Hidden Halo Engagement Rings Are Taking Over—Here’s What You Need To Know

Hidden halo engagement rings are the current "it girl" of engagement rings. This is because of how versatile the simple detail is. It doesn't matter if you're a ring minimalist or maximalist—a hidden halo can easily work wherever you fall on the sparkle spectrum (I may be biased, though, as my own oval solitaire engagement ring has a hidden halo in it that I'm obsessed with.) Not to mention, it's one of the most popular engagement ring trends at the moment amongst celebs and influencers; you may have even seen it gracing the left hands of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

If you're currently shopping for a hidden halo setting, I'll be the first to tell you that there are so many beautiful options that it can almost be overwhelming and hard to narrow down what you want. That's why we're taking some guesswork out of deciding whether a secret halo engagement ring is right for you with expert tips from Emely Ortiz, Assistant Showroom Manager at Blue Nile Short Hills. Plus, we're rounding up our top picks for the best hidden halo engagement rings that you can shop now.

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In this article:

• What is a Hidden Halo Ring?
• 12 Best Hidden Halo Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now
• Final Thoughts: Is a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring Right for You?

What is a Hidden Halo Ring?

A hidden halo engagement ring has a delicate circle of tiny pavé diamonds tucked or "hidden" underneath the center stone. While you won't be able to see a hidden halo when looking from the top down, it will be visible from its side profile for an unexpected touch of sparkle. It can also help your center stone appear larger and more brilliant, and who doesn't want that? "The hidden halo has gained popularity because of its subtle beauty, which adds sparkle without distracting from the center stone," says Ortiz, who explains that it's a special detail meant to be admired up close. "It is a personal detail only to be embraced by you and the people closest to you, making it feel even more special."

Hidden Halo vs. Halo

The key difference between a hidden halo vs. a traditional halo is the halo's visibility. A traditional halo ring will have tiny diamonds encircling the center diamond or gemstone itself, easily maximizing your ring's sparkle from all angles. Ortiz explains, "A hidden halo wraps around the prongs holding the center stone. It allows a glimpse of sparkle only from certain angles." But don't take that select amount of sparkle as a bad thing, as a hidden halo ring setting can provide those who appreciate the attention to detail with just the right amount of understated luxury and extra luminosity.

Hidden Halo vs. No Halo

A no-halo ring setting will not have any stones in the prongs or the ring's gallery to give your ring a classic and simplistic design. It's the perfect choice for those who want to focus solely on their diamond's center sparkle. Arguably, though, hidden halo rings will still subtly enhance your center stone if you love the idea of an elegant engagement ring but still want a little bit more shimmer.

Pavé Wrap vs. Hidden Halo

The choice between a pavé wrap and a hidden halo lies in the placement of the stones on the ring. A pavé wrap, also called a pavé band, is when the diamonds are wrapped around the ring's setting, not on the prongs encircling the diamond. On the other hand, the secret halo engagement ring adorns the centerstone itself and accentuates its silhouette. Pavé wrap rings are ideal for those who want to maximize their shimmer from all angles as they wrap the entire ring in stones.

12 Best Hidden Halo Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now

If you love the hidden halo style as much as I do, you'll be happy to know that you have plenty of options to choose from. Below, I've rounded up some of our favorite hidden halo engagement rings for every style and budget you can shop now. Or, get inspired and bookmark this roundup for future use.

Blue Nile Lace Bridge Solitaire Plus Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Blue Nile

This hidden halo solitaire ring is the definition of romantic. The center diamond is encircled by a delicate hidden halo detail and gorgeous lace-inspired accents throughout the band. Pictured above in 18-carat rose gold, you can easily customize your center stone shape and metal to your significant other's preference on the Blue Nile website.

Brilliant Earth Secret Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Brilliant Earth

If Hailey Bieber's hidden halo engagement ring is the inspiration, you've got to check out this classic oval hidden halo engagement ring from Brilliant Earth. It's paired with a petite solitaire band that really lets your center stone shine. Not to mention, oval-cut diamonds appear larger in carat size, making this a great option for shoppers who want to get the most out of their purchase.

VRAI The Classic Hidden Halo Pear Engagement Ring

Photo: VRAI

Elegance takes a pear-shaped twist with this classic hidden halo ring from VRAI. Sparkling pavé diamonds wrap around the center of this engagement ring, which is made from recycled solid gold. If you prefer a classic plain band, you can also order it with one. The four curved prongs are also covered in pavé diamonds for all-around glitz and glamour.

James Allen Bamboo Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: James Allen

If you want a hidden halo engagement ring with a unique band, go for this design, which features a distinctive bamboo design with diamond accents on the side. Thanks to the dainty hidden halo, it's the perfect blend of nature-inspired elements and hidden sparkle. The best part? James Allen also offers a matching wedding band with the same bamboo-inspired design to pair with your engagement ring.

