Halo Engagement Rings

Accents echo whatever sits inside them: cushions get softened corners, pears a teardrop border, marquise a slim pointed oval. Oval, round, Asscher and radiant fit the widest choice of designs, while princess, emerald, heart, pear and marquise trail only slightly. Longer outlines gain extra apparent length once framed.

Pavé running down each shoulder is what most of these designs carry, so sparkle continues well past that border. A bare shank keeps the gaze on top and nests more easily against a later band.

• Pavé shank: unbroken glitter from crown to shoulder.
• Split shank: metal forks into twin rails beneath a larger head.
• Milgrain, filigree: beaded rims and lacy cutouts with an estate mood.

All designs can be cast in white, yellow or rose gold, platinum, or Silvadium, our tarnish-resistant sterling silver. Pale metals melt halo and center together; warmer golds outline each tiny stone in color. Fancy-color centers (pink, blue, yellow, green) slot into most of them too.

Tiny accents trap hand cream sooner than anything else on a ring. Give it a short bath of tepid, lightly soaped water, sweep beneath the crown using an old soft toothbrush, then rinse well. Remove it before weight sessions or garden chores, and book a yearly prong inspection.