Pave Rings: Types, Gemstones, and How to Choose

The word pave is derived from the French word “paved”, which means placing the stones together with tiny metal beads to create a plain surface. This continuous line of stones reflects the light, creating maximum brilliance. It enhances the luxurious appearance, symbolizing unity, everlasting love, and perfection. Pave setting is commonly used to hold the center gem in its place in solitaire rings and halo rings. The trend of pave rings originated in the 1700s in France. The jewelers designed these rings for minimal metal visibility and maximum sparkle. 

What Are the Different Types of Pavé Rings?

Here are the six different types of pave rings:

1. Classic Pavé: In this type of pavé ring, small diamonds are placed closely to each other with metal prongs. The diamonds are 0.01 to 0.02 carats in size. The metal beads are slightly prominent on these diamonds, and the overall appearance looks like cobblestone when viewed closely. 
2. Micro Pavé: The name of these rings suggests their style, in which extremely small stones are used to design the band. A jeweler needs a microscope for a clean finish. The diamonds are held together with minimal metal visibility, which creates a final shimmering look, making it appear that the band is made up entirely of diamonds. 
3. French Pavé: This setting is also known as a fishtail setting. The V-shaped cuts are made in each band in which stones are placed for maximum brilliance. 
4. U-Cut Pavé: The metal is cut in a U-shape to fit the stones in it. The round cutting allows maximum light to enter under the diamonds, hence enhancing the sparkle and brilliance. 
5. Scallop Pavé: It is closely related to the U-shaped setting with the cut edges, which creates a vintage look. These cut edges create the scalloped effect, minimizing the visible metal. 
6. Channel Pavé: Bright-cut pavé style is mistaken for a channel pavé. In this setting, the stones are placed between the walls of the metal, yet are held together with metal beads, not the walls themselves. These walls reflect the light on the stones, creating a clean, distinct, and more durable design. 

What Are the Best Metal Options for Pavé Rings?

Here are the five best metals commonly used for pave rings:

1. Platinum: It is a naturally silvery-white metal known for its strength and durability. The dense structure of platinum makes it resistant to scratches. Platinum does not require replating like gold, as it's naturally white. 
2. White Gold: The white gold enhances the appearance of diamonds. It consists of a blend of gold and palladium, giving it a white-metal appearance. The white appearance of white gold comes from its rhodium coating.
3. Yellow Gold: The yellow gold is hypoallergenic and is a classic and elegant choice. It offers a sophisticated and warm look. The higher the gold, the richer the color of this metal. Yet it becomes softer with increasing gold amount. 
4. Rose Gold: The most durable metal due to the presence of copper. The copper can also cause an allergy in people with sensitive skin. Rose gold offers a romantic pink hue that does not require plating. 
5. Mixed Metals: Two metals are mixed to create a two-tone effect. For example, platinum can be used for its durability with white or rose gold to add a luxurious effect. 

What Gemstones Are Commonly Used in Pavé Rings?

Here are the five gemstones that are commonly used in pave rings:

1. White Diamonds: The high refractive index of the diamond makes it a suitable choice for maximum sparkle. Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs scale, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear. 
2. Black Diamonds: These diamonds provide a bold and striking contrast. They can serve as a center stone or be set around other colored or white stones.
3. Sapphires: These are blue in color, which symbolize trust, loyalty, and royalty. These stones add a classic and sophisticated effect to the ring. 
4. Emeralds: The green color of this stone symbolizes growth, harmony, and a new beginning. The emeralds are softer than the diamonds and sapphires and require proper care to prevent them from chipping. 
5. Colored Diamonds: Rings often feature colored stones to give them a unique, personal touch. The yellow colored stones add a fancy touch, while the pink-colored stones create a romantic look. 

What Are the Popular Pavé Ring Styles?

Here are the five popular pave ring styles:

1. Pavé Engagement Rings: The pavé setting highlights the solitaire or halo rings, which are commonly used as engagement rings.
2. Pavé Wedding Bands: The wedding bands, when designed with pavé setting, offer a continuous brilliance and sparkle. 
3. Eternity Pavé Rings: These rings are designed in a way that the stones cover the whole surface of the ring. It provides a sparkling effect from all angles. 
4. Stackable Pavé Rings: Thinner paved rings are stacked with a thicker one to add a modern, personalized, and aesthetic appeal. 
5. Split Shank Pavé Rings: The band separates at the center point when in this design. It provides a dramatic space and also increases the overall surface area. 

How to Choose the Perfect Pavé Ring

Here are the five steps to choose the perfect pave ring:

1. Decide Your Purpose: A ring for daily use requires a robust design and strong material to withstand daily wear and tear. 
2. Select Diamond Quality: Focus on quality in a smaller budget, as for small stones, clarity is important. A tiny flaw can be noticeable in the pave setting. 
3. Consider Band Width: The width of the band affects both the ring’s appearance and its comfort. Slim bands create a subtle modern look, while the thicker ones are more durable. 
4. Choose Setting Style: Channel pave setting offers protection, while the French pave or U-shaped setting provides maximum brilliance. 
5. Match Your Lifestyle: Choose a comfortable style according to the daily routine. A half-paved or brightly cut design is best for an active lifestyle. 

When to Gift or Wear a Pavé Ring?

Here are the five occasions to gift or wear a pave ring:

1. Engagements: The pave setting adds a shimmering effect, which symbolizes the couple's future together. Each tiny stone reflects light beautifully, representing the many special moments shared in their journey ahead.
2. Anniversaries: An eternity ring represents shared love and strength in the couple’s life. 
3. Milestone Birthdays: A pavé ring makes a meaningful gift for a milestone birthday. It symbolizes achievement, enduring love, and confidence. 
4. Formal Events: The high density of tiny diamonds complements the elegant attire. It catches light beautifully, adding a sophisticated and brilliant effect. 
5. Everyday Luxury: Slim and durable pavé bands offer subtle elegance in everyday wear. They add a gentle sparkle to the routine without feeling too flashy and dramatic.

How to Care for and Maintain a Pavé Ring?

Clean the ring weekly using a soft brush, warm water, and gentle soap. It cleans any trapped dust particles and oil to maintain the ring’s sparkle and brilliance. Remove the ring while working or doing physical activities to reduce the risk of snagging, as it can loosen the stones. Check the stone settings and prongs regularly to minimize the stone loss. Schedule professional cleaning every year, as the professional uses special solutions and techniques to clean the pring setting deeply. Store the rings separately to save the tiny prong setting and reduce the chances of scratches on the stones.