Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller?

[bem3231]

Hello Pricescopers -

As some of you know, I am considering a reset of my 2.68 F VS2 ideal cut RB. I have had a split shank solitaire and am now considering going the halo route due to some DSS. My other option is an upgrade, however I am quite attached to my stone so am trying to explore solutions to my issue with a setting change first.

I know that the 'to halo or not to halo' debate is one of personal preference and taste, however I'd love to get your feedback. I spent this afternoon in various high end B&M stores trying to compare plain vs. haloed solitaires of similar sizes. In some cases I think that the halo did make the center stone look bigger, but in some cases I felt that it make it look smaller, too. I am sure that some of this is in the execution of the work, however I'm trying to figure out the factors that contribute to the overall effect of a halo.

My current favorite halo setting is frankie's VC Emilya: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/victor-canera-rb-halo-ring-my-forever-setting-finally.164262/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/victor-canera-rb-halo-ring-my-forever-setting-finally.164262/[/URL]

I would be interested in any / all thoughts and feedback about haloing a 2.68 ct stone.

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think it depends. There is very little that competes with a honking stone on a simple solitaire. And I often think that it's the look that makes the center stone look the best and biggest with large stones. But I have seen Beacon's split shank halo in person before and after and... that was some amazing finger coverage. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/reset-my-stone-split-shank.96199/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/reset-my-stone-split-shank.96199/[/URL] I didn't check but I seem to recall she had before and after pics up too. So you might want to see if she does.

 

[missy]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think the size of the halo defines the look of the center stone and either makes it look larger or smaller. A very fine delicate halo that is a small percentage of the overall diameter of the ring will make the center stone appear larger IMO while a larger halo that encompasses a larger percentage of the overall size will make the center stone appear smaller. If that makes sense.

 

[Amys Bling]

I think the size of the halo defines the look of the center stone and either makes it look larger or smaller. A very fine delicate halo that is a small percentage of the overall diameter of the ring will make the center stone appear larger IMO while a larger halo that encompasses a larger percentage of the overall size will make the center stone appear smaller. If that makes sense.

Totally agree.

 

[oohsparkly]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I agree with Missy. As an example, which is definitely no where near 2 carat but I think the principle is the same, I saw a 0.9 ct pear surrounded by 3 pointer diamonds in the halo, which are 2 mm across. The centre stone was a little overwhelmed and it did look a bit 'small'. Yet the overall bling factor was HUGE. Even though I thought the halo was a little large, it was a very pretty ring.

Whatever a halo does to the look of the centre stone it will expand the overall impact significantly. But if you're concerned, just go for a very delicate halo. I personally like a more substantial halo, and chose 2.5 pointers for my (very spready) 1.3 ct oval.

 

[Christina...]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think the size of the halo defines the look of the center stone and either makes it look larger or smaller. A very fine delicate halo that is a small percentage of the overall diameter of the ring will make the center stone appear larger IMO while a larger halo that encompasses a larger percentage of the overall size will make the center stone appear smaller. If that makes sense.

+1

but I also agree that not much can compete with the visual impact of a large stone in a delicate solitaire setting.

 

[SB621]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have a 2ct RB that st reset into a VC Emilay Halo. When we were discussing the size options of the halo Victor was really specific about what size melee to use to make sure it was proportional to my RB or it would make my RB look odd or smaller. I coudln't have agreed with him more. My halo looks amazing and the center stone is definitely the main attraction and make it look larger. I would say if you do decide to halo go with someone you are confident with who will really look at the proportions.

 

[Phdecorate]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think that the halo VC did for Frankie, Sarahbear, Susiemoo, Mom2Boys, etc really enhances the stone. It does not compete with the center stone itself IMO. I am not sure if this is because of the tilt degree that VC uses? And it definitely gives more finger coverage.

If you go to youtube and search VC, there is a short video that Frankie posted of her ring (it is called My 3.3 (tcw) ). I think it gives a better idea of a real life view since her hand is moving around. Of course, if I remember, her finger is about a 4.75. I have no idea what size yours is, but her stone is also smaller than yours at 2.3 or so.

I would vote for the halo!

 

[athenaworth]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have a 2.5 in a halo, and while I hadn't set out to get a halo when I stared my reset, I'm glad I did. I certainly won't get DSS with this puppy [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-doron-isaak-reset-is-here.158714/?hilit=Doron']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-doron-isaak-reset-is-here.158714/?hilit=Doron[/URL] (page 3 has my original setting)

 

[bem3231]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think it depends. There is very little that competes with a honking stone on a simple solitaire. And I often think that it's the look that makes the center stone look the best and biggest with large stones. But I have seen Beacon's split shank halo in person before and after and... that was some amazing finger coverage. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/reset-my-stone-split-shank.96199/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/reset-my-stone-split-shank.96199/[/URL] I didn't check but I seem to recall she had before and after pics up too. So you might want to see if she does.

