Pave Diamond Engagement Ring Settings: A Complete Guide

If you want your engagement ring setting full of sparkle and brilliance, then you may want to find one with a pave diamond setting. The pave diamond setting gets its name from the French word “pavé” (paved surface) because the design resembles a cobblestone road. 

Selecting a pave setting for an engagement ring will allow you to highlight a stunning center stone. Whether you are planning on a traditional engagement ring with a diamond center stone or want to match your style with a colorful gemstone, pave engagement rings add just the right amount of sparkle to your ring finger.

What is a Pave Setting?

A pave setting ring typically features diamonds or gemstones that wrap around the band. This provides your ring with an outline of diamonds that cover the entire band, bringing a new level of sparkle and brilliance to your hand. The pave diamond setting is an exceptionally versatile setting for engagement rings as it can fit a number of diamond shapes and design styles.

Pave engagement rings are a great choice for those looking for more sparkle and less visible metal. With a pave setting, your center stone will shine bright as the focal point, while the pave diamond band creates additional elegance and shine. A thin band will allow for maximum attention focused on your center stone, while the small embedded diamonds add an outline of precious gems.

Types of Pave Settings

There are many different types of pave settings that will match your engagement ring. Whether you have selected a classic round cut center stone or an emerald, oval, or cushion cut, a pave setting will enhance the design.

Micro Pave

The micro pave setting refers to a style that uses small diamonds around the band. These diamonds typically weigh less than .01 carat per stone. A micro pave setting can include up to a hundred tiny diamonds that encircle your engagement ring. 

French Pave

The French pave setting features diamonds on the band in V-shaped settings. This type of setting allows for more of the pave diamond to be visible along the top and sides of the band. Diamonds or gemstones in the French pave setting are typically larger in size than the micro pave.

Petite Pave

The petite pave is similar to the micro pave setting with traditional small diamonds inset around the band. However, a petite pave will use smaller prongs to make the diamonds or gems more visible.

Caring for a Pave Setting

The pave setting is often more fragile than other engagement ring settings. However, repairs are relatively easy with a trusted jeweler. Pave engagement rings should be steam cleaned with gentle, limited use of polishing cloth. Due to the tiny size of the prong settings and pave diamonds themselves, it is best to remove your ring before engaging in high-contact activities that may damage your ring.

Pave Diamond Ring FAQs 

Can you resize a pave diamond band?

Pave diamond engagement rings are usually more difficult to resize than other rings because of the setting and stone size. Visit our ring resizing guide to learn more about ring resizing options with Roman Malakov.

What size are pave set diamonds?

Pave set diamonds can start as small as .01 carat per stone, set on a band around 1 to 2 millimeters wide. That said, you can select the size of your pave diamonds for a custom engagement ring to suit your desired band and stone size.

What is the difference between channel set vs. pave set?

Pave settings primarily include diamonds or gemstones separated by prongs. Alternatively, a channel set features a small track cut into the band where the gems are placed without any prongs.

Find Your Ideal Pave Ring Setting Today

Do you need help choosing the perfect wedding band or engagement ring? We’re here to help. Visit Roman Malakov in New York City or shop with us online to see our stunning collection of pave wedding bands and engagement rings. Our team of trusted and professional jewelers will help you select the perfect pave setting for you.