The pavé setting gives engagement rings an extra shine and brilliance. Many couples prefer it because they get more sparkle at no extra cost. But the shine is not the only remarkable thing about the pavé setting. It’s also versatile, giving you different styles to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the world of pavé settings and show you the different types of pavé settings many jewelry lovers admire.
What is a pavé setting?
A pavé setting is a ring setting with tiny gemstones (melees) closely arranged along the ring’s metal band. The stones are tightly placed, so the metal underneath is barely visible.
💡 Did you know? The name “pavé” is of French origin, literally meaning cobblestone or pavement. It’s appropriate because a pavé setting resembles a flat surface covered with shiny stones.
Pros and cons of having a pavé setting
The pavé setting is a favorite pick for many because of these benefits:
- It sparkles nicely because of the gem arrangement — great for brides who love extra radiance.
- It’s available in different types, so you have many styles to choose from.
- It accentuates the size of the center stone.
- If you have a dull center stone, a pavé setting can help add shine to the ring.
On the other hand, here’s what’s discouraging about the pavé setting:
- It’s more pricey than some ring settings.
- The small gemstones may fall out, so it requires special care and maintenance.
- It’s difficult to resize because there are gemstones on the ring’s band.
- It’s difficult to clean because of the tiny stones.
💡 Take Note: All ring settings have their pros and cons. It’s best to carefully consider the upsides and downsides of each setting before choosing an engagement ring.
Types of pavé settings
Here are the different types of pavé settings.
Petite pavé
The petite pavé setting uses tiny prongs to hold gemstones on the ring’s band. The small prongs make the gemstones more evident on the ring.
Micro pavé
The micro pavé setting may sound similar to the petite pavé setting, but they are pretty distinct. The micro pavé setting is made of tiny gems (usually less than 0.01 carats), closely arranged to cover the ring band.
The melees are typically set in rows around the ring. Micro pavé set rings look beautifully detailed, and as expected, they are more expensive than other pavé settings.
Bright cut pavé
The bright cut pavé is also known as the channel set pavé. It’s a ring setting where small gems are arranged between the two sides of a ring band. The sides form walls supporting the melees, so bright-cut pavé rings are usually more durable. The bright cut pavé is an age-old type of ring setting, and it’s an excellent pick for people who love vintage designs.
U-cut pavé
The u-cut pavé setting features u-shaped grooves that hold the gemstones in place. Looking at the ring from the side, the letter “U” appears to hold each melee on the band. You’ll hardly see any metal band in a u-cut pavé ring. Instead, this setting accentuates gemstones and looks incredibly sparkly.
French pavé
The French pavé setting is also known as the fishtail pavé. It’s quite similar to the u-cut pavé setting, only in this case, the grooves are v-shaped. Like the u-cut pavé, the band in the French pavé setting is hardly visible. The gemstones are more visible here, and their arrangement allows light within the gems, creating a beautiful sparkle.
Scalloped pavé
In a scalloped pavé setting, the metal band is cut in u-shapes to fit gemstones. That creates small semi-circles at the sides of the ring. The scalloped pavé setting also allows the stones to sparkle brightly.
What’s the difference between pavé and micro pavé settings?
Many people use the terms pavé and micro pavé interchangeably, but that’s wrong. The pavé setting refers to any ring setting with small stones (usually 0.01-0.02 carats) arranged along the ring band.
The micro pavé setting, on the other hand, is a specific type of pavé setting where the gemstones are tiny, usually less than 0.01 carat in weight.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions asked by people curious about the pavé setting. We’re sure you’ll find more helpful information about pavé settings here.
What are the most popular pavé settings?
The u-cut pavé setting is the most popular. It’s a modern design; many appreciate its unique shine and brilliance. The scalloped and French pavé settings are also quite popular.
Which pavé setting is most secure?
The bright cut or channel set pavé is the most secure type of pavé setting. That’s because it has metal sides protecting the gemstones from scratches and hits.
You should use the bright cut for a safe, durable pavé setting. However, remember that the bright cut pavé is less shiny and sparkly than other pavé settings.
What is the difference between a scalloped pavé and French pavé?
The difference between a scalloped and a French pavé is the metalwork. In a French pavé, the metal band forms small V-shapes at the side, while a scalloped pavé forms small semi-circles at the side.
Is the pavé setting more expensive?
Yes, the pavé setting is more expensive than other ring settings like the solitaire and halo settings. That makes sense because the pavé setting requires more time and effort.
💡 Take Note: It takes time and effort to fix tiny gemstones in intricate metalwork or prongs and create the beauty and sparkle that come with pavé settings. If you’re going for pavé rings, you must be willing to spend extra cash.
What is the smallest pavé?
The micro pavé features the smallest gemstones.
Is the pavé setting good?
Yes, the pavé setting is beautiful and makes the ring shinier. It also has different styles for you to choose from. If you maintain it carefully, you’ll enjoy the pavé setting.
Paved to sparkle
The pavé setting is an intricate ring setting that comes in various types. If you love vintage designs, the bright-cut pavé is there for you. And if you prefer modern designs, the u-cut pavé is a beautiful pick. Whatever your style, you can enjoy the extra sparkle and shine that comes with the pavé ring setting.
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