Thanks for this link - that is one beautiful ring, and i agree That the halo proportions are perfect! I'd love to see before shots of Beacon's stone in the six-prong solitaire!

 

[bem3231]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have a 2ct RB that st reset into a VC Emilay Halo. When we were discussing the size options of the halo Victor was really specific about what size melee to use to make sure it was proportional to my RB or it would make my RB look odd or smaller. I coudln't have agreed with him more. My halo looks amazing and the center stone is definitely the main attraction and make it look larger. I would say if you do decide to halo go with someone you are confident with who will really look at the proportions.

Ho'olei Sarahbear - do you happen to have before / after pics of your ring before and after the reset? I'd love to see!!

 

[distracts]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I don't think it makes the STONE look larger or smaller - the stone still looks the size it is - but it can make the overall finger coverage of the ring larger and either direct focus toward or away from the center stone. I agree that the Frankie halo is a perfect example of having just the right size/angle/etc to emphasize the center stone and draw your attention toward it.

 

[bem3231]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I think that the halo VC did for Frankie, Sarahbear, Susiemoo, Mom2Boys, etc really enhances the stone. It does not compete with the center stone itself IMO. I am not sure if this is because of the tilt degree that VC uses? And it definitely gives more finger coverage.

If you go to youtube and search VC, there is a short video that Frankie posted of her ring (it is called My 3.3 (tcw) ). I think it gives a better idea of a real life view since her hand is moving around. Of course, if I remember, her finger is about a 4.75. I have no idea what size yours is, but her stone is also smaller than yours at 2.3 or so.

I would vote for the halo!

Thanks for your feedback. I have watched the YouTube video of Frankie's ring many times!

Another question for you all - do you think that the finger coverage proportions of Frankie's ring (2.3 ct center, size 4.75 finger) would end up about the same for my 2.68 center and size 5.25 - 5.5 finger? My current ring is a 5.5 but in the winter it's quite a bit too big so I'd probably get my new ring sized as 5.25.

 

[bem3231]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have a 2ct RB that st reset into a VC Emilay Halo. When we were discussing the size options of the halo Victor was really specific about what size melee to use to make sure it was proportional to my RB or it would make my RB look odd or smaller. I coudln't have agreed with him more. My halo looks amazing and the center stone is definitely the main attraction and make it look larger. I would say if you do decide to halo go with someone you are confident with who will really look at the proportions.

Ho'olei Sarahbear - do you happen to have before / after pics of your ring before and after the reset? I'd love to see!!

Ummm - that should read "hello Sarahbear". Darn autocorrect.

 

[m-2-b]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

Check out this thread:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-to-halo-before-and-afters.130309/page-5']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-to-halo-before-and-afters.130309/page-5[/URL]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have to tell you, I wear a 5.5 and a 2.68 is huge! I know my opinion can't cure your DSS, but I sometimes honestly think people overdo on the halos to where the total look is overkill. Bliss is the best example I can think of because she had her diamond of similar size set in a huge halo, and when she had it reset into a solitaire, I think it looked 1000 times better and she did, too. That said, Victor does an outstanding job on delicate halos, and if I had to have one, I would choose him to do it (assuming you live in the US).

 

[distracts]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

Another question for you all - do you think that the finger coverage proportions of Frankie's ring (2.3 ct center, size 4.75 finger) would end up about the same for my 2.68 center and size 5.25 - 5.5 finger? My current ring is a 5.5 but in the winter it's quite a bit too big so I'd probably get my new ring sized as 5.25.

I think you'd end up with more finger coverage. The difference in size between a 4.75 and 5.25 is NOT very noticeable. A half a size of difference is a little over a millimeter in the length of the ring shank if it was flattened out, which will be significantly less than a millimeter in diameter, though I am way too lazy to do that math. My left ring finger is a 4.5 and my right is a 5, and I can fit all my rings that go on one of those fingers onto the other and they look the same in terms of coverage. If I somehow manage to jam one on any other non-pinky finger, which are all 6s, then I can notice that they are less covering.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have to tell you, I wear a 5.5 and a 2.68 is huge! I know my opinion can't cure your DSS, but I sometimes honestly think people overdo on the halos to where the total look is overkill. Bliss is the best example I can think of because she had her diamond of similar size set in a huge halo, and when she had it reset into a solitaire, I think it looked 1000 times better and she did, too. That said, Victor does an outstanding job on delicate halos, and if I had to have one, I would choose him to do it (assuming you live in the US).

