Side Stone Ring: Complete Style & Buying Guide

Whenever it comes to an engagement ring, the hidden halo ring is always mentioned. It's an updated version of the halo ring and a very unique ring style. As a jewelry expert, I have studied the hidden halo ring very closely, its anatomy, history, symbolism, trends, and much more. Today, I'm going to share that knowledge with you. Read till the end, because you are going to learn a lot of things about hidden halo engagement rings. What Is a Hidden Halo Ring? Understanding the Basics A hidden halo ring features a focal gemstone, often a diamond, but its design differs from a traditional halo ring, where tiny diamonds encircle the main stone. In a hidden halo, the tiny diamonds are placed beneath the main stone, making them invisible from a top view. These tiny diamonds are typically set using pavé or micro-pave settings, and they are visible from the side, creating a beautiful effect. You can think of it like a well-tailored suit; its intricate details are only visible from certain angles. This design not only highlights the focal diamond but also adds multiple layers of diamonds, a feature not found in traditional halo designs. Hidden halo rings come in various styles, such as single hidden halo, double hidden halo (which provides extra sparkle), and profile halo (which enhances the side view of the ring). Hidden halo rings offer ample customization options, making this ring style perfect for those who want unique and personalized jewelry. Halo vs. Hidden Halo: The Key Difference We often receive customer inquiries asking why they should choose a hidden halo ring when it looks simple from the top view, and why they shouldn't just opt for a regular halo ring instead. We never favor one ring style over another; all ring styles are beautiful and elegant. What truly matters is your preference. To help you understand which of the two, the halo or the hidden halo ring, is more suitable for you, let's compare them in detail. A traditional halo surrounds the center diamond, creating an eye-catching design. A hidden halo, on the other hand, doesn't directly display the accent stones; it keeps them somewhat mysterious. The biggest difference with a hidden halo is that it allows the focal diamond to showcase its individual existence, making even a modestly sized diamond appear larger without being flashy. Regarding uniqueness, its uniqueness is visible from the side view. This is why a hidden halo looks different from different angles, and that's its special characteristic. So, if you want simplicity and uniqueness in your ring, the hidden halo is the perfect choice. Why Choose a Hidden Halo Ring? The Benefits Explained Every ring style has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from other ring styles. The hidden halo ring also has several such characteristics, such as: More brilliance: The accent diamonds, which are placed beneath the focal diamond, reflect light towards the center diamond, making it appear brighter. Statement Ring Look: A hidden halo subtly elevates a classic solitaire into a striking statement piece. The added diamonds introduce more facets that catch and reflect light in more efficient way. Versatility: Hidden halo rings look good with any diamond shape, such as round, oval, princess, emerald, pear, and cushion. Customization: You can have numerous customization options by choosing different metal colors, diamond colors, setting styles, and additional layers of accent stones. In my experience, the hidden halo ring is most suitable for those who want to buy a ring for everyday wear that looks luxurious and is also durable. Unlike traditional halo rings, which can look overly flashy, the hidden halo is the perfect blend of elegance and beauty. Is the hidden halo ring trending? The hidden halo ring was one of the trending engagement ring styles in 2025 and will continue to be in 2026. The popularity of the hidden halo ring has been continuously increasing since 2020, with celebrities playing a significant role. Many celebrities have chosen hidden halo rings for their fiancés instead of traditional ring styles. A prime example is Hailey Bieber; her original engagement ring was a solitaire, but her upgraded engagement ring is a hidden halo ring featuring a 10-carat oval diamond. Besides Hailey Bieber, there are other celebrities who have worn a hidden halo engagement ring, such as Blake Lively, Kourtney Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Zendaya. Therefore, due to celebrity influence and its unique design, the hidden halo ring is currently trending. The Right Diamond or Center Stone Cut for a Hidden Halo Ring Round Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Oval Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Princess Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Emerald Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Cushion Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now I suggest that when buying a hidden halo ring, you prioritize the color of diamonds and metal, too. The hidden halo design already enhances the sparkle, and since the diamonds are smaller, clarity won't matter as much. However, the diamond's color and the metal's color can significantly change the overall look of the ring. Therefore, consider the color along with the diamond cut when choosing a hidden halo ring. Design elements often used in hidden halo rings Just as solitaire rings typically feature prong settings, a single stone, and a simple band, hidden halo rings also utilize specific elements that make them truly unique. Stone Setting Style Hidden halo rings primarily use pavé, bezel, or micro-prong settings. Bezel and prong settings are often used for the focal diamond, while micro-prong settings are commonly used for the accent diamonds. Band Style Cathedral bands are often used in hidden halo rings to elevate the focal diamond, while the shank remains straight. Metal Options There are no limitations on the type of metal used in hidden halo rings. Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum are all commonly used. However, 18k and 14k gold are frequently chosen for added durability. With so many options, you can have a heavily customized hidden halo ring. But a perfect ring isn't defined solely by its design; it's also recognized by its balance, harmony, and durability. Different Types Of Hidden Halo Rings There are different types of hidden halo rings, which are categorized based on the number and design of the halos. Single Hidden halo ring: There is one halo layer beneath the center diamond. Double hidden halo: There are two parallel rows of accent diamonds. Profile hidden halo: The diamonds are set using micro-prong and basket settings directly beneath the focal diamond. Twisted Band Hidden Halo: This hidden halo design further accentuates the twist of a split or twisted band. Practical Considerations While Buying a Hidden Halo Ring While buying a hidden halo ring, there are several things to keep in mind that will help you choose a ring that's perfect for you. Based on my experience, I've noted these points that you should definitely consider when making your purchase: If you're buying the ring for stacking, consider the design of your wedding band. An open wedding band would be ideal. Due to their small size, accent diamonds require extra care. Choose a secure diamond setting to prevent the accent diamonds from falling out. The prongs in the halo setting shouldn't snag on clothing or feel bulky on your finger. There should be harmony and balance among the elements of the ring. All the prongs should be of equal size, and all the accent diamonds should be identical. Hidden Halo Ring Style: Conclusion The hidden halo ring style is an upgraded version of the traditional halo engagement ring style. In a regular halo ring, the focal diamond is surrounded by accent diamonds, which are placed around the main stone. In a hidden halo ring, however, small accent diamonds are set beneath the focal diamond, making them visible only from the side. This is the unique characteristic of the hidden halo ring: it allows the focal diamond to take center stage from the top view while still maintaining the halo effect. The popularity of hidden halo rings has continued to increase since 2020, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Paris Hilton, Blake Lively, and Kourtney Kardashian contributing to its growing appeal. Hidden halo rings come in various types, such as single halo, double halo, and profile halo. The hidden halo ring is not just an upgrade to the halo ring style; it's a new identity in its own right.

With changing times, people's preferences also change. In modern times, people want modern jewelry. In our 5 years of journey as a jeweler, we have seen solitaire and halo rings dominating the market, as discussed in our previous articles. Now, the side stone ring has emerged as a new competitor in the race. Let's find out today how the side stone engagement ring is giving tough competition to the evergreen solitaire and halo rings. Will this ring style be able to maintain its charm for a long time? Today, we will present a complete analysis of the side stone ring so that you can decide whether a side stone ring is perfect for you or not. Let's begin a journey into the world of side stone rings. What Is a Side Stone Ring? As the name suggests, a ring with stones set on the sides in addition to the center diamond is called a side stone ring. Halo and solitaire rings mainly revolve around the center stone, and their primary purpose is to highlight the focal diamond. The main purpose of a side stone ring is to enhance the overall look of the ring. There are many types of side stone rings. The special thing about this ring style is that it offers you a lot of customization options. In this type of ring, you can also find diamonds with modern facet cuts such as half-moon cut, trapezoid cut, tapered baguette cut, bullet cut, etc. A side stone ring is truly a perfect blend of classic and modern styles. Anatomy of a Side Stone Engagement Ring The anatomy of a side stone ring is mainly about the harmony between the elements used in it. While the center diamond is the focal point, the role of the side stones is not just to highlight the center diamond. The design of this ring style is such that all the elements work together to create a unique beauty in the ring. There are no fixed parameters for a side stone ring, such as whether there will be 3 or 5 stones on the side, but there is a minimum of 3 stones. The most trending side stone ring is the 3-stone ring, where the three stones represent the couple's past, present, and future. The main principle behind its anatomy is beauty with balance. You will find stones of different colors, cuts, shapes, and sizes, yet they will all be in balance and harmony. This means that no single element will draw all the attention; all the elements together enhance the beauty of the ring. Primary Classification of Side Stone Engagement Rings (By Cut Style) Side stone ring designs are primarily divided into three categories: side stone rings with brilliant-cut