18K White & Yellow Antique Style Ring Setting
The halo style ring setting centers on a primary gemstone embraced by a continuous ring of smaller stones, engineered to amplify apparent diameter and light return, producing a strong, eye catching silhouette. In this configuration the center may be a pear shaped sapphire, ruby, emerald, or a custom faceted gemstone, each stone type demanding a distinct approach to faceting and seat geometry. Round brilliant side diamonds are specified for the halo, typically cut to 57 or 58 facets to optimize scintillation and fire, and graded to customer preference for color and clarity. For colored centers, the cutter will prioritize pavilion and crown proportions that maximize saturation and windowing control, applying mixed cuts for sapphires and rubies when increased brilliance is desired, and step cutting with larger table facets for emeralds when color depth is the priority. The halo stones are calibrated to match optical properties and table alignment, the result being a uniform scintillation pattern that frames the center without overshadowing its hue and presence.
Material selection and craftsmanship are critical to the performance and longevity of the halo design, and this setting is offered in 14K rose gold, 14K white gold, 18K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 18K yellow gold, Platinum 950, and two tone options in 14K and 18K white and yellow gold. Platinum 950 provides superior density and resistance to wear, making it an excellent choice for securing high value stones and for clients seeking minimal maintenance on prong seats, while 18K alloys deliver richer hue and a slightly softer working characteristic for intricate antique filigree. The halo is executed using micro bead pavé or shared prong techniques depending on the selected halo density, each technique established by precise bead gauges and buttressing of the pendant head to prevent diamond migration. The prong design for the center stone includes adjustable tapered prongs or a three prong basket for pear cuts, each prong mechanically formed and burnished to avoid sharp stress points, and the undergallery is pierced to create a light well, improving return of light through the pavilion and maintaining a low and comfortable profile on the finger.
Optical and tactile experience are the culmination of design decisions, the halo multiplying perceived carat and increasing crown brightness through additive face up surface area, while the round brilliant halo diamonds create scintillation vectors that draw the eye to the center. When selecting side diamond grades we recommend a balance between color and clarity to preserve contrast, for example G to H color in combination with VS to SI clarity for a bright white halo without excessive premium. For colored center stones we recommend specifying hue, tone, and saturation preferences so that the cutter can optimize facet junctions to either favor brilliance or color depth, according to whether you choose a vivid red ruby or a saturated blue sapphire. Maintenance recommendations include routine inspection of prong integrity and bead seats every six months, gentle cleaning with warm water and mild detergent to preserve rhodium plating where applicable, and professional re tightening and polishing as needed. For bespoke production we offer CAD previews, GIA or AGS certification of matched diamonds, and the option to tailor halo density, diamond sizes, and antique detailing to align with personal proportions, ensuring a ring that communicates elegance and confidence through technical refinement and meticulous craftsmanship.