My thoughts exactly.

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I don't think a halo make's a stone look bigger, but it does give an overall larger ring presence. Most people love them or they don't. Have you tried any on it person? I also agree that VC would be my choice b/c he knows how to proportion the halo to the center so it stays delicate, more like an accent or accessory.

 

[SB621]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have a 2ct RB that st reset into a VC Emilay Halo. When we were discussing the size options of the halo Victor was really specific about what size melee to use to make sure it was proportional to my RB or it would make my RB look odd or smaller. I coudln't have agreed with him more. My halo looks amazing and the center stone is definitely the main attraction and make it look larger. I would say if you do decide to halo go with someone you are confident with who will really look at the proportions.

Ho'olei Sarahbear - do you happen to have before / after pics of your ring before and after the reset? I'd love to see!!

if you click on my name you will see the threads about my ering reset with pictures.

 

[milton333]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

IMO, I think halos have almost reached "critical mass" at this time. There are so many, and so many badly-executed halos out there now, including lots that are being abused by the mass market jewelry industry to perpetrate abuses (like selling rings by total carat weight without identifying the size of the keystone, and pricing a 1.25 tcw closer in price to a 1.25 solitaire than a .5 keystone plus poorly-executed cast halo). I personally think "halo" will have negative connotations in a few years.

So, while I am not fortunate enough to a have 2+ carat stone, I have explored solutions to DSS. I'm also not a big fan of the three-stone look. But, I have a suggestion.



This is a Single Stone setting. With this style, you get the increased finger coverage of side stones and a halo, without the distinctive look of either. If you wanted more finger coverage, you could have the two bands of pave set more on the same plane as the center stone, rather than angled downward. Maybe do bigger stones in the "leaves," like actual marquise-shaped stones.

Anyway, something that has a lot of bling and finger coverage, while looking like an integrated ring, rather than like you're trying to make a stone look bigger.

 

[CaprineSun]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

IMO, I think halos have almost reached "critical mass" at this time. There are so many, and so many badly-executed halos out there now, including lots that are being abused by the mass market jewelry industry to perpetrate abuses (like selling rings by total carat weight without identifying the size of the keystone, and pricing a 1.25 tcw closer in price to a 1.25 solitaire than a .5 keystone plus poorly-executed cast halo). I personally think "halo" will have negative connotations in a few years.

So, while I am not fortunate enough to a have 2+ carat stone, I have explored solutions to DSS. I'm also not a big fan of the three-stone look. But, I have a suggestion.



This is a Single Stone setting. With this style, you get the increased finger coverage of side stones and a halo, without the distinctive look of either. If you wanted more finger coverage, you could have the two bands of pave set more on the same plane as the center stone, rather than angled downward. Maybe do bigger stones in the "leaves," like actual marquise-shaped stones.

Anyway, something that has a lot of bling and finger coverage, while looking like an integrated ring, rather than like you're trying to make a stone look bigger.

Funny you should post this because I have been thinking along the same lines for my ring!

I ended up choosing a ring almost similar to the one you posted for the EXACT same reason, but omitting pave!
It's in the early process of being made.

However, the well-done halos here always capture my heart!! I don't think a negative connotation can ever be associated with those. It's those mass-produced, poorly crafted ones that will, however!

 

[Sparkle524]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I just received my Emilya Halo made with Frankie's specs and I think that it made my 2.72 look larger. I don't think that the halo takes away from the center stone at all because the halo and band are very delicate looking. If you go back and look at the pic where I am wearing the ring on my pinky you will get an idea of the spread you will get. The ring is a size 5 and is slightly loose on my pinky.

 

[Haven]

Re: Halos - do they make a 2+ct stone look larger or smaller

I have to tell you, I wear a 5.5 and a 2.68 is huge! I know my opinion can't cure your DSS, but I sometimes honestly think people overdo on the halos to where the total look is overkill. Bliss is the best example I can think of because she had her diamond of similar size set in a huge halo, and when she had it reset into a solitaire, I think it looked 1000 times better and she did, too. That said, Victor does an outstanding job on delicate halos, and if I had to have one, I would choose him to do it (assuming you live in the US).

My thoughts exactly.

Me three.