stones, side stone rings with modern-cut stones, and a mix of both. To understand this in detail, we need to understand brilliant-cut and modern-cut diamonds. Brilliant diamond cuts include the older and classic cuts such as round, pear, oval, princess, marquise, etc. Therefore, rings with diamonds of these types of cuts are called brilliant-cut side stone rings. In contrast, modern cut rings use newer and modified diamond cuts, which are mostly modifications of brilliant cuts, such as bullet cut, half moon cut, tapered baguette, etc. Side Stone Rings with Brilliant-Cut Stones Here at DIAGAA, you'll mostly find side stone rings with brilliant-cut stones. Brilliant-cut side stone rings feature a combination of sparkling brilliant-cut stones, such as round, oval, pear, etc. Brilliant-cut stones have been trending for a long time and will continue to be popular. Rings with brilliant-cut diamonds look both traditional and classic. Although side stone rings with brilliant-cut diamonds are not as fashionable as rings with modern-cut diamonds, their simplicity and established reputation are their defining characteristics. Common Brilliant-Cut Side Stone Shapes Round Oval Pear Marquise Cushion Side Stone Rings with Modern-Cut (Step & Fancy Cut) Stones Modern diamond cuts include shapes that have been invented recently. Modern cut diamonds are mostly modifications of the brilliant cut, so their brilliance and sparkle are also quite spectacular. However, due to the updated stone shape, a side stone ring with modern-cut diamonds looks quite fashionable. You might be wondering what kind of modifications are made to the brilliant cut to create these fancy-cut stones. Let's understand this with an example, such as the ring with bullet-cut diamonds. It comes in the shape of a bullet, which is created from the baguette shape. The difference is that the bullet-shaped diamonds are pointed at the bottom, making them resemble a bullet. Modern cut rings usually have only 3 or 5 stones because it is difficult to manufacture and fit them into the design in smaller sizes. Common Modern-Cut Side Stone Shapes Baguette Trapezoid Half-moon Bullet Tapered Baguette Mixed-Cut Side Stone Engagement Rings Many beautifully curated side stone rings are created by skillfully combining classic brilliant-cut and modern-cut diamonds. Modern-cut diamonds often play the role of side stones, while brilliant-cut diamonds serve as the center stone. For example, a combination might feature half-moon-cut diamonds on the sides and curved brilliant-cut diamonds, like round ones, in the center. Other combinations include straight faceted diamonds, straight-edged diamonds such as bullet-cut placed horizontally on the band with shaped brilliant stones in the center. This hybrid approach is frequently seen in customized side stone rings, offering a glimpse of both vintage and modern styles. Side Stone Layouts & Design Architecture Above, we saw that side stones are divided into three groups based on the diamond cuts used in them. Now let's discuss the different ways these elements can be arranged in side stones. The answer is three ways. Symmetrical side stone layouts The symmetrical side stone layout is a classic and traditional design in which diamonds of the same cut and mostly the same color are used. So, if the center diamond is a round cut, the side stones will also be round. This creates a balanced and uniform look that appears very elegant and regal. Brilliant-cut diamonds are most commonly used in this layout. Asymmetrical & fashion-forward layouts In asymmetrical layout rings, you'll find diamonds of different shapes and colors. This type of side stone ring is worn for a fashionable look. Besides the diamond shape and color, you'll see different stone settings used. Despite the varied elements, the ring's design is crafted to maintain balance, which is achieved by using the same setting technique on both sides. For example, if a blue bullet-cut diamond is on one side in a prong setting, the same will be for the other side. Furthermore, this type of ring design is often abstract and vintage-inspired. This layout usually features a mix of modern and brilliant-cut stones, meaning these rings are created with a hybrid approach. Side Stone Settings Explained In any ring style, the role of stone setting is very important. The setting determines the security of the stone and the overall look of the ring. In side stone rings, there are no limitations on stone setting; you can choose different settings for the center diamond and side stones according to the ring design and customer requirements. For example, a simple three-stone ring often uses a prong setting, while rings with many side stones typically use a pavé setting. Currently, rings with a hidden halo setting are also quite trendy. The Most Famous Side Stone Ring Styles: Three-Stone and Five-Stone Rings Side stone rings come in many varieties, defined by the cut, type, setting, and number of stones used, such as a 3-stone round diamond ring, a halo ring with a pave band, etc. However, the two most popular types are the 3-stone ring and the 5-stone ring. A 3-stone ring features one center stone and two side stones. The three gemstones represent your past, present, and future, and this symbolism is what makes this type of ring so popular. Traditionally, 3-stone rings featured three stones of the same shape, but nowadays, to make them more fashionable, stones of different shapes and colors are set in various settings. To add further appeal, jewelers create combinations of metal and stone