The halo style of engagement rings has endured in popularity from the Middle Ages to the modern present with little-to-no loss of approval over the years. Just why is this style of ring so popular? Is it because of the beautiful flourish the encircling diamonds add to the piece? Is it perhaps due to how the diamonds accentuate the center stone? Whatever the reason may be, halo engagement rings have remained an ever-popular choice for hundreds of years. Let’s take a look now at the history of this elegant style and some of the halo engagement rings we have crafted at Knox Jewelers for our valued customers in the past.
In the 18th century, the first rings which could be considered to be of the halo style were created. These rings were typically set with a center stone encircled by smaller diamonds or pearls. They were not the micro-style diamonds we see in modern halo engagement rings, but rather small round diamonds which gave the rings a very elegant appearance. As the ages progressed into the Victorian era, jewelers began to utilize different kinds of gems for the center stone, including sapphires, rubies, and turquoise. Additionally, they also began to include various kinds of patterns such as milgrain or filigree.
As the techniques were adopted by jewelers in the 20th century, halo style rings began to look more and more like the modern ones we craft for our clients today. The 1920’s gave birth to an art movement known as the Art Deco Era, and jewelers began to use symmetrical and geometrically-inspired patterns to craft their halo designs. There also existed an emphasis on concentric circles in the design of those rings. Finally, the artists of this era also began to utilize streamlined designs that were far more sleek without sacrificing the elegance of previous eras.
But, as we all know, history is seldom so clear-cut and linear. As the 1950’s rolled around, the more sumptuous styles of those bygone generations began to make a comeback in popular fashion. Thus, we saw a rise in the more colorful flourishes that graced the jewelry of the Victorian era. The use of the halo style in bridal wear was also rather diminished during this time for the aforementioned reasons. And, as history would have it, as jewelry progressed into the 1960’s and 70’s, these bold styles continued to develop. Hardly any classic halo style rings were seen during the period between the 70’s and the 90’s.
You might think that those styles from the majority of the 20th century would have continued in force, right? Well, you would be wrong. History turned around yet again and the modern era has brought with it a reemergence of the classic halo style rings that graced the fingers of many during those bygone times. Whether or not this reemerged style is here to stay is up to the whimsy of fate, but we do know that it is still one of the most beautiful, elegant, and exquisite styles of rings that will never completely go away, as history as so well proven.
At Knox Jewelers, we take great pride in crafting the most beautiful and stunning halo engagement rings on the market. We have been handcrafting these lovely rings since the day we opened our doors to our first customers, and they have still held on to their popularity. There are just so many different ways that these rings can be customized and modified to create unique characters and patterns that your special someone will absolutely adore. Let us take some time to show you some of these beautiful rings we have created for our customers in the past.
Design 2853: Classic and Stunning
Design 2853 is bound to catch the eye with its inspired designs from the earliest years of the halo style. We surrounded a intensely blue, large sapphire stone with round brilliant diamonds in much the same way that these kinds of rings were crafted in Victorian times. All the elements of this beautiful ring point towards and frame the stunning center stone. If you are looking for a modern twist on a classic, gorgeous design, then our Design 2853 proves that it can be done.
Design 2624: An Innovative Take on a Classic Style
When we created our Design 2624 halo engagement ring, we wanted to innovate on the classic designs that came before. Now, the classic style of halo rings uses diamonds in almost all cases; for this design, we wanted to try something different. That is why we surrounded a round, brilliant 0.75 carat diamond with a stunning array of micro pavé emeralds, all of which are set upon a platinum split shank band. What this design proves is that a classic style can be re-imagined in a very beautiful way – the use of a bright gem like emerald truly makes this piece an absolutely stunning work of art.
Design 3004: Bold and Mesmerizing
14k yellow gold serves as the baseline for this bold and flashy halo ring. Instead of simply surrounding the 2.00 carat oval cut diamond with one halo of framing diamonds, we crafted two rings of beautiful round cut diamonds in a bold style that is reminiscent of the ones seen throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Since any kind of gem can be used for the center stone, you can imagine the kinds of brilliant variations that could be crafted off the baseline of Design 3004.
Thus, you have seen the rich and varied history of the halo engagement ring style. Throughout the ages, it’s classic version has risen and fallen in popularity, but has always remained elegant and exquisite. At Knox Jewelers, we are proud to have made many such halo style rings for our customers, all of whom have overwhelmingly approved of and admired these beautiful designs. Whether or not the classic variants continue to be popular into the future or a new variation of this classic style takes hold, you will always find some of the most cutting edge and unique designs in the world at Knox Jewelers.
If you have any questions at all about our halo engagement rings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
