Choosing an buy oval engagement ring is one of the most exciting — and personal — decisions you’ll make. With so many styles available, one of the biggest choices couples face is whether to go with a halo setting or stick with a classic solitaire (a diamond ring without a halo). Both styles are timeless and beautiful, but each offers its own benefits and aesthetic.

At KRK Jewels, we’ve helped countless couples find the perfect ring, and we know the decision often comes down to lifestyle, taste, and budget. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of halo and non-halo (solitaire) diamond rings so you can confidently choose the right design for your love story.

What Is a Halo Setting?

A halo setting features a central diamond surrounded by a border (or “halo”) of smaller diamonds. The halo can be simple and delicate, or bold and dramatic — depending on how much sparkle you want. Halos can also be single, double, or even hidden beneath the center stone for a modern twist.

The Case for a Halo Ring

1. Enhanced Sparkle

Halos are designed to catch the light. The small surrounding diamonds reflect off the center stone, amplifying its brilliance. If you or your partner love shine, a halo ring is an excellent choice.

2. Makes the Center Stone Look Bigger

This is one of the most popular reasons for choosing a halo. A well-designed halo can make a 1-carat diamond look closer to 1.5 or even 2 carats — without the higher price tag.

3. Customization Options

Halos allow for endless personalization. You can mix metals, use colored gemstones in the halo (like sapphires or emeralds), or opt for a hidden halo for added detail.

4. Secure Setting

The additional metal and stone coverage around the center diamond offers extra protection, making it less likely to chip or become loose.

The Case for a Ring Without a Halo (Solitaire)

1. Timeless Simplicity

Solitaire settings are the epitome of elegance and minimalism. With a single center stone and no additional diamonds, this style lets the diamond speak for itself.

2. Easy Maintenance

Fewer diamonds mean less cleaning and fewer places for dirt or debris to collect. Solitaire rings are also easier to resize or modify in the future.

3. More Budget Toward One Stone

If your budget is focused on getting a high-quality center diamond, going halo-free allows you to invest more into cut, clarity, and carat size without stretching the total cost.

4. Better for Active Lifestyles

Solitaire settings are typically lower-profile and catch less on clothing or gloves — making them a smart choice for people who work with their hands.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here are a few questions to help guide your choice:

• Do you want maximum sparkle and a bigger look for your budget?
  → Go with a halo setting.
• Do you value minimalism or want the focus on one stone?
  → Consider a solitaire ring.
• Do you or your partner have an active lifestyle or prefer a low-maintenance ring?
  → A non-halo design might be better.
• Are you trying to stay within a specific budget while achieving a dramatic look?
  → A halo ring can stretch your visual impact without requiring a large center stone.

Final Thoughts from KRK Jewels

Both halo and non-halo diamond rings are stunning in their own right. The best choice comes down to your personal taste, your partner’s style, and how you want the ring to feel every day. At KRK Jewels, we offer fully customizable options — from hidden halos to three-stone solitaires — so you never have to compromise.

Whether you go with a halo for its radiance or a solitaire for its simplicity, the most important thing is that it reflects your love, your story, and your future together.

Let us help you design the perfect ring — with or without a halo.

Should I Get a Diamond Ring With a Halo or Without?

Shopping for an engagement ring comes with dozens of exciting decisions, but one of the most foundational choices you’ll make is between a halo setting or a ring without a halo — typically a classic solitaire or a modern minimalist design. Both styles are beautiful, but they offer different aesthetics, levels of sparkle, and ways to stretch your budget.

At KRK Jewels, we work closely with clients who are weighing these exact choices every day. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help you confidently decide whether a halo or non-halo ring is right for you (or your partner).

What Exactly Is a Halo Setting?

A halo setting features a center diamond or gemstone surrounded by a tight border — or “halo” — of smaller accent diamonds. These accent stones are usually round pavé diamonds that create a ring of brilliance around the center. Halos can be single or double, and they come in variations like:

• Traditional halo: Visible from the top with diamonds surrounding the main stone.
• Hidden halo: Tucked just beneath the center stone, visible only from the side.
• Double halo: Two rows of diamonds for extra dazzle and dimension.

