Engagement Rings: Why They’re Still One of Australia’s Most-Loved Styles

I’ve spent more years than I can count writing about engagement rings, weddings, and the whole emotional circus that surrounds them. Yet every so often, a particular style rises above the noise and settles in as a quiet favourite. The halo diamond engagement ring is one of those designs. If you’ve ever seen one sparkle under soft café lighting or on a friend’s hand at brunch, you’ll know exactly what I mean. There’s something incredibly charming about that extra “glow” halo settings give off — a bit like a spotlight that refuses to dim.

But the deeper I’ve looked into halos, the more I’ve realised they’re not just pretty. They’re surprisingly clever from a design perspective. And honestly, the way they’ve evolved in the past decade says a lot about how modern couples think about luxury, value, sustainability, and style.

I wanted to dig into why halo rings are still having a moment in Australia and why brides (and grooms) keep coming back to them even when minimalism has tried its hardest to take over.

The quiet genius of the halo

One thing I love about halos is that they work for just about everyone. If you’re the kind of person who loves classic elegance, you can go for a round brilliant centre with a simple micro-pavé halo. If you’re more of a vintage romantic with a soft spot for old-world glamour, an Art Deco-inspired double halo or geometric frame feels like something pulled from a Parisian antique shop.

You might not know this, but the halo actually dates back to the Georgian era. That’s right — long before TikTok trends and wedding inspo boards, jewellers were using small stones to frame a larger gem to emphasise its size. They were onto something because that principle hasn’t changed at all.

Here’s the magic: halos make the central stone look bigger than it is. Not in a trick-the-eye “fake” way, but in a beautifully balanced optical kind of way. It’s a bit like choosing the right picture frame. Get it right, and the whole piece comes alive.

For anyone who wants a ring that feels luxurious without blowing the whole wedding budget, a halo can be a lifesaver. You can choose a slightly smaller centre diamond and still end up with a ring that looks incredibly grand.

A modern shift: sustainability and lab made options

Now, if you’ve been anywhere near the jewellery world over the past few years, you’ll know there’s been a quiet revolution happening: lab grown diamonds. I’ve spoken to dozens of jewellers in Sydney and Melbourne who say the same thing — couples today ask more questions. They care where their diamonds come from. They care about value. They care about ethics.

And this is where things get interesting.

A halo diamond engagement ring pairs beautifully with lab made diamonds because the price difference between mined and lab grown stones means you can either save money or upgrade to a larger, more brilliant centre. Honestly, I was surprised by how many people now choose lab grown stones simply because they love the idea of transparency.

There’s also something refreshing about the shift. It’s less about status these days and more about meaning. A ring that aligns with your values somehow shines differently, and I genuinely think that’s part of why halo settings have remained so popular — they adapt to modern tastes without losing their timeless charm.

If you’re curious about how the rise of lab made diamonds is shaping the global market, there was a surprisingly insightful breakdown about the UK and Malaysia’s industry trends here.

Styles that Australians keep coming back to

I’ve noticed a few halo styles pop up again and again among Aussie buyers, and they’re honestly quite different from what was trending five or ten years ago.

Oval halo rings. These ones flew under the radar for years, then suddenly became the belle of the ball. They elongate the finger, they feel feminine, and there’s a soft modernity to their shape.

Cushion halos. A personal favourite. Cushions offer a romantic, almost dreamy look. Paired with a halo, they’re warm and classic without feeling old-fashioned.

Hidden halos. This is where things get clever. Instead of surrounding the centre stone, the halo sits underneath it, adding extra sparkle when you view the ring from the side. It’s subtle, a bit architectural, and very popular with people who want something less traditional.

Geometric or double halos. These are for the person who wants their ring to be a small piece of wearable art. Think Great Gatsby energy, sharp lines, strong shapes, and a full-on fireworks effect.

If you want a lovely example of how modern jewellers interpret these styles, I found this page genuinely helpful when I was researching different design options.

It’s not overly salesy, and it gives a good sense of how halo designs have evolved, especially for lab grown centre stones.

How halo rings perform in real life

Here’s something people rarely talk about: everyday practicality.

I’ve worn quite a few halo rings during photoshoots and media tests, and they’re surprisingly sturdy when crafted well. The small diamonds in the halo do need occasional checking — especially if you’re someone who frequently knocks your hands on things (guilty). But overall, a properly made halo ring holds up beautifully.

Cleaning is another thing to consider. Halos collect dust more easily than solitaire settings, simply because of all the little gaps and pavé stones. A quick soak in warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush once a week keeps everything sparkling. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys jewellery care, halos are fun to maintain. If not, well… you learn to love the ritual.

The emotional pull of the halo

For all the talk about sparkle, carat sizes, and diamond sourcing, the emotional side of choosing a halo ring is what sticks with me.

Every time I interview a bride-to-be or a newly engaged couple, the same thing comes up. Halos feel romantic. They feel like a modern fairy tale ring, a little bit dreamy yet not overdone. Some say the halo reminds them of an aura, a symbol of something glowing around the relationship itself.

There’s a symbolism there that people don’t always articulate, but you can see it in their faces when they slip the ring on. It feels special. It feels intentional. And honestly, that’s probably the most important thing of all.

Choosing the right halo: a jeweller’s insider tips

I’ve spent enough time with jewellers to pick up a few things that most people don’t know when they start shopping.

One jeweller I spoke to in Perth said he can tell within thirty seconds if someone will end up with a halo. “They go straight to the rings that catch the light,” he said, “and halos catch it from every angle.”

Here are a few pieces of advice they tend to give:

Pick your centre stone shape first. The halo should enhance your diamond, not dictate it.

Think about your lifestyle. If you use your hands a lot, a low-set halo may be more practical.

Try on different band widths. Thin bands make the halo look larger and more delicate, while thicker bands give a more grounded, solid feel.

Check craftsmanship closely. Halos have many small stones, so quality matters.

Don’t rush. Engagement ring shopping is an emotional journey, and halos look different on every hand.

The unexpected versatility of a halo

What I find fascinating is how effortlessly halo designs bridge generational tastes. They’re classic enough for traditional brides, glamorous enough for fashion lovers, and practical enough for everyday wearers who just want their ring to look lovely in all types of lighting. You can dress them up or down. They look fantastic with wedding bands and even better stacked with anniversary rings.

And here’s something I didn’t expect: halos are one of the few engagement ring styles that photograph beautifully in almost every scenario. Whether you’re taking a casual sunlit shot on a balcony or a professional engagement shoot, the ring tends to sparkle beautifully with surprisingly little effort. Maybe that’s one reason social media helped halos skyrocket.

So, are halo rings still worth it?

Absolutely. If anything, they’ve proven their staying power. Trends come and go, but halos have settled comfortably into the “modern classic” category. And with the rise of lab grown diamonds making larger centre stones more accessible, halos have only become more appealing.

What I love most is that halo rings let couples express their personality. Whether you want a soft, ethereal glow or a bold, dramatic sparkle bomb, there’s a halo out there for you.

And if you’re still deciding, take your time. Try things on. Notice what makes you smile. The perfect ring isn’t always the one you planned for — sometimes it’s the one that catches your eye unexpectedly and refuses to let go.

A final thought

Choosing an engagement ring is one of those moments that sneaks up on you emotionally. You go in for a “quick look,” and before you know it, you’re imagining future anniversaries, the proposal, the story you’ll tell. A halo diamond engagement ring carries a sense of celebration and lightness that I’ve always found genuinely uplifting.

Maybe that’s why halos continue to shine, year after year. They remind us of the small, radiant moments in life — the ones that glow a little brighter when shared.