A pavé setting covers part of a ring in small diamonds, so the whole ring catches light, not just the center stone. Here is how pavé works, the main styles and what to consider before you choose one.
What Is a Pavé Engagement Ring?
"Pavé" (pronounced pah-vay) is French for "paved," and that is the look: a surface paved with small diamonds. The diamonds sit close together with very little metal showing between them, so the band shimmers.
Pavé diamonds can:
- Cover part or all of the band
- Frame the center stone as a halo
- Add sparkle to the gallery, under the center stone
A Brief History of the Pavé Setting
Stone-setting techniques are very old, but pavé became popular in 18th-century Georgian jewelry. Jewelers drilled tiny seats into the metal and raised small beads of metal to hold each stone, a careful technique still used today.
Why Choose a Pavé Ring?
More sparkle
Pavé diamonds add light across the whole ring and make the center stone look brighter.
Versatile
Pavé suits many designs, from a slim solitaire band to a halo, and it pairs well with a matching wedding band.
Fine craftsmanship
Each small diamond is set by hand, one by one, so a pavé band takes precise, skilled work.
Types of Pavé Settings
Petite pavé
Very small prongs hold each diamond, so more of every stone shows. The effect is fine and delicate.
Micropavé
Rows of very small diamonds, often around 0.01 ct each or less, set with great precision for a fine, even shimmer.
French pavé
Small V-shaped cuts in the metal under each diamond let in more light, so the row of stones looks almost continuous.
The Pros of Pavé
- More sparkle: many small diamonds add light from every angle.
- A brighter center stone: the pavé draws the eye to the center and can make it look larger.
- More diamond for the price: pavé adds total carat weight without the cost of a larger center stone.
Things to Consider
Not a minimalist look
If you prefer a very simple ring, full pavé may feel like too much. A pavé design with a partial band, or a hidden halo, adds sparkle more quietly.
Resizing
Resizing a pavé band takes extra care, because the small diamonds may need adjusting. Our engagement rings and wedding bands include one complimentary resize within 60 days of delivery. Full eternity bands cannot be resized.
Snagging
Raised prongs can catch on knits and delicate fabrics. A low-profile pavé design suits a very active life better.
Is a Pavé Ring Fragile?
Well-set pavé is secure, but because each small diamond is held on its own, one can loosen over time. A regular check keeps the setting tight. Our warranty tightens loose stones free for life, and replaces accent diamonds lost because of a setting defect free for life.
Caring for a Pavé Engagement Ring
- Take it off for sports, heavy work and cleaning with chemicals.
- Clean it gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
- Have the setting checked once a year so every stone stays secure.
Browse all Tang&Co. engagement rings to compare pavé designs with other styles.