Rare Carat Whitely Sapphire And Diamond Twist Engagement Ring

Photo: Rare Carat

Now, this is a hidden halo solitaire ring with a twist (literally.) While the hidden halo features classic pave diamonds, the band has tiny blue sapphires that twist three-quarters around the ring for a truly eye-catching design. And yes, the matching wedding ring from Rare Carat has the same stunning twisted sapphire design.

Tacori Sculpted Crescent Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring

Photo: Tacori

Tacori is well known for its iconic craftsmanship and attention to detail in its unique designs, and this solitaire hidden halo ring is no exception. An intricate but elegant hidden halo accents the oval center stone while their sculpted crescent fabric and pear side stones set in an east-west orientation add to its sparkle power.

Jean Dousset Chelsea Half-Moon Three Stone Lab Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Jean Dousset

A hidden halo enhances this three-stone lab diamond engagement ring, but that's not the only secret detail in the design. A gorgeous blue sapphire is found inside the secret halo engagement ring, an intimate detail that only you and your partner will know about. Oh, did I mention that Jean Dousset is the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier? So, it's safe to say they know a thing or two about creating beautiful engagement rings.

Rare Carat Colore London Blue Topaz Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

Photo: Rare Carat

Looking for a hidden halo engagement ring that also doubles as your something blue? Consider a hidden halo of your favorite gemstones instead of diamonds. This hidden halo round engagement ring from Rare Carat is encircled with London blue topaz that gives it a soft pop of color without taking away from the dazzling customizable center stone.

Kwiat Vintage Style Engagement Ring with a Kwiat Round Diamond and Pavé

Photo: Kwiat

From a bird's eye view, this cathedral-hidden halo engagement ring looks like your traditional design with a pavé band, but you get something else entirely from the side. A glimmering hidden halo highlights the classic round center stone with hand-engraved details on the sides of this platinum band. It's perfect for ring wearers who want both a modern and vintage-inspired ring design.

Brilliant Earth Petal Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Brilliant Earth

You can buy your significant other flowers, but why not a floral hidden halo engagement ring instead? Unlike a traditional hidden halo setting, the center stone sits on subtle petal prongs encrusted with tiny pavé diamonds. The nature-inspired gallery blooms on a classic solid metal wedding band that can easily be customized between 18-carat white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.

James Allen Hidden Halo Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring

Photo: James Allen

Sophistication meets sparkle with this cathedral-hidden halo engagement ring from James Allen. Set in a 14k rose gold band easily customizable to your metal preference, this ring dazzles with a white gold gallery that helps reflect the brilliant whites in your center diamond and the hidden halo. Not to mention, the pavé band will ensure this ring catches the eye no matter the angle.

Tacori Founder's Collection Princess Solitaire Engagement Ring

Photo: Tacori

Less is often more when it comes to hidden halo engagement rings. Case in point: this princess-cut solitaire design from Tacori. Its simplistic design has a regal elegance that looks like a royal could wear it, but it was made for you. And, of course, this ring wouldn't be complete without Tacori's signature crescent silhouette design, which is just the icing on the cake.

Final Thoughts: Is a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring Right for You?

Whether a hidden halo engagement ring is right for you is subjective and depends on your style and budget. When deciding whether a hidden halo engagement ring is right for you, ask yourself, do you value an understated or maximal sparkle? Are you prepared for additional cleaning or maintenance requirements? Does it fit your budget? Before you answer these questions, here are a few of the pros and cons of hidden halo rings before making any commitments.

Pros of a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

• Simplistic Design: It's all in the name! A hidden halo is a beautifully understated and intimate design that can easily add a unique touch to your engagement ring. "A hidden halo is for you if you like surprises or attention to detail," Ortiz says. "It's for someone who wants a little more but not too much. One gets the look and elegance of a solitaire but with an added touch of brilliance."
• Enhanced Center Stone: If you're looking to enhance your diamond but don't like the idea of a traditional halo, a hidden halo will help create the illusion of volume, making your center stone appear large.

Cons of a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

• Maintenance: Since a hidden halo is below the center stone, dirt and oils can sometimes accumulate in the tiny crevices between the small diamonds. So, you will want to ensure you clean your ring often and with the utmost care.
• Durability: While the halo is hidden, it can still be damaged. A high-set diamond is more prone to getting knocked or scratched than a low-set diamond. This is especially important to consider if you have an active lifestyle where your ring can easily get dinged up.
• Cost Difference: Adding a hidden halo to your engagement ring typically costs an average of $250-$600. Pricing varies depending on the number and quality of diamonds used. "Adding a hidden halo to your engagement ring will be a bit pricier than a simple solitaire, adding a few hundred dollars more, but it will be more affordable than a traditional halo," Ortiz explains. "It's a modern combination of both styles."