Usman Ishaq
Shopping for an engagement ring isn’t like picking out a dress or a watch. This one piece, this one decision, carries so much meaning. And if you’re looking at different styles and wondering how you’re meant to choose between them, you’re definitely not alone.
You don’t need to know all the jewellery terms. You don’t need to follow trends. What you do need is a little clarity on what each style actually means, how it looks, how it feels on your hand, and how it fits into your life.
That’s exactly what this guide is here to do. We’re going to talk through three of the most popular engagement ring styles at Dream Diamonds: solitaire, halo, and hidden halo. We’ll keep it honest, simple, and helpful, guidance to help you feel more confident in your choice.
Solitaire: Clean, Timeless, and Focused on the Diamond
A solitaire is probably the first ring that comes to mind when most people picture an engagement ring, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s simple, elegant, and all about the centre stone.
There are no side diamonds, no halo. Just one diamond, sitting proudly on a band. And that’s the whole point.
It doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is. And in a world full of trends and sparkle overload, that kind of simplicity is pretty refreshing.
Why people love it
A solitaire puts all the attention on the diamond, which makes it feel incredibly intentional. You’re not hiding behind extra details, you're letting the quality of the stone do the talking.
It also pairs well with everything. Whether you're stacking it with a diamond band later or wearing it solo for years, it always fits. You could choose a round, oval, or emerald cut and it’ll still look balanced and beautiful.
Is it right for you?
Solitaire rings tend to speak to people who appreciate restraint. If you want something that won’t date, something you won’t get tired of seeing on your hand every day, this is probably the direction to lean.
But it’s also the style where the diamond matters most. With nothing to distract the eye, cut and clarity really stand out. If you’re investing in a beautiful lab-grown stone, a solitaire setting is a perfect way to let it shine.
Halo: Bold, Sparkly, and Full of Personality
If you’ve ever tried on a halo ring, you know what we’re about to say—it pops. The small diamonds that surround the centre stone (that’s the “halo”) add a layer of brilliance that gives the whole ring more presence. It’s got energy, shimmer, and a bit of drama in the best way.
A lot of people are surprised how much bigger their diamond looks with a halo. It’s not just about sparkle, it’s about scale. You can get the look of a 1.5ct without having to pay for it, because the halo builds visual size without needing a larger centre stone.
Why people love it
It’s a look. The kind of ring that catches light when you move and makes people say, “Can I see that again?”
If you’ve always loved jewellery, or you want your engagement ring to feel like a proper statement piece, not just something pretty in passing, this is the style that’ll feel most exciting to wear.
And it’s versatile. You can go vintage with a cushion cut and delicate halo, or sleek and modern with a round centre and thin pavé band.
Is it right for you?
Halo rings tend to suit people who love a bit of shine. Not necessarily over-the-top glamour, but something that feels elevated and expressive. It’s for the woman who doesn’t mind being noticed a little.
You might also like a halo if you’re working within a certain budget but want that “bigger look.” It’s a smart way to create impact without stretching the centre stone size.
The only thing to keep in mind is maintenance, those little stones mean you’ll want to clean it a bit more often to keep everything looking sharp. But beyond that, it wears beautifully.
Sell All our collection: Halo Engagement Rings
Hidden Halo: Quiet Detail That’s Just for You
Now, if you love the simplicity of a solitaire but still want a hint of something special, this is where hidden halos come in.
From the top, it looks like a classic single-stone ring. But from the side? There’s a row of tiny diamonds tucked underneath the centre stone, circling the base. It's a detail most people won’t notice at first, but you will. And honestly, that’s kind of the magic.
It’s subtle. It doesn’t scream for attention. It’s elegant in a way that feels considered, not flashy.
Why people love it
It’s a way to add dimension and detail without changing the overall silhouette of your ring. You get the best of both worlds, the restraint of a solitaire, with a hidden sparkle that’s just for you.
From certain angles, especially when you take the ring off or look at it in profile, the diamonds catch light in this really gentle way. It’s often a favourite among brides who appreciate design but don’t want something too embellished.
Is it right for you?
Hidden halo rings feel personal. They suit someone who wants to keep things clean and classic, but still values thoughtful touches.
If you're the kind of person who loves little details, a special engraving, a meaningful stone tucked away, a tailored seam in clothing, this ring will speak to you.
It’s also incredibly wearable. There’s nothing bulky or high-profile about it, which makes it ideal for everyday life, whether you're at work, at the gym, or just out living.
Sell All our collection: Hidden Halo Engagement Rings
So—solitaire, halo, hidden halo.
You’ve seen the difference. You’ve probably found yourself leaning toward one (or maybe two), but you’re still not 100% sure what’s right for you.
