When it comes to engagement rings, there’s something irresistibly enchanting about the details you don’t see right away. Among today’s most talked-about designs is the hidden halo engagement ring, a modern twist on a timeless concept. From royal history to expert craftsmanship, this guide explores everything you need to know about hidden halos: their purpose, how they're made, and why they're capturing the hearts of modern brides across London, the UK and beyond.

What Is a Hidden Halo Engagement Ring?

A hidden halo engagement ring features a delicate circle of small diamonds tucked beneath the centre stone, rather than surrounding it from above like a traditional halo. This subtle setting elevates the centre diamond, often a stunning oval cut, while adding extra brilliance from angles only visible upon closer inspection.

The beauty of the hidden halo is in its discretion. It doesn’t shout for attention, but when viewed from the side, it gives off a refined shimmer that enhances the ring’s elegance without overshadowing the main stone.

A Glimpse Into the History of Hidden Halos

While traditional halo rings date back to the Georgian era, the hidden halo is a far more recent innovation. Gaining popularity in the 2010s, hidden halos were designed to offer something fresh to couples looking for understated luxury. Jewellers began adapting this trend using cutting-edge techniques and even lab grown diamonds, which are gaining traction for their ethical and environmental benefits.

Why Choose a Hidden Halo Ring?

So, what is the point of a hidden halo ring? In essence, it offers:

• Extra sparkle from unexpected angles

• A touch of modern sophistication

• Visual emphasis on the centre stone

• A more secure mount for certain cuts like oval or pear

Hidden halos are often selected by those who appreciate detail and elegance, without the flashiness of a full traditional halo.

Can a Hidden Halo Be Added to an Existing Engagement Ring?

In many cases, Yes! A hidden halo can be added to an existing setting during a redesign. Our skilled jewellers in London, UK can often retrofit a lab grown diamond ring to include a hidden halo, as long as the centre stone is high-set enough to accommodate the new detail. It’s a creative way to breathe new life into a cherished ring. If you're considering a redesign, you can book an appointment with one of our experts to explore your options.

What’s the Difference Between a Halo and a Hidden Halo?

The key difference lies in visibility and design placement:

• A halo ring surrounds the centre stone from a top-down view.

• A hidden halo tucks those accent diamonds beneath the stone, offering sparkle from the side.

While a traditional halo can sometimes make a ring appear larger, a hidden halo draws more attention to the centre stone itself, making it ideal for an oval or round cut, which already offers impressive finger coverage.

Are Hidden Halos Out of Date?

Absolutely not. Despite their surge in popularity over the past decade, hidden halo engagement rings continue to evolve with new design interpretations. In fact, they’re increasingly being paired with lab grown diamonds, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability. Many trend forecasts indicate hidden halos are here to stay, not as a fad, but as a staple of modern elegance.

Do Hidden Halo Stones Fall Out?

Any ring with accent stones carries a risk of loss over time, especially if the setting isn’t properly maintained. However, hidden halos are often less exposed than traditional halos, which may actually protect the diamonds better. When crafted by an experienced jeweller, especially ours based in London, UK, the stones are set tightly to minimise this risk.

Regular check-ups and professional cleanings will go a long way in preserving both the beauty and security of your ring.

Are Hidden Halos Just a Fad?

While some might have seen the hidden halo as a trend in its early days, it’s clear by now that it has staying power. Its subtle glamour and compatibility with oval centre stones, as well as its modern take on romance, make it a favourite among minimalist and vintage-inspired brides alike. When combined with lab grown diamonds, hidden halos appeal to a whole new generation prioritising beauty and responsibility.

Explore our best-selling oval solitaire with hidden halo to see how this design balances modern sophistication with timeless elegance.

Do Hidden Halos Get Dirty?

All rings gather dirt over time, especially under the setting. Since hidden halos are, by nature, tucked beneath the centre stone, they can trap dust and oil. But with regular care, such as at-home soaking you should be fine! We also offer free annual cleaning on our engagement rings.

Does a Hidden Halo Reduce Sparkle?

On the contrary, a hidden halo increases sparkle, just not in the traditional way. Rather than competing with the centre stone, the hidden halo complements it from below, casting flashes of light as the ring moves. This makes it an especially dazzling choice for oval cuts, which already have plenty of fire.

If you opt for lab grown diamonds in your hidden halo, you'll get the same brilliance as mined stones, often at a better price point and with a lighter environmental footprint.

Customising Your Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

One of the most exciting aspects of choosing a hidden halo engagement ring is the opportunity to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re starting fresh or redesigning an heirloom piece, customisation adds a deeply personal touch.

Engravings: Add a romantic message, initials, or an important date on the inside of the band. These hidden inscriptions can make your ring feel even more meaningful.

Hidden Birthstones: Some couples are now including tiny birthstones beneath the halo or on the inner band, a sentimental and colourful nod to each other’s birth months. This works beautifully whether you're using natural or lab grown diamonds, and can be added discreetly into the design.

Changing the Stone Cut: While the oval cut is a favourite for hidden halo settings due to its lengthening effect on the finger, you can also opt for other shapes like pear, emerald, or round brilliant. Each cut brings a different personality and can completely transform the way the hidden halo interacts with light.

Whatever your style, our custom design consultations in London, UK are the perfect way to bring your dream ring to life. Book an appointment today to start designing something truly one of a kind.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the discreet sparkle, love the idea of a customisable design, or want to pair an oval cut with a modern twist, the hidden halo engagement ring could be the perfect fit. Add to that the rising popularity of lab grown diamonds and it’s clear: hidden halos are more than a moment, they’re a movement.

Ready to explore hidden halo styles? Book an appointment with one of our jewellery specialists and find a ring that’s as unique as your love story.