colors. For example, a rose gold ring might have a ruby as the center stone in a prong setting and an oval shape, with pear-shaped diamonds as the side stones. This makes the ring colorful and gives it a customized look. Side Stone Vs Solitaire Ring Style Feature Side Stone Ring Solitaire Ring Design Style Enhanced, elegant, detailed Minimal, classic, timeless Center Stone Emphasis Strong focus with added brilliance Complete focus on one stone Sparkle Level Higher due to accent stones Depends entirely on the center stone Symbolism Support, partnership, balance Pure love, simplicity Customization Options Highly customizable Limited design variations Side Stone Vs Halo Ring Style Feature Side Stone Ring Halo Ring Design Style Refined, balanced, elegant Bold, glamorous, eye-catching Center Stone Appearance Naturally enhanced Appears significantly larger Sparkle Distribution Along the sides Concentrated around the center stone Brilliance Level Moderate to high Very high Design Flexibility Wide range of layouts Decorative but more fixed Should You Buy a Side Stone Ring For Engagement: Conclusion The short answer is yes, but with several conditions. Side stone rings can be simple or fashionable. They come with many diamonds or with just three or five diamonds. If you value both symbolism and fashion, a three-stone ring is the best option for you, as the three stones represent your shared past, present, and future. Side stone rings can offer you a unique experience with modern-cut diamonds. Rings with this type of diamond cut look fashionable and customized. So, if you want a simple and classic look, this won't work; for that, you should choose a ring with a brilliant cut diamond. Side stone rings are available in both symmetrical and asymmetrical styles. Symmetrical rings often use diamonds of the same cuts, while asymmetrical rings use diamonds with different types and colors. So, you can definitely wear a side stone ring as an engagement ring. The question is which style, and that's for you to decide. We hope you'll find your favorite ring in our classic side stone collection.  

New styles of jewelry rings are constantly being created, but behind them are several basic styles. Taking inspiration from these base ring styles and adding creativity, new ring styles are invented. One of these base styles is the halo ring style, a vintage ring style that has carved a special place in people's hearts. Why do people love this ring so much? What's so special about this ring style? Let's find out. What Is a Halo Ring, and Why Is It Special? To be special, something has to be special, and the halo ring has that special something. The halo ring is a popular ring style whose main purpose is to make the center stone appear larger. A halo ring features a center stone as the focal point, which is surrounded by a line of small diamonds (halo). When viewed from above, it gives the impression of a single large diamond. The small diamonds are set using a pavé setting. The small stones surrounding the center diamond are also called melee diamonds, and their size ranges from 0.01 ct to 0.02 ct or even smaller. The special thing about this ring style is that the center diamond appears larger than its actual size. Another feature of this ring style is that less metal is visible, and the diamonds are more prominent. What is the history of the halo ring? Every popular ring style has a history, and the halo ring is no exception. The halo ring was first introduced during the Georgian era in the 18th century. During that time, halo rings featured nature-inspired designs. Later, in the Victorian period, colored stones began to be incorporated. Following that, the Art Deco period saw the creation of geometrically shaped halo rings. The pave-set rings with melee diamonds that we wear today were developed after the 1950s. In total, a history spanning more than 300 years, the halo ring has evolved considerably. Is there any message behind the halo ring? There is a deeper message behind it. The halo ring collectively symbolizes commitment, protection, and love. The center stone represents a strong bond, while the surrounding halo stones symbolize protection and unconditional support. Its beauty reflects the beauty of the relationship. So, this ring is not only beautiful but also meaningful. Are halo rings trending? Modern halo rings with pave settings are trending, and data suggests that 20 to 30 out of every 100 engagement rings sold are halo rings. This means that after solitaire rings, the halo ring is the most popular ring style. Many celebrities have also chosen halo rings as their engagement rings, the most prominent example being Kate Middleton. If you didn't know, there's also an upgraded version of the halo ring called the hidden halo. This hidden halo design is more popular in modern times, but the classic halo is also still very much loved. What Is the Difference Between Halo and Hidden Halo? The hidden halo is a recent upgrade to the traditional halo ring. In a traditional halo, melee diamonds are placed around the center stone for protection and to make the center stone appear larger, as we discussed earlier. Traditional halo rings typically use a pavé setting for the halo. However, the context changes with the hidden halo. The primary symbolism of a hidden halo ring is everlasting support in a relationship without expecting anything in return. In a traditional halo ring, you don't see a focus on the center stone; instead, you see a universal structure of the center and halo diamonds. In a hidden halo, the halo diamonds