A Guide to Pavé Settings and Pavé Engagement Rings

Have you ever looked at a diamond engagement ring and noticed it has been adorned with many small diamonds placed very close together on the surface of the jewelry? This distinct style may have piqued your curiosity.

This setting style is known as pavé, (pronounced pah-vay), which comes from the French word meaning ‘to pave’. (Think of a road paved with cobblestones set very close together) It’s a jewelry setting style widely popular as it creates an exquisite, gleaming ring that is literally paved in diamonds.

So why choose a pavé engagement ring?

With pavé, parts of a ring are encrusted with small diamonds. It’s made by drilling holes into the metal, into which are placed the small diamonds, held in place by either tiny beads or prongs. When complete, it gives the effect of one continuous sparkle as the ring moves in the light.

Pavé is a design method for adding that extra sparkle, that extra brilliance, giving a ring more scintillation and shine as it sits on the finger. The pavé elements accentuate the beauty of the central diamond, seeming to enhance the overall light performance of the diamond itself.

The diamonds used in pavé designs are small, ranging from .01 to .10 carats each. Any diamonds used that are smaller than those carat weights are known as ‘micro-pavé’.

Pavé is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for engagement or wedding rings that have a dramatic beauty to them. But why should you choose a ring in this style?

First of all, from the standpoint of aesthetic value, pavé settings greatly increase the beauty of a piece of jewelry — that’s a given. The good thing is, it doesn’t necessarily increase the price significantly. The cost of many small diamonds will be much lower than the cost of a single stone of equivalent weight to the total carat weight of the pave. This means that if you choose the right ring, you will be getting more for your money.

There is also the option of micro-pavé engagement rings, the development of which involves a very high level of skill to create. Jewelry designers will take the tiniest possible diamonds, ranging from 0.005 carats to 0.01 carats, to create a very closely packed pavé setting. A master jeweler will have to work under a microscope to create such a painstaking and beautiful item.

Pavé settings are also a highly adaptable style and can be applied across a broad range of ring types. They can be made in every possible design for every possible taste, ranging from very subtle, minimalist pieces to ones that are complex and flamboyant.

Some designer rings have been adorned with wide areas of pavé for maximum flamboyance, while others opt for a more understated and subtle look. Each one is a work of art, and your final choice depends upon your personal sense of style.

This stunning engagement ring is from the Tacori Dantela Collection which features unique designs that create a beautiful juxtaposition of modern, yet traditional; classic, yet unconventional styles. The center stone is flanked by pavé Round Brilliant Diamond Melee, curving along the shoulders with the signature Tacori details along the sides. It’s a ring designed for a person of confidence and sophistication.

To discover more about this stunning ring, click here.

Another gorgeous example of a pavé setting engagement ring. This one comes from the Verragio Insignia Collection, and features Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Melee that beautifully compliments the center diamond.

This is a highly decorative ring, perfect for that special someone with a keen sense of artistry. If you’d like to explore this ring in further detail, click here.

Before choosing a pavé engagement ring, there are several things to bear in mind:

Finally, be aware of ring maintenance. It is important to check pavé rings frequently for wear and tear. Regular cleaning is also important to keep the piece looking great as small diamonds can trap dirt.

With our examples shown and caveats explained, are you interested in pavé engagement rings? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Like all diamond engagement rings, the focal point is the center diamond. No matter the size or shape, this central diamond is in full view, and when paired with a lovely sparkling pavé nest, resides in full glory.

You can combine pavé settings with round, princess, Asscher, pear, and many other diamond shapes. But if you’re looking for the ultimate central diamond to pair with, consider Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal diamonds.

A CUT ABOVE® round and princess cut diamonds are renowned throughout the industry as the finest cut diamonds in the world, praised for their exceptional light performance and beauty, so named because they really are a cut above the rest.

So, to discover the perfect pavé engagement ring for that special person in mind, peruse our online pavé selections, or get in touch with one of our experienced diamond specialists today.