The Key Features of Pave Setting

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The term ‘setting’ is a keyword in the world of engagement rings. Both in terms of its technical meaning and as a keyword for those looking for a particular engagement ring style. The focus here is on the pave ring setting.

In this Education page, we will look at the pave setting: which is a distinct engagement ring design where gemstones are placed along the shank of the ring. Adding a new effect. We will look at the specific features of pave set engagement rings, what sets them apart, and whether should you consider them for your choice of engagement ring.

What is the Pave Setting

Let’s start by answering what is meant by the term pave. For most English speakers this term might sound new or foreign. And rightly so. The term ‘pave’ is a French word which means ‘cobblestone’ if one is to take a direct translation. In terms of engagement rings, the meaning of the term is meant to capture the decorative layer of gemstones that are placed along the shank of the engagement ring.

At this point, some knowledge of the anatomy of the engagement ring is required. In case you haven’t read our Education page on this subject, the engagement ring consists of two main components the gemstone or gemstones, and the metal band. However, depending on how the ring is styled, these two variables will vary considerably with respect to how they are set in the ring.

The pave setting is an interesting concept in that it extends the placement of the gemstone which is traditionally limited to the head and shoulder parts of the ring. The shoulder area which is where three stone engagement rings feature the side stones. When it comes to pave setting the placement of smaller, or what is technically known as accent stones are ‘paved’ along the shank: which is the area in the ring that follows the shoulder area.

Usually, this place is left empty in traditional solitaire or even in multi-stone engagement rings that limit themselves to side stones. Not so with the pave setting. Interesting to note that the pave setting is a novelty in the world of fine jewellery. Whilst their adoption in the world of modern engagement ring designs is a somewhat new development, the concept of decorating jewellery with small gemstones that line the edges has been around, going back hundreds of years.

Whilst the concept of the pave setting may be simple enough, how they turn out in practice there are a number of variations of this setting in the world of engagement rings, which we shall consider next.

Types of Pave Settings

The first thing to consider when it comes to pave setting is that there is a number of variations, which often vary with respect to the jewellery company in question. Fine jewellery makers, especially when it comes to engagement ring styles are free to make particular cuts and addition, which can alter the final look of the pave setting.

Much of the variations found in pave set engagement rings result from the particular cut and inurn the overall shape and size of the gemstone or accent stone that is used for the paving.

French Pave Setting

Starting things off, arguably the most popular pave setting is the French pave which features tiny gemstones that are accompanied by a V-shaped cut beneath the stone. This is a distinguishing feature in engagement rings which adopt this particular pave setting, as the V-shaped cut is meant to enhance the visibility of the accent stone as it appears to penetrate deeper into the stone, with a greater area of visibility for sparkle.

Plain Pave Setting

This is the standard pave setting, one that is adopted as the go-to pave setting option adopted by many jewellers who opt for, which features basic accent stones which are placed on the surface of the shank but are evenly spaced with no additional cuts.

Petite Pavé Setting

The petite paving setting features the basic formula of plain pave settings but differs with respect to the size of the prongs, which are smaller. So the challenge lies in keeping the gemstone firmly in place within a smaller prong, which requires great finesse on part of the jewellery. However the petite pave increases the visibility of the gemstone, despite the gemstone often being smaller than the plain pave but larger than the micro pave setting.

Micro Pave Setting

Arguably the most intricate pave setting type, the micro pave setting true to its name features tiny gemstones that are placed in an extremely tight formation. The key word is ‘formation’ implying the presence of two more rows of tiny diamonds. This is a modern style, with the process of setting these micro pave diamonds requiring laser technology to make the formation of diamonds possible, as the gemstones are immensely small, often numbering in the high dozens, sometimes also a hundred.

U-Cut Pavé Setting

A rather new entry to the world of pave setting, the U-cut pave is fundamentally built on the concept of the French pave, however unlike the V-cut base, there is a U-shaped one. This creates a distinct visual style resulting from a U-shape which, depending on the specific ring setting could vary from a round to an oval shape, producing new distinct visual styles.

Why Opt for Pave Settings?

The simple answer to this question is a distinction. With a pave setting you are going for an engagement ring that not only stands apart in terms of ring number (as it often features accent stones from ten to a few dozen). Thus when it comes to the bling department, you will have no shortage of fire, scintillation, and sparkle: the core diamond quality factors, that find their fullest expression in the array of tiny diamonds. Provided of course you opt for diamonds as your chosen accent stone.

When it comes to picking a pave setting for your engagement is the element of customisation. Since modern engagement rings are all about personalisation and making the ring that matches your taste, and personality. With pave set engagement rings the opportunities for customisation are numerous. From the type of pave setting that you opt for, to the adoption of different gemstone types. From diamonds and diamond simulants to the popular coloured gemstone options. In addition, the pave setting, depending on the type band style, can become a premium option. Such as those featuring split bands, where there is more space for pave gemstones, in addition, the greater number of accent stones add to the overall value of the ring, so for those looking for a premium ring option, this is a great choice.

Maintenance and other Questions Concerning Pave Setting

This a general consideration when it comes to pave set engagement rings. Since the rings in this range feature an array of tine gemstones that exist in addition to the main centre and side stones if they are present. This presents some concern for the buyer, as there is a relatively greater chance of chipping some of the accent gemstones. And depending on the quality of the setting some of the accent stones may not hold as firm. Potential buyers need to pay attention to this factor.

Another consideration for those looking at a pave set engagement ring that is worth looking at in advance is the question of band adjustment. Often engagement ring purchases result in returns requiring changes to the width or length of the band, often in the shank area, to improve fitting and increase comfort. With pave setting this might prove to be a challenge. Not only in terms of the complex process of readjustment but also the high risk of causing breaks to the accent stones.

Those looking for an authentic pave setting ring are advised to get their measurements absolutely spot on, and look to custom ring design options once they have settled on their favourite ring style. And when it comes to maintenance, it is best that owners of pave-setting rings seek some kind of professional help, especially if the accent stones are diamonds or other precious gemstones.

So there you have it, the key features of pave settings. Hope you now have a better understanding of the pave set engagement rings. Note, despite their look and appeal, they are not meant for everyone.