are placed underneath the center stone, so you can't see them from above, and the center diamond remains clearly in focus. The halo in a hidden halo is only visible when viewed from the side. So, from the top, the focus is on the center stone, and from the side, the focus is on the halo stones. The hidden halo is truly a very unique ring style. Is a halo ring an engagement ring? If 20-30 out of 100 engagement rings are halo rings, then a halo ring is definitely an engagement ring. And any ring style that comes with romantic symbolism can be worn as an engagement ring, because it's the emotion, not the design, that defines the relationship. So you can certainly wear a halo ring as an engagement ring or buy one for your fiancée. Can a Halo Engagement Ring Be Worn Daily? You can wear a halo ring daily because of its durable design, but you will need to take extra care of it. Since halo rings have less metal and more diamonds, there's a risk of losing a stone if proper care isn't taken. Therefore, it's best not to wear your halo ring during strenuous activities such as going to the gym, gardening, or playing sports. Trending halo ring styles Pear Halo Ring Shop Now Marquise Cut Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Cluster Halo Ring Shop Now Pear Lab Diamond Hidden Halo Ring Shop Now Cushion Halo Engagement Ring Shop Now Can a halo ring be customized? Professional jewelers offer you the option to customize your halo ring. They also provide expert suggestions on the type of customized halo ring you should choose. A 3D rendering is used to show you exactly how the ring will look. Because halo rings have many elements, there are numerous customization options available. You can create designs inspired by nature or use multi-colored stones to create a vibrant ring. With hidden halo designs, you can experience curated ring styles using different stone settings, especially pavé, and flush, and countless other customization options are available for your halo ring. Points to keep in mind when shopping for a halo ring Ring selection and ring purchasing are two different aspects. You shouldn't buy a ring just by looking at a picture or a design. Precious rings, especially, are expensive, and you don't buy them every day. You shop for jewelry only occasionally, so make sure you don't regret your choice and that you still enjoy wearing your piece even five years from now. Therefore, keep the following points in mind while purchasing a ring. Know Your Style When shopping for a halo ring, be sure to consider your personal taste. Do you prefer a traditional halo ring or a more modern style like a hidden halo? If you like a simple halo ring, opt for a halo ring with single color diamonds, where both the halo diamonds and the center diamond are the same color. If you prefer something a little fancier, you can choose a ring with multi-colored diamonds, or you can go with a more fancier option in terms of diamond cuts, such as marquise, princess, and radiant diamond cuts instead of the traditional round diamond cut. Know Your Budget Before shopping, be sure to fix your budget. Consider your other financial expenses when shopping for a ring so you can avoid future financial strain. Consider Your Lifestyle When shopping for a halo ring, pay close attention to your lifestyle. Halo rings are best suited for special occasions and are not very practical for everyday wear. This is because they contain a large number of diamonds, and these halo diamonds are very small, making them prone to getting lost. If a diamond is lost, the repair and maintenance costs can be quite expensive. Learn About Gemstones A halo ring is all about diamonds and gemstones; the value of the jewelry is defined by the quality of the stone, along with the metal. Understanding the 4Cs of stone quality, cut, clarity, color, and carat weight is essential when choosing the right ring. If you have a limited budget, you can opt for a stone with lower 4C grades by creating a smart, hybrid budget plan. In my opinion, you should never compromise on the quality of the diamond cut. Instead, choose an excellent cut with a slightly lower color grade. This approach allows you to achieve a high-quality, visually stunning ring while staying within your budget. Check Authenticity If you don't know about diamond and metal certification, you can easily be fooled. The diamond you're told is worth a certain amount by the jeweler might not actually be worth that much. They might give you a lab-grown diamond instead of a natural one, or you might receive 14k metal instead of 18k. To protect yourself from such fraud, always ask jewelers for a metal purity certificate and a diamond grading certificate from agencies like IGI and GIA. Why Halo Ring Looks So Lavish And Beautiful: Conclusion In a halo ring, the center diamond is surrounded by small melee diamonds in such a way that from above, it appears as one large stone. Halo rings feature less metal and more gemstones, which is why this style is so sparkling. They also offer many customization options; you can use multi-colored gemstones in different fancy shapes to create an artistic piece. If you want an extra modern design, a hidden halo ring is a fantastic option, where the halo diamonds are fitted underneath the focal stone instead of around it, making them visible only from the side. Besides being beautiful, the halo ring is also highly symbolic. It has a history of 300 years; the focal diamond represents an unbreakable bond, and the surrounding diamonds symbolize protection and support in the relationship.