What Is A Pave Diamond?
Popular settings for both wedding and engagement rings often include accent details of pave diamonds, but what is a pave diamond? Let's explore what beautiful pave diamonds are and how to choose the best style to create a stunning engagement ring.
All About Pave!
The term pave doesn’t describe the actual diamond or the cut or the diamonds. Instead, ‘pave’ refers to the setting style. Meaning ‘pavement’ in French, pave diamonds are set close together in a manner that resembles a diamond road. The ring is ‘paved’ with diamonds.
There are three types of pave settings: micro-pave, petite pave and pave. The difference is that micro-pave and petite pave settings feature smaller prongs that hold the diamonds in place; micro prongs are smaller than petite prongs. Pave settings are set with more prominent prongs and this gives the setting a sort of cobblestone appearance.
What Pave Adds to the Ring!
All three settings are beautiful, and there are many stylish ways to include pave designs in any piece of jewelry. Use pave details to:
- Accentuate a large center stone in an engagement ring
- Add a subtle sparkle to a dainty wedding band
- Illuminate a center stone with a halo
- Create tiers of diamonds (without bulking up a ring design)
Round Diamonds & Pave!
Pave details traditionally feature only one shape of diamond: round brilliant.
Why? This shape creates the most sparkle at any size, and many pave designs feature smaller carat weights so a shape that maximizes brilliance is ideal.
Keep in mind that the pave setting is named for a paved road. Round brilliant diamonds create the effect of cobblestones, and this could also be why they have always remained the traditional diamond shape for pave settings.
Micro vs. Petite vs. Plain Pave
As there are three types of pave settings, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? As the difference between the three types deals solely with prong size and prominence, buyers should check out ring designs online to see what suits their personality and style.
More visible prongs, though, might accentuate larger diamonds in a pave setting. If your ring features larger diamonds in a pave setting, then regular pave might look best. However, if you want a design that gives the illusion of a nearly seamless row of stones, then opt for micro-pave. Petite pave is a mid-size compromise, for those who want a little glint of metal showing.
Accent a Large Center Stone!
As there are three types of pave settings, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? As the difference between the three types deals solely with prong size and prominence, buyers should check out ring designs online to see what suits their personality and style.
Many ring designs feature a row of pave diamonds within the band of an engagement ring. This creates an eye-line directly to the show stopping center stone. Pave accents also are an option for buyers who want accent stones but don’t want the bulk of traditional side stones.
Pave diamonds don’t have to be small, though. Pave settings can feature larger diamonds to create a multi-carat statement ring.
Add a Subtle Spark!
Micro-pave, petite pave and pave all can be used within jewelry to add a little bit of fire and brilliance. Since this setting includes diamonds that are close together, all pave designs create a row of sparkle. Choosing larger stones will add even more fire and brilliance to the design.
Pave settings are perfect for drawing halos around center stones. A pave, micro pave or petite pave halo gives the illusion of a larger carat weight.
If your budget only allows for a smaller center stone, add a pave halo to create the look of a larger diamond. A pave diamond halo also is a perfect accent to frame a gemstone center piece.
Draw Roads of Diamonds
As pave settings typically feature smaller stones, this design detail is perfect for paving a diamond with roads of diamonds. Micro-pave diamonds can be stacked in rows or choose pave bands that criss-cross in the setting.
You can stack bands of larger carat pave diamonds, but this look is for those who prefer bolder ring or jewelry designs. The smaller the diamonds, the more rows (or roads!) you can incorporate without adding too much bulk.
Think of the Band!
Many rings feature split shank pave details. Split shank refers to two bands of diamonds that are adjoined. This is a great style for those who like ‘stacking’ bands but don’t want to wear separate bands.
Pave diamonds can be stacked within a single band. Diamond encrusted bands include multiple rows set with pave diamonds. The wider the band, the more rows of diamonds you could incorporate.
Mix it with Gemstones!
Pave diamond settings don’t have to feature all diamonds. You can alternate gemstones and diamonds within a pave design or choose both black and colorless diamonds for a ‘black-tie’ effect. A pave line of black diamonds also is a great choice for him.
Pave details also can include colorful patterns, and a pave setting can include nearly unlimited designs and styles. Mother rings, for example, can be designed to feature a pattern of multiple birthstones and pave diamonds.
Set a Budget!
Pave settings are available at all price points and carat weights, so there is an option for nearly every budget. Before you shop, you should always know how much you can reasonably spend for that ring. If the budget is a bit tight, choose smaller stones for the pave design. Even tiny round or princess diamonds provide an amazing spark to accent a simple band or to set off an engagement ring center stone.
Larger budgets might opt for a more expensive eternity setting or choose larger diamonds for a pave design. To save money, gemstones also can be mixed into this setting style.
Drawing the Eye Over with Pave!
Whether you choose micro-pave, petite pave or pave, this sleek diamond accent style will add sparkle and interest to any ring.
Use pave details to draw the eye to a diamond center stone, to add extra sparkle, to draw a halo around a diamond or gemstone or to pave the entire ring with roads of diamonds.
There is a pave design to fit every budget and personality.
Pave to Last an Eternity!
Many love the look of eternity rings, which include an unbreakable line of diamonds or gemstones. Pave wedding rings or engagement rings can be styled in an eternity setting.
Eternity settings ensure that no matter how the ring turns, the design remains the same. Wedding bands often roll on the finger, and this can be frustrating for those who want designs front and center. Eternity bands always look the same no matter how they move on the hand.