While the halo engagement ring is SO now, it is also SO then.

So, what is it about the halo-style ring that has allowed it to withstand the test of time?

Simple. The focus is the center stone.

 

The halo concept was created to accentuate the central diamond by encircling it with smaller stones all of the same size. Often you will see that the halo is physically separated from the central stone by a sliver of space.

 

In this way, the halo ring embodies the ideology that we cannot have light without the dark, or dark without the light – for it is the dark space between the halo and the center diamond that defines the stone’s light and allows it to brilliantly shine.

 

In the Victorian ring below, the dark is literally defined by a ring of black onyx. This demarcation allows for the central stone to shine, and intensifies the brilliance of the halo diamonds

 

Each antique raw diamond held a unique opportunity, and was approached thoughtfully by talented artisans.

The stone was most likely cut by a human hand and reflects the artist who created the facets and decided upon the setting – because of this, antique and vintage diamonds are not cookie-cutter perfect – and this is the very reason why they are undeniably special and exhibit a one-of-a-kind character and personality.

 

The consummate halo-style ring was originally introduced in the 1920s. Over previous decades, jewelers had handed their knowledge down from generation to generation, and by the Art Deco Era had established a high level of workmanship that produced deliberate, finely crafted details.

 

The negative inner space around the halo immediately draws your eye to the center diamond of the below Art Deco Era ring.

 

Contemporary halo-style engagement rings almost always surround the center diamond with the typical wreath of pave-set diamonds, and there are no individualistic details that allow these pieces to stand out in a crowd.

 

So, let’s take a look at antique and vintage halo-style rings through the ages, pieces that exhibit both the beautiful craftsmanship and the exquisite detailing lacking in modern rings.

 

Victorian Era

In the Victorian Era, diamond cluster rings were popular and these pieces typically featured a central diamond encircled by a tight cluster of smaller, or similarly-sized diamonds, in yellow gold, rose gold, or silver-topped gold settings. Diamond cluster rings were much more modest in price than the classic diamond solitaire (the solitaire fork-mount was introduced in 1886 by Charles Louis Tiffany).

 

Edwardian Era

This Edwardian ring has moved toward the traditional halo style – the design is more airy and light, conjuring the feeling of delicacy that was prevalent in jewelry of this era.

 

Art Deco Era

The Art Deco Era is the birthplace of the halo-style ring. Diamonds became popular for use as a center stone. Platinum or white gold settings promoted the brilliance of the diamonds. New diamonds cuts were introduced – the baguette was one, and offered a geometric look that characterized Art Deco design.

 

Retro & Midcentury Eras

Retro and Midcentury Eras saw a resurgence in the popularity of the diamond halo ring and large diamond cluster rings.

The halo engagement ring resurfaced in popularity in the 1980s, then again just decades later.

 

Today, modern halo-style rings have saturated the engagement ring market, and some of the pieces are even labeled with the unconvincing moniker “vintage style.”

 

Authentic vintage and antique halo rings exhibit a character and artistry that will accent your personality in a unique way in which contemporary pieces cannot begin to compare.

 

If you have any questions, you can reach our knowledgeable staff at 206.441.7711, or e-mail Isadoras Antique Jewelry at info@isadoras.com.

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