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Hidden halo
A hidden halo is a ring of small stones under the center stone, around the head, where you see it from the side rather than from above. It adds sparkle in profile without changing the look of the ring from the top.
What it is
In a traditional halo, the small stones surround the center stone at the girdle, so they are visible face-up and make the stone look larger. In a hidden halo, the same ring of melee sits lower, around the top of the pavilion, under the stone. From above, the ring looks like a clean solitaire. From the side, and from the angle most people see a ring on someone's hand, there is a band of light beneath the stone.
The studio builds it on its own thin rail under the girdle, and it works with every shape and with four or six prongs.
Hidden halo
A ring of small stones under the center stone, around the head.
Why people love it
It keeps the center stone the hero and adds a detail that only shows when the hand moves. It pairs naturally with a pavé band, and it gives a solitaire a little more presence from the side without the extra width of a full halo.
- Sparkle from the side without changing the look from above.
- Keeps the center stone the hero.
Trade-offs
The halo is only seen in profile; from above you have paid for stones that are out of sight. It also adds a few more small stones to keep clean and to check, and it raises the setting slightly to make room for them.
- Only seen in profile.
- A few more small stones to care for.
Who it suits
Someone who wants a clean solitaire look from the top with a surprise from the side. It suits ovals, rounds and cushions especially well, and it is a favourite with a thin pavé band.
Sizes
| Length × width | Depth | Diamond · approx. |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 × 4.3 mm | 2.6 mm | 0.41 ct |
| 7.0 × 5.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 0.65 ct |
| 8.0 × 5.7 mm | 3.4 mm | 0.97 ct |
| 9.0 × 6.4 mm | 3.9 mm | 1.38 ct |
| 10.0 × 7.1 mm | 4.3 mm | 1.90 ct |
Oval center stones that suit a hidden halo, with the approximate diamond weight. The hidden halo itself uses melee of about 1.1 mm. Natural and lab-grown diamonds weigh the same. All figures approx.
What affects the cost
The center stone sets most of the price. A hidden halo adds a ring of small diamonds and the setting time to seat them under the stone, which is more hand work than a plain head. Pavé on the band, if you add it, adds stones and time again.
Every custom piece is quoted after a consultation; there are no posted prices for custom work.
Care
Small stones under the center are harder to reach with a brush, so a soak in warm soapy water does most of the work. Have the halo and the prongs checked at every cleaning.
Clean it at home in warm water with a drop of dish soap and a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Once a year or so, have the prongs checked. Pacific Jewel rings come back to Sara for a clean and an inspection whenever you like.
Questions
Does a hidden halo make the stone look bigger?
Not from above. It adds sparkle from the side; a traditional halo is the one that adds face-up size.
Can a hidden halo go on any shape?
Yes. The studio builds it on rounds, ovals, cushions, emerald cuts, pears, marquises, princess and radiant cuts.
Hidden halo or pavé band?
They are different places for the same idea, and they are often combined: a hidden halo under the stone, pavé along the shoulders.
Does it raise the setting?
Slightly, to make room for the stones under the girdle. Sara keeps the overall height sensible so a wedding band still sits well.