That’s normal. And honestly, that’s where most people are when they reach out to us. They don’t need help choosing a pretty ring, they need help choosing the one that makes sense for their lifestyle, their story, and their long-term plans.
Here’s how to narrow it down.
Think About How You Actually Live with Your Hands
Style is emotional. But comfort is practical—and your engagement ring isn’t something you wear once. It’s something you wear every day.
So ask yourself:
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Do you work with your hands? (Nurses, dentists, hairstylists, active professions)
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Do you wear gloves often?
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Do you like rings that sit close to the hand—or do you not mind a little height?
If you need something low-maintenance:
Solitaire and hidden halo rings are both excellent choices. They’re easy to clean, less likely to catch on fabric, and tend to sit lower on the hand.
If you're okay with a bit more care:
Halo rings are gorgeous—but the extra pavé stones mean you’ll want to give it a little cleaning love every so often to keep it sparkling.
And remember: if you fall in love with a higher-set ring, that’s completely okay—it just helps to be aware of how it’ll wear day to day.
Think About How You Want the Ring to Feel—Not Just Look
This is the part a lot of people skip when they’re comparison shopping.
What kind of feeling are you chasing?
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Understated and confident? → Solitaire
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Luxe and luminous? → Halo
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Romantic with a secret twist? → Hidden halo
It's less about “what’s trending” and more about: what do you want this ring to say every time you look at it?
Some people want their ring to make a statement. Others want something that feels like a whisper only they understand. Neither is wrong. But knowing that helps you pick the right one.
Planning to Stack? Think About That Now (Not Later)
If you’re already imagining how your wedding band or eternity ring will sit with your engagement ring, you're ahead of the game.
Certain styles stack better than others—solitaire and hidden halo rings especially, since their bands tend to be straighter and more minimal.
Halo rings can absolutely be stacked, too—but depending on how the halo is set, you might need a contoured wedding band that curves slightly to fit flush against the engagement ring.
This isn’t a make-or-break issue, but if you care about symmetry, or want that stacked look to be super clean, it’s something to consider upfront.
The Role Metal Colour Plays in Style Vibe
Sometimes people pick a setting style, then feel surprised by how different it looks depending on the metal. So here’s a quick style-matching guide based on what we see our clients choose:
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White gold gives off a sleek, modern, almost icy look. Beautiful with halo and hidden halo styles.
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Yellow gold adds warmth and richness. Pairs beautifully with solitaires or vintage-style halos.
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Rose gold feels soft and romantic. It looks amazing in hidden halo rings where the pink tone glows underneath.
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Platinum is ideal for those who want durability and that cool, clean tone. A great match for all three styles, especially bezel-accented solitaires.
At Dream Diamonds, you can select from 18ct white, yellow, or rose gold—and platinum if desired. If you’re unsure, we often recommend looking at what jewellery you already wear daily. That’s usually the clearest indicator of what will feel natural long-term.
What If You Love More Than One Style?
You wouldn’t believe how often we hear this:
“I love the sparkle of a halo, but I also like how clean solitaires look. Can I… do both?”
Yes. Absolutely.
In fact, a lot of our most popular custom rings are combinations. We’ve helped people design:
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A solitaire band with a hidden halo underneath
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A halo ring with a thinner band for a more delicate look
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A hidden halo paired with tiny side stones for just a touch more sparkle
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Solitaires with unique gallery detailing that gives side sparkle without a true halo
So if you’re stuck between styles, you’re not indecisive—you’re just ready for something more personal.
That’s exactly where bespoke design comes in.
How Custom Design Helps You Blend the Best of All Worlds
At Dream Diamonds, creating a custom engagement ring doesn’t mean starting from zero.
Often, it means starting with a style you love and simply tweaking it until it fits you better.
We’ll guide you through:
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Choosing your diamond shape and size (we specialise in ethical, lab-grown diamonds)
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Picking the right setting style—or blending elements from multiple styles
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Matching metal to tone, stacking plans, and overall design vibe
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Making small but meaningful changes (like changing prong styles, adjusting the band width, or adding hidden details)
The end result is something that looks and feels like it was meant for you. Because it was.
And no—you don’t need to know all the terms or be 100% sure before you reach out. We’ve got you.
Final Thought: This Isn’t Just a Style Decision—It’s a Personal One
Choosing between a solitaire, halo, or hidden halo isn’t about choosing what’s most popular or what your best friend picked.
It’s about choosing a ring that fits:
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The way you live
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The way you love
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The way you want to feel when you see it every day
And when you get that right, the style decision becomes simple. It clicks. You feel it.
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