How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Band for Your Halo Engagement Ring

While it might not seem like actress Millie Bobby Brown, rapper Cardi B, and the Princess of Wales have much in common, they do share at least one style preference: All three women wear halo engagement rings, in which striking center stones are surrounded by smaller gems.

According to Corina Madilian of Single Stone, “A halo setting can be done using any shape, cut, or type of center stone and can be framed with a variety of stones—gemstones, diamonds, varying cuts—just as long as the main stone is framed to create a halo effect.” Case in point: Kate’s ring, famously, is an oval sapphire framed by diamonds; Cardi’s, a pear-shaped diamond with a double halo of white and pink diamonds; Brown’s, a round-cut diamond with a cushion-shaped diamond halo.

These rings are especially popular with brides who want to flaunt a striking center gem, and for those who want to increase the overall size of their sparkler without upping the carat count. “Because of the surround framing of the center stone, you can make the center stone look larger and really draw attention to it,” explains Madilian.

But even with the vast number of positives associated with halo engagement rings, there are a few challenges that come with sporting this setting style—particularly, finding a wedding band that pairs best with this sparkler. That's why we put together a guide that'll help you find the perfect wedding band for a halo ring. Read on to learn more.

The Top 3 Wedding Bands for Halo Rings

For brides who don't plan to wear a wedding band, or for those who plan to wear their wedding rings on different fingers, selecting a band will simply be based on your personal style preferences.

On the other hand, for those who would like to find a band that sits flush against their halo engagement ring, selecting the right wedding band style is crucial to achieving this particular look. Luckily, there are three types of wedding bands that pair beautifully with halo engagement rings, as highlighted below.

Contoured Wedding Bands

A contoured wedding band is made with a subtle curve, often where gems are set, that allows the band to accommodate the halo. “Instead of being symmetrically round, a contoured band will be waved to sit as flush as possible along the engagement ring,” says Madilian.

Notched Wedding Bands

The sharp V-shape of a notched wedding band allowed this piece of jewelry to sit tight against a halo ring, while also adding a second layer of sparkle that looks built-in. “A notched wedding band will connect against an engagement ring for an almost seamless look,” explains Madilian.

Jacket Wedding Bands

A jacket wedding band isn’t a single circlet; instead, it’s two connected rings that the engagement ring fits between, creating a single piece of jewelry made from three total bands. “This look usually involves what appears to be two bands that the engagement ring will sit in, to create a more dynamic engagement ring style,” says Madilian. Best of all, it allows your halo ring to be surrounded by more jewels, increasing the beauty of your original sparkler.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Band for a Halo Engagement Ring

Madilian points out that when choosing a band to go with an engagement ring, the main concern should be the scale of the rings: “I think it’s important that the wedding band does not take away from the engagement ring,” she says. Beyond that, choose a wedding ring that matches your own style and one that will be comfortable to wear every day (you will wear it for the rest of your life, after all).

Mixed Metals and Colors

Your elderly aunt may disagree, but mixing yellow gold with silver-toned metals is no longer a faux pas, says Madilian. “I love to mix metals and think this look is completely acceptable and even very chic!” she says. “Clients will often create a ring stack that incorporates a combination of yellow and platinum.” Hammered gold bands add texture and color to a platinum set as well, while a white gold band provides contrast against a pair of yellow gold rings. “Our clients will also introduce colored stones by way of their bands to create a very personal ring stack,” says Madilian.

Comfort and Wearability

Since you’re likely to wear your engagement and wedding rings every day for years to come, choosing a set that feels great on your finger is critical, says Madilian. “The most important thing to consider is the finger size of the bands, especially when a client is stacking or thinking of stacking in the future,” she says. “Once you start adding bands to an engagement ring, the ring’s placement on the finger moves closer to the knuckle, so a snug engagement ring will only fit tighter once you add a band.” A too-tight ring can be damaged by daily twisting and tugging during removal—plus, it hurts!—so choose a band that fits comfortably without pushing your engagement ring too far up your finger.

Your Personal Aesthetic

At the end of the day, don’t feel obligated to choose a wedding band that’s an identical match to your engagement ring, says Madilian. “A couple’s wedding ring stack is a personal expression of their style, love, and journey,” she shares. “It’s so important for clients to pick bands that they love and mean something to them."