Pavé Engagement Rings
Everything you need to know about pavé engagement rings: micro-pavé, French pavé, and U-cut variations, shape pairings, maintenance tips, and expert guidance from Aurela Diamonds.
The pavé setting derives its name from the French word for "paved," and the reason is immediately apparent: tiny diamonds are set so closely together along the band that the metal beneath virtually disappears, creating the impression of a continuous surface paved with light. This technique transforms an ordinary band into a river of scintillation that draws the eye and complements any center stone. The pavé style has been a hallmark of fine French jewellery since the 18th century, and its enduring appeal lies in its ability to add substantial sparkle without dramatically increasing the ring's height or width.
At Aurela Diamonds, our master setters work under magnification to place each accent diamond, typically between 0.8mm and 1.5mm in diameter, into individually formed seats along the band. We offer three primary pavé techniques: bead-set pavé, where tiny metal beads hold each stone; micro-pavé, which uses even smaller diamonds for an ultra-refined look; and French pavé (also called fish-tail pavé), where V-shaped cuts between stones allow light to enter from below, increasing each accent diamond's brilliance. The choice of technique affects both the visual density and the long-term durability of the setting.
Pavé settings are exceptionally flattering. The continuous shimmer along the band creates a visual flow that makes the ring look more expensive and elaborate than its price might suggest. Combined with a lab-grown center diamond, a pavé band allows you to achieve a fully luxurious aesthetic at a fraction of the cost of a mined-diamond equivalent. The additional accent diamonds also contribute to the ring's total carat weight, which many clients appreciate from a value perspective. Whether you opt for a full pavé band that wraps all the way around or a half pavé that covers only the top for easier resizing, this setting adds undeniable glamour.
Pavé Setting Characteristics
Pavé Variations
Micro-Pavé
Uses extremely small diamonds (under 1mm) set with minimal metal visibility for the most refined, seamless appearance. Micro-pavé requires exceptional skill to execute and creates a delicate, carpet-of-light effect that is particularly stunning under warm lighting.
French Pavé (Fish-Tail)
V-shaped grooves are cut between the accent diamonds, allowing light to enter from the sides and beneath each stone. This technique enhances the individual brilliance of each accent diamond and creates a distinctive open pattern when viewed from the side.
U-Cut Pavé
Accent diamonds are set into U-shaped channels carved into the band. The result is a clean, uniform appearance from above with excellent stone security. U-cut pavé balances beauty and durability, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Half Pavé
Accent diamonds cover only the top half or two-thirds of the band, leaving the underside as plain metal. This practical variation allows for easier resizing, reduces cost compared to a full pavé, and is more comfortable since the smooth metal sits against the sides of adjacent fingers.
Best Diamond Shapes for Pavé
Round
ExcellentThe round accent diamonds on the band echo the round center stone's shape, creating a harmonious, cohesive design. This is the most popular pavé combination.
Oval
ExcellentThe delicate pavé band beautifully complements the oval center's graceful elongated shape. The continuous sparkle of the band accentuates the oval's length without competing with it.
Cushion
ExcellentA cushion-cut center atop a pavé band blends vintage charm with modern sparkle. The rounded corners of the cushion transition smoothly into the band's diamond-set shoulders.
Radiant
GoodThe radiant cut's brilliant faceting pairs well with the continuous sparkle of a pavé band, creating a ring that is consistently bright across its entire surface.
Princess
GoodThe princess cut's sharp geometry contrasts elegantly with the soft shimmer of a pavé band. The combination balances modern structure with feminine sparkle.
Pros & Cons
+Advantages
- Creates a continuous ribbon of sparkle that dramatically enhances the ring's overall brilliance
- Adds significant total carat weight without increasing the center stone size
- Relatively low profile keeps the ring close to the finger for comfortable daily wear
- Works beautifully with virtually every center diamond shape
- The shimmer of the band makes the center stone appear brighter and more prominent
-Considerations
- Tiny accent stones can loosen or dislodge, especially with heavy daily wear
- Full pavé bands are difficult to resize because stones wrap the entire circumference
- Dirt and oils accumulate between the small stones, requiring regular cleaning
- The setting is labour-intensive, which increases the overall ring cost
- Not ideal if you prefer a clean, minimalist band without ornamentation
Buying Tips
Choose half pavé if you anticipate needing to resize the ring in the future. Full pavé bands are extremely difficult to resize without removing and resetting accent stones.
Ask about the accent diamond quality. While small, these stones should still be eye-clean and well-matched in color to the center stone and to each other.
Inspect the setting work closely or request magnified photos. In a high-quality pavé, the stones should be evenly spaced with minimal visible metal between them.
Consider your lifestyle. If you work with your hands frequently, a U-cut or bead-set pavé offers better stone security than a French pavé, which exposes more of each accent stone.
Budget for periodic maintenance. We recommend an annual check-up where a jeweller inspects all pavé stones under magnification and tightens or replaces any that have loosened.
Frequently Asked Questions
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