Lab-Created Halo Engagement Rings: A Jeweller’s Take on the New Era of Sparkle

I’ve been working behind a jewellery counter for the better part of two decades, and I’ll tell you something that still surprises me: the questions customers ask today are wildly different from the questions I heard in my first few years. Back then, people wanted to know about clarity, colour, and carats — the classic trio. These days, I’m just as likely to be asked about carbon footprints, ethical sourcing, or whether a diamond can be “grown” with the same fire as one pulled from the ground.

And honestly? I love it.
It shows that people care — about style, about craftsmanship, and about the story behind what they’re buying.

One trend I’ve watched explode (in a good way) is the demand for lab created halo engagement rings. These pieces blend old-school glamour with new-school innovation, and they’ve become a kind of symbol for modern romance: thoughtful, intentional, and just a touch rebellious against old norms.

If you’re wondering why halo rings are having such a resurgence — and why the lab-created versions are often leading the charge — let’s walk through it together. I’ve seen these trends unfold firsthand, and I genuinely think we’re witnessing a meaningful shift in the jewellery world.

Why Halo Rings Still Catch the Light — and Our Imaginations

Halo settings aren’t new. In fact, they’ve danced in and out of fashion for more than a century. But there’s something about them that feels perpetually fresh. A halo — for anyone not deep in jewellery lingo — is simply a ring of smaller stones that surrounds the centre diamond. It creates this glowing frame that makes the centre stone look bigger, brighter, more… well, special.

Back when I started, halo rings were often seen as quite formal or traditional. But the modern variations? They’re anything but rigid. There are oval halos with barely-there settings, vintage-inspired double halos, art-deco geometric halos that almost look architectural — designers are having fun again.

And customers are too. I’ve watched people’s faces light up the second they try one on. There’s this moment of pure delight, a kind of “wow, that’s actually stunning on me” realisation. If you’ve ever tried on a halo ring you didn’t think you’d love, you know that feeling.

Pair that design with the rising popularity of lab diamonds and you suddenly have a category that’s growing faster than anything I’ve seen since the solitaire boom of the early 2000s.

Lab Diamonds: Not a Trend, but a Turning Point

Before we get into why halos and lab-grown stones work so well together, let me clear up one thing I still hear at least twice a week:

“Are lab diamonds real diamonds?”

Yes — absolutely, unequivocally, yes.
Chemically, visually, structurally… they’re diamonds. Not “simulated,” not “similar to,” not “diamond-like.” They’re the real deal, just grown above ground instead of below it.

You might not know this, but the process that creates them is almost poetic in its precision. It mirrors the same natural conditions that form diamonds in the earth: heat, pressure, carbon. Except instead of waiting billions of years and involving questionable mining practices, we do it in a controlled environment with impressive technology.

For curious readers, I often share helpful resources like this guide on how to care for lab diamonds, because yes — you clean them exactly the same way you’d clean a mined diamond.

The biggest difference isn’t in sparkle or durability. It’s the story.
And for a lot of couples today, the story matters more than ever.

Why Halo Settings Are Perfect for Lab-Created Stones

This combination — lab-grown diamonds in halo settings — works aesthetically, ethically, and financially. Let me unpack that a little.

1. The Light Performance Is Unbelievable

A halo’s entire job is to amplify sparkle. Its little ring of diamonds acts like a spotlight, pushing more light toward the centre stone. Lab-grown diamonds, which often have excellent clarity and colour ratings because they’re grown in controlled conditions, respond beautifully to that extra light.

I’ve seen customers gasp — genuinely gasp — when they see how much brilliance bounces off a halo ring with a lab-grown centre stone.

2. The Value Is Fantastic

Here’s something I probably shouldn’t say too loudly, considering I work in jewellery sales… but couples spend smarter now. They’re less hung up on tradition and more focused on getting something beautiful that suits their values and their budget.

Lab diamonds typically cost less than mined diamonds of the same quality, and halos make the centre stone appear larger. Put those two together and you can achieve a seriously high-impact ring without stretching beyond your comfort zone.

A lot of people walk out with a ring bigger and sparklier than they expected could fit their budget — and honestly, I love seeing that outcome.

3. Ethical Transparency Matters

Let’s not pretend the mined-diamond industry has a spotless record. Even with certifications and improved practices, there’s still a level of opacity that makes some buyers uneasy.

When someone chooses a lab-created stone, they’re choosing clear provenance, reduced environmental footprint, and peace of mind. And pairing that with a halo — a design historically associated with luxury — sends a quiet but powerful message: you can have beauty and ethics in the same piece.

