This is a certain setting that encircles a center gemstone or a cluster of gemstones with other stones. The circle of gemstones around the center is the halo. These gemstones can be diamonds as well as rubies or other gemstones. Most of the time a halo is used to create an illusion.
This setting was first used during the Art Deco period in the 1920’s. Like a lot of objects created during this period, a halo ring has that bit of extra. The gemstones in the halo can be seen as the lavish decoration that we often find in Art Deco. We also find the characteristic of the geometric in the halo ring, which is also typical of the art deco period.
In this picture we see a stunning Art Deco ring crafted out of 18K goud. In the center we find nine rose cut diamond, these are encircled by calibré cut rubies. Because the creator draws attention to the red halo, he creates the illusion that there is only one big diamond in the middle.
A halo can be used for two reasons. To make the center stone(s) look bigger or to accent the center. When a halo is made out of the same gemstones as the Centerstone, people will think your ring has one big gemstone. Not only will your stone appear larger, it will also sparkle more because the light can hit more facets than the 58 one brilliant cut stone has. Bearing in mind that Art deco was very decorative, it is understandable that this halo was also used to give a ring that little bit more. It gives a couple of extra details and gives the whole ring a geometric touch.
On the left the goldsmith wanted to accent the beautiful ruby in the center. On the right, the halo was used to create the illusion that there is only one big stone.
Because a halo has so many benefits, it is still often used in modern rings and other jewels. As usual, it is also given a modern touch, for example, these halos are also used in square shapes. We have to be honest, any gemstone flanked by others gets that little bit extra by the resulting contrast or the enhancement of their corresponding properties.
