Engagement Ring Setting | Best Engagement Ring Settings: Solitaire, Halo and Hidden Halo

By Eli Butbul, Founder, GoldeNet Australia  |  Updated 10 November 2026

The setting is the part of an engagement ring that holds the diamond and shapes how the whole ring looks and wears. Solitaire, halo and hidden halo settings are three of the most popular choices, and each one suits a different look, lifestyle and budget. This guide compares them honestly, including how they wear day to day and what they need in terms of care.

Key takeaways

• A solitaire puts all the attention on one diamond and is generally simpler to clean and maintain than a halo.
• A halo surrounds the centre diamond with smaller diamonds, adding sparkle and a frame that can make the centre stone appear larger.
• A hidden halo places a row of small diamonds below the centre stone, adding sparkle from the side while keeping a solitaire look from above.
• Settings with many small diamonds need more regular checks, because small claws can wear and stones can loosen over time.
• Choose the setting for the look you love and the way you live, and build its cost into your total budget.

In this guide:

• How a setting holds a diamond
• Solitaire settings
• Halo settings
• Hidden halo settings
• Side-by-side comparison
• How to choose
• Frequently asked questions

How a setting holds a diamond

Most engagement rings hold the centre diamond in one of two ways:

• Claws (prongs) are small metal tips that grip the diamond and leave more of it exposed. Round diamonds are commonly held by four or six claws, and six claws emphasise the round shape. The right claw arrangement depends on the diamond's shape and size, the setting design and its structural requirements. Because claws are raised, they can occasionally catch on fabric.
• A bezel is a rim of metal that surrounds the diamond's edge, which can give the edge additional protection.

How the finished ring looks depends on the individual diamond and the setting design, so it's worth seeing both styles before deciding.

Solitaire, halo and hidden halo designs can all use either method for the centre diamond, so the style you choose and the way the diamond is held are two separate decisions.

Solitaire settings

A solitaire is a single diamond on a band. It is the most classic engagement ring style, and its simplicity puts all the attention on the centre diamond's shape, size and sparkle.

Why couples choose a solitaire

• Timeless look that suits every diamond shape.
• Generally simpler to clean and maintain than a halo, with fewer places for dirt to collect.
• More of the budget for the diamond: a plain solitaire often costs less than a comparable halo, because it generally has fewer accent diamonds and less intricate stone-setting work.

Things to consider

A plain solitaire relies entirely on the centre diamond, so its cut quality and size are on full display. A high claw setting shows off the diamond but is more likely to catch on clothing than a lower or bezel setting. Whether a wedding band sits flush against a solitaire depends on the setting's height and shape; some designs need a curved or fitted wedding band.

Halo settings

A halo setting surrounds the centre diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds. The halo adds sparkle and creates a visual frame around the centre stone, which can make it appear larger. Halos are often combined with a pavé band for even more sparkle.

Why couples choose a halo

• Maximum sparkle from the surrounding diamonds.
• A larger overall look from the top of the ring.
• Design flexibility, for example a halo that follows the centre stone's shape, or a contrasting shape.

Things to consider

A halo has many small diamonds, each held by small claws or beads of metal. These need periodic checks to make sure the stones remain secure, and claws may need re-tipping over time. The extra diamonds and setting work also add to the cost compared with a plain solitaire in the same metal. Whether a wedding band sits flush beside a halo depends on the setting's height and shape, and some designs need a curved or fitted band, so consider the two together.

Hidden halo settings

"Hidden halo" is a jewellery design term rather than a formal grading term, and designs vary from maker to maker. It usually describes a row of small diamonds set beneath the centre stone, around the base of its setting, rather than around the top edge. From above, the ring looks like a solitaire; from the side, the small diamonds add a flash of sparkle and a detailed profile.

Why couples choose a hidden halo

• A clean solitaire look from above with added sparkle from the side.
• A subtle detail that many people enjoy as a personal touch.
• Works with most diamond shapes, including round and oval.

Things to consider

Because it adds small diamonds, a hidden halo needs the same periodic checks as any setting with small stones, and the extra diamonds and setting work add to the cost compared with a plain solitaire. Because its diamonds sit below the centre stone, it doesn't frame the diamond from above the way a traditional halo does. GoldeNet can make hidden halo engagement rings as custom orders; ask us about one as part of a custom engagement ring.

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe left or right to compare settings.

How to choose the right setting

1. Start with the look. Do you prefer one diamond on its own, a framed centre stone, or a solitaire with a hidden detail?
2. Think about daily life. If you work with your hands or wear gloves often, a lower profile or bezel-set centre stone may be more comfortable.
3. Plan for care. Any ring with small diamonds should be checked regularly. Our cleaning and polishing service can help keep a ring looking its best.
4. Consider the wedding band. Whether a band sits flush depends on the engagement ring's setting height and shape; some designs need a curved or fitted wedding band.
5. Budget for the whole ring. Our guide to setting an engagement ring budget explains how to balance the setting and the diamond.

Other popular styles include side stone and three stone engagement rings. You can browse all styles in our engagement rings collection.

Frequently asked questions

Which engagement ring setting is the most durable?

Durability depends on the construction more than the style. A bezel can give the edge of the centre diamond additional protection, while claw settings hold the diamond securely and leave more of it exposed. Designs with many small diamonds need more frequent checks to keep every stone secure.

Does a halo make a diamond look bigger?

A halo creates a frame around the centre diamond, which can make it appear larger from above. A hidden halo doesn't have the same effect from the top, because its small diamonds sit below the centre stone.

How often should I have my engagement ring checked?

Claws can wear over time, so it's sensible to have any engagement ring checked periodically, and more often if it has a halo, pavé band or other small diamonds.

Can I add a halo or hidden halo later?

Adding a halo or hidden halo to an existing engagement ring depends on how the original setting was constructed. Some designs may be adaptable, but significant changes often require replacing or remaking the setting. If you're considering a different design, a new custom engagement ring may be a more practical option.

Related reading

• How much should you spend on an engagement ring in Australia?
• Oval vs round: how to choose
• Lab-grown vs natural diamonds in Australia