits anyone who wants the clean look of a solitaire with extra sparkle in profile.
Side by side
| Solitaire | Halo | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Simple, the center shape shows clearly | Framed and detailed |
| Center stone size | Looks its true size | Looks larger |
| Sparkle | From the center stone | From the center and the frame |
| With a wedding band | Pairs easily | Check the fit, or choose a bridal set |
| Cleaning | Quick | A soft brush around the frame |
Which should you choose?
- A solitaire, if you love the shape of the center stone and want a ring that pairs easily with any band.
- A halo, if you want the center to look bigger and the most sparkle from the top.
- A hidden halo, for a solitaire's look from above with sparkle from the side.
Common questions
Does a halo make a ring look bigger?
Yes. The frame of small stones makes the center look larger from a distance and adds a ring of sparkle around it.
Is a solitaire or a halo easier to wear with a wedding band?
A solitaire. A straight band usually sits right beside it, while a halo is wider at the top, so check the fit or choose a bridal set made to go together.
Is a halo harder to clean than a solitaire?
A little. The small stones in the frame need a soft brush now and then to keep their sparkle, while a plain solitaire is quick to clean.
Can I get the look of a solitaire with the sparkle of a halo?
Yes, with a hidden halo. The small stones sit under the center stone, so the ring looks like a solitaire from above and sparkles from the side.
Our guide to engagement ring settings covers three stone, bezel and east-west settings too, and our guide to engagement ring shapes helps you pick the center stone. Shop solitaire engagement rings or halo engagement rings.
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