Pavé setting is one of the most chosen options for engagement and wedding rings nowadays. Its popularity is due to the fact that with this type of setting, elegant, brilliant, and luxurious rings are obtained. This setting places the gemstones very close together and the precious metal is practically not visible in the ring. Do you want to know more about the pavé setting for rings? Next, we will tell you everything you need to know about this setting, so that you have a clearer idea if you decide to buy a ring with this characteristic.
What is the pavé setting?
Pavé setting gets its name from the French word paved and basically refers to paving the ring with small diamonds, as the design resembles a street paved with cobblestones. This is because it features many tiny diamonds or other very small gemstones placed close to each other, in order to pave the outside of the ring. A pavé setting can be a single row of small diamonds or it can be made up of several rows.
This type of setting can elevate the appearance of the simplest ring by adding sparkle, elegance, and style, as it is more of a design element than a design type in itself. So the pavé setting can be added to almost any ring design, making it a very popular choice for engagement rings.
The diamonds used in a pavé setting are tiny, known as melee diamonds, and are usually between 0.01 and 0.02 carats in size. If the diamonds are even smaller than this, then the setting is considered a micropavé.
How are diamonds set in a pave setting?
Diamonds in a pavé setting are usually held in place by small metal beads or tiny prongs. Diamonds are first placed in small holes drilled in the metal (setting), which provides additional security and keeps the stones in place. Finally, the beads are set around the diamond to hold it in place.
While the stones are generally very secure, there is some risk of a stone falling out or coming loose, especially if it receives a strong blow. Replacing a lost stone is often fairly easy to do and does not necessarily cost a lot. It is always a good idea to check the ring periodically to make sure the stones are secure and the prongs are stable.
Does this type of setting save money?
Small diamonds are plentiful, do not require too many facets, and are therefore quite inexpensive. So, one might think that a pavé setting would not cost too much. However, this is not the case. Creating a pavé setting requires more labor, effort, and materials than most other ring settings.
Most pavé rings are handmade, and the jeweler sets each small diamond one by one in position. In addition, the diamonds must be carefully chosen to ensure uniformity and consistency.
This is a labor-intensive process that requires a highly qualified labor force. The end result is a more expensive ring.
Advantages and disadvantages of pavé setting
If you have considered purchasing a ring with this type of setting, keep in mind that there are some pros and cons to consider.
Advantages:
- the pavé setting accentuates the center stone, drawing attention to it. When the ring is “paved” with small diamonds leading to the center stone, all attention will go to the stone. In order to make the center stone look even bigger and more eye-catching, choose a thin ring band with a pavé setting.
- The pavé adds a lot of sparkle to the ring, making it look luxurious and shiny. The difference between a smooth band and a paved band is huge, which gives a very elegant effect to the overall design of the ring.
- This setting can be added to a wide range of engagement and wedding ring designs, making it a versatile option. This is because the pavé setting is not a design as such, but simply a type of embellishment that can be added to most ring styles.
Disadvantages:
- As mentioned, the pavé setting is usually expensive, although this depends on several factors, such as the size of the setting and the amount of diamonds used.
- Cleaning a ring with this setting can be difficult, as there are more grooves and hidden areas where dirt could accumulate. Regular cleaning may be required to ensure the ring remains shiny and beautiful, rather than dull and dirty.
- Resizing a ring with setting can be difficult, especially if the “pave” surrounds the entire band. To avoid problems, it is important to get the correct ring size from the beginning.
- There is a certain chance that small diamonds will detach or come loose if they are hit hard.
Types of pave setting ring designs
There are many types of pavé ring settings on the market, some with slight variations in the pave technique. These are some of the best pave rings out there:
French pave engagement ring
French pavé is a unique pavé technique in which diamonds are set in small hand-cut V-shapes on the band of the ring. This works perfectly on an illusion type engagement ring, creating drama and complexity with the use of fewer diamonds.
Micro pave ring
Micro pavé follows the same concept of pavé rings, with the main difference being that they incorporate smaller diamonds than pavé settings. Because the diamonds are smaller, they seem to blend into each other creating a setting that appears even more brilliant and sparkling.
Pavé style wedding band
Pavé is an excellent choice for wedding bands and pairs perfectly with a pavé engagement ring. If your engagement ring is a simple band, choosing a pavé wedding band can add that extra sparkle to elevate both rings.
Gemstone pave rings
While diamonds remain the most popular stone for pavé setting rings, gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, or morganite can add color and style to this setting.
They may not have the sparkle of diamonds, but they add a unique look to an engagement ring or wedding band. In order to have the best of both worlds, sparkle and color, you can opt for a pavé setting that alternates diamonds and colored gemstones. For this to work properly make sure the gemstones you choose are durable enough to withstand regular wear.