While halo designs became widely popular in the 2010s, they actually date back to the Georgian and Victorian eras — and their timeless charm continues to appeal today.

What Does a Ring Without a Halo Look Like?

A ring without a halo focuses on the center stone only, often set on a plain or diamond-accented band. The most well-known example is the solitaire — a single diamond in a simple prong or bezel setting. Other non-halo styles include:

• Three-stone rings
• Side-stone or pavé band settings
• Cathedral or low-profile mounts

The key feature of a non-halo ring is that it lets the center diamond stand entirely on its own.

Benefits of a Halo Engagement Ring

1. Maximizes Sparkle

The halo of smaller diamonds catches and reflects light, dramatically increasing the visual sparkle and brilliance of the ring. This can be especially attractive under evening lighting or in photographs.

2. Makes the Center Stone Appear Larger

One of the biggest reasons people choose a halo is for the optical illusion of size. A well-designed halo can make a 1.0-carat diamond appear up to 1.5 carats or more. It’s a smart way to get a larger-looking ring without the larger price tag.

3. Great for Smaller Budgets

If you have a limited budget, a halo setting allows you to choose a modest center stone while still achieving a glamorous, show-stopping look.

4. Design Flexibility

Halos are incredibly versatile. You can pair them with any diamond shape (oval, cushion, emerald, pear, round), experiment with two-tone metals, or add a hidden halo for a modern touch.

5. Extra Protection

The smaller diamonds around the center stone act as a cushion, offering a bit of protection from direct knocks or damage. This can be especially beneficial for softer gemstones like morganite or aquamarine.

Benefits of a Ring Without a Halo

1. Timeless Elegance

There’s a reason solitaires have remained popular for generations. A clean, non-halo setting allows the beauty and quality of the center diamond to shine without distraction. It’s a style that never goes out of fashion.

2. Low Maintenance

Fewer stones mean fewer places for dirt to collect — and fewer potential repairs over time. Non-halo rings are easier to clean and maintain, especially for daily wear.

3. Ideal for Active Lifestyles

If your partner has a hands-on job or leads a very active lifestyle, a simple solitaire or low-profile setting is less likely to snag on clothes or gloves. It’s more practical for long-term daily wear.

4. Investment in the Center Stone

With no additional halo to budget for, you can allocate more of your funds toward the cut, clarity, and carat weight of the main diamond. This appeals to buyers who want to prioritize the quality of the center stone above all.

Budget Considerations

Here’s how the two styles compare when it comes to value:

• Halo rings can create a visually bigger impact for less money. For example, a 1-carat diamond with a halo can cost less than a 1.5-carat solitaire but look just as large.
• Non-halo rings allow you to invest more deeply into a premium stone, since you’re not paying for extra side diamonds or design elements.

Ultimately, the best value depends on your priorities — visual size or diamond quality.

Design and Personality

Your ring choice is also a reflection of personal style. Here’s how to think about that:

• Halo rings often appeal to those who love glamour, sparkle, vintage details, and modern fashion.
• Non-halo rings are best for those who prefer simplicity, minimalism, tradition, or understated elegance.

Many celebrities and royalty wear both styles. Kate Middleton’s sapphire ring is a classic halo, while Meghan Markle opted for a simple three-stone design. Both are iconic — just different.

Final Thoughts from KRK Jewels

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you choose a halo or a non-halo ring, the best engagement ring is one that reflects your partner’s personality, fits your lifestyle, and symbolizes your love in a meaningful way.

At KRK Jewels, we offer custom-designed rings in both halo and non-halo styles. We’ll walk you through diamond selection, setting types, and personalization options so you can design the perfect ring — on your terms, with your story at the center.

If you’re still undecided, book a consultation with one of our design specialists. We’ll show you how each style looks and feels in real life — and help you compare sparkle, price, and wearability.

Your perfect ring is waiting — and we’re here to help you find it.