Design Trends I’m Seeing in 2025

The jewellery world moves slower than fashion, but when trends hit, they tend to stick around for years. Here are the lab-created halo engagement ring styles customers in Australia can’t stop talking about:

• Oval Centre Stones

There’s something so elegant about the elongated shape. Ovals look larger than round diamonds of the same carat, and when you frame them in a halo, the effect is almost ethereal.

• Hidden Halos

This one’s a bit of a secret flourish. Instead of a visible ring of diamonds around the centre stone, a hidden halo sits underneath the main diamond, adding sparkle that catches light at odd angles. It’s a modern twist that feels personal.

• Art-Deco Geometric Halos

Imagine crisp angles, milgrain details, and symmetry worthy of a 1920s cocktail party. These styles are popular among people who want something distinctive without going full vintage.

• Rose Gold + Lab Diamonds

Rose gold had its moment a few years ago, but paired with lab-grown stones, it’s having a gentle resurgence. The warmth of the metal softens the brilliance in a really romantic way.

• Double Halos

They’re bold. They’re glamorous. And they make even a modest centre stone look like something straight out of a royal collection.

A Practical Question: Are Lab Halo Rings Durable?

People sometimes worry that “lab-grown” might mean “less sturdy.”
Not true in the slightest.

A diamond is a diamond — one of the hardest substances on Earth — regardless of where it’s grown.

What matters more is the craftsmanship of the setting. Halos involve many small stones, which means the jeweller’s skill is crucial. A well-made halo will last decades. A poorly made one… well, I’ve spent many afternoons repairing loose pavé diamonds from budget overseas settings.

If durability matters (and it should), buy from a reputable jeweller who specialises in lab-grown designs. Many stores still treat lab diamonds like a novelty, but others — like the designers offering lab created halo engagement rings — take them seriously and craft settings designed specifically for them.

Why Couples Are Making the Switch — Stories From the Counter

I’ve had couples tell me they chose a lab-created halo ring because they wanted something “future-friendly.”
I’ve had others say they wanted a bigger stone without the guilt or the price tag.
Some loved that lab-grown stones feel like the diamond world’s equivalent of electric cars — smart, modern, forward-thinking.

One young bloke told me, “I know she wants something that sparkles like crazy, and I know she cares about the environment. Lab-grown just makes sense.” He walked out with a 1.8ct oval halo ring that looked absolutely spectacular. He sent me a photo of the proposal later — she was crying, he was beaming, and honestly, that moment is why jewellers do what we do.

Another customer, a woman buying a ring for herself — which is more common than you’d think — said choosing a lab-created halo felt “empowering.” She wanted a showstopper without needing anyone’s permission to buy it.

I think that captures the spirit of this shift. Lab-grown diamonds give people options. Lots of them. And halos let them celebrate those options with a little extra sparkle.

How to Pick the Right Lab-Created Halo Engagement Ring

Here’s the advice I give my friends (and sometimes total strangers when I’m feeling chatty):

1. Start With Shape

Round and oval are forever favourites, but pear and cushion can be incredibly flattering. There’s no right answer — it’s about personality.

2. Choose a Halo Style That Fits Your Lifestyle

If you’re active, a low-profile hidden halo might be a better choice than a tall, dramatic halo that can catch on clothing.

3. Don’t Skimp on Craftsmanship

Halos have more small stones, which means more opportunities for poor workmanship. Always ask about warranty, servicing, and setting quality.

4. Check the Centre Stone’s Quality

Even though lab diamonds tend to be high clarity, it’s still worth checking the grading.

5. Try Everything On

Even styles you think you’ll hate. Some rings only come alive on the hand — I’ve seen it hundreds of times.

The Future of Engagement Rings Is Brighter Than Ever

Sometimes I step back and think about how dramatically the jewellery world has changed since I started. Mining once dominated the conversation. Now, innovation does. Couples want meaning, transparency, beauty, and value — and they’re willing to rethink tradition to get it.

Lab created halo engagement rings sit right at the centre of this shift. They’re not a fad or a budget workaround. They’re a thoughtful choice, a stylish one, and often a deeply personal one too.

If you’re considering one, take your time. Enjoy the process. Try on rings you never expected to like. Ask all the questions you want — any good jeweller will love answering them.

And if you end up choosing a halo with a lab-grown diamond? Well, you’ll have a ring that’s beautiful, ethical, modern, and bursting with light.