Pave, derived from the French word "pavé," translates to paved or cobblestoned, and in the realm of jewelry, it signifies a captivating setting technique. Pave setting intricately arranged small diamonds, creating the illusion of a continuous surface of sparkling gems. Expert artisans delicately embed these diamonds into the metal, ensuring a seamless and brilliant appearance. Contrary to misconceptions, pavé style doesn't refer to the diamonds themselves or their cut; instead, it pertains to the setting of the ring. The tiny diamonds in a pavé setting are attached with droplets of metal, often referred to as beads, or anchored with petite prongs. Pavé rings extend beyond traditional diamonds, allowing customization with various stones.
Couples appreciate pavé settings for their subtle flash and brilliance, enhancing wedding bands or engagement rings without a significant cost increase. This setting skillfully highlights a central stone, making pavé engagement rings a popular choice for those seeking elegance and affordability.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAVÉ SETTINGS?
Pavé settings offer three variations: micro pavé, petite pavé, and standard pavé ring settings, each differing in the size of the tiny beads or prongs holding the diamonds. Micro pavé has the smallest elements, while standard pavé boasts the largest. If you desire a charming, cobblestoned appearance, the standard pavé setting is ideal due to its more prominent prongs. However, for a tiered look or a design with stacked diamonds, micro pavé or petite pavé settings are preferable.
French Pave, similar to micro pavé, introduces a small V-shaped cutout beneath each diamond. This clever design enhances the stone's brilliance by allowing more light to hit it while minimizing the metal's visibility on the ring. Choose the pavé setting that aligns with your style, from the delicate elegance of micro pavé to the pronounced charm of standard pavé or the enhanced brilliance of French Pave.
ARE PAVE DIAMONDS EXPENSIVE?
Pave settings cater to a wide range of budgets and carat weights, making them accessible to nearly every consumer. Prior to shopping, it's crucial to establish a realistic spending limit for the desired ring. For those working within a tighter budget, opting for smaller stones in the pave design is a smart choice. Even petite round or princess diamonds can deliver a stunning sparkle, complementing a simple band or accentuating the center stone of an engagement ring.
Individuals with larger budgets may explore more luxurious options, such as an expensive eternity setting or larger diamonds for a pronounced pave design. Additionally, to manage costs, incorporating gemstones alongside diamonds in this setting style is a savvy alternative. This flexibility ensures that pave settings can be tailored to suit various financial considerations while maintaining the allure of brilliance and style.
Here are some factors that influence the cost of pave diamond jewelry:
Diamond Quality: The color, cut, clarity, and carat weight of the individual diamonds in the pave setting significantly impact the overall cost. Higher quality and larger diamonds generally come with a higher price tag.
Metal Setting: The type of metal used for the setting, such as platinum or gold, can affect the cost. Platinum, for example, is typically more expensive than gold.
Craftsmanship: The skill and artistry involved in creating a well-crafted pave setting contribute to the overall cost. Intricate designs and precise detailing can increase the price.
Brand and Designer: Jewelry from well-known brands or renowned designers may command higher prices due to their reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Ring Size: The overall size of the jewelry piece can influence the cost, as more diamonds and intricate work may be required for larger sizes.
PROS AND CONS OF CHOOSING PAVE SETTING:
Pave settings, with their intricate arrangement of small diamonds, bring a distinctive charm to jewelry. Like any design, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
PROS:
1. Brilliance and Sparkle: Pave settings maximize the brilliance of diamonds, creating a dazzling and eye-catching appearance.
2. Enhanced Elegance: The fine detailing and craftsmanship of pave settings add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any piece of jewelry.
3. Versatility in Design: Pave settings offer versatility, allowing for intricate patterns, unique shapes, and the incorporation of various types of stones.
4. Accentuates Center Stone: Pave settings are excellent for highlighting a central gem, making them popular for engagement rings.
5. Subtle Flash: Pave settings provide a subtle flash of brilliance without the need for a large, expensive center stone.
CONS:
1. Maintenance: The small, closely set stones in pave settings can make cleaning and maintenance more intricate compared to simpler settings.
2. Prone to Wear and Tear: The exposed nature of the small diamonds in pave settings can make them more susceptible to chipping or falling out if not handled with care.
3. Resizing Challenges: Pave settings may present challenges when it comes to resizing, as altering the size of the ring can affect the arrangement of the small diamonds.
4. Cost: While pave settings can offer a brilliant look without a large center stone, the intricate craftsmanship involved may contribute to a higher overall cost.
5. Style Preferences: Personal style preferences vary, and some individuals may find the intricate design of pave settings too ornate for their taste.
Pave settings are a stunning choice for those who appreciate intricate designs and sparkling brilliance. However, potential buyers should consider factors such as maintenance, durability, and personal style preferences before choosing pave-set jewelry.
In conclusion, pave settings weave a tale of timeless elegance, offering a captivating blend of brilliance and versatility in the world of fine jewelry. From the artful arrangement of diamonds to the various types of pave settings, each piece tells a unique story of craftsmanship and style. While catering to diverse budgets, pave diamonds sparkle with a subtle flash, accentuating center stones and adding a touch of sophistication. Despite considerations of maintenance and resizing challenges, the pros of brilliance and design versatility often outweigh the cons. In the end, pave settings stand as a testament to the enduring allure of meticulous craftsmanship and sparkling beauty.
