There are many ring settings present out in the world of jewels but one particular style that has remained trendy diamonds and popular since its inception is the pave setting. A beautiful option for many, ranging from celebrities and well-known personalities to even the common public, the pave setting offers its wearers with excellent sparkle and elegance which when combined with the perfectly complementing gemstone, would look stunning on the hands of men and women alike.
Although the setting’s popularity originated from the 1940s, since all exquisite trends tend to make a comeback sooner or later, the pave setting also did in the 1970s during which it turned out to become a must-have design in rings for every household. From the late 20th century to current times, even though this trend has endured and carried on, it has evolved in ways of the jewellers paving the stones onto the setting as it has been noticed that the contemporary designs are aimed at appearing seamless whereas the traditional ones would more prominently allow the prongs that held the stone to be more visible and noticeable.
Suitable for every style of every generation, the pave setting is a design loved and wanted by many.
What is a Pave Engagement Ring Setting?
Pronounced as ‘pa-vay’, the pave setting is a type of design in engagement rings wherein the shank of the ring is studded with small diamonds which are held together in place with metal prongs or beads, giving the appearance of a line of diamonds since they are all positioned continuously next to each other. The metal prongs or beads are barely visible and hence the diamonds are always in the spotlight, leading to an addition of that extra ounce of sparkle and excitement to an engagement ring.
Although the French word gives the illusion of some fanciness in its meaning, it technically points to the style’s very simple and surprising inspiration which is a pavement. The seamless and unending look created by the line of gemstones within the band’s grooves shows profound similarities with the cobblestone pavement of a road, hence the name.
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Pave settings can be found in a wide variety of styles which range from modern and contemporary settings to rare vintage designs that make use of the pave-set diamonds and incorporate the setting into their original pieces. The diamonds lining the band are small with weights in carat amounting to 0.01 to 0.02.
What is Micro-Pave Setting?
Another category of pave settings is the micro-pave setting which although falls under the same umbrella still is a lot different from its counterpart, with the biggest difference lies in how prominent are the prongs that hold the diamonds together in each of these settings. The diamonds used in a micro-pave setting are smaller than the ones embedded in the pave setting and this too contributes to the difference between the two. With a carat weight less than 0.01 ct per stone, a micro-pave setting may have smaller diamonds but a larger quantity is present, sometimes in hundreds which further on contribute to the delicateness of the setting.
With the seeming assumption created by the micro-pave setting where people assume that the sparkle and brilliance of the ring increase due to the many diamonds, the micro-pave setting grows in popularity and becomes a new favourite for the people who wish to stay in touch with their youth through the adorning of contemporary jewelry.
Micro-pave VS Pave Setting
Some pros and cons would be brought home with either of the options when purchased, hence, customers should be completely aware of their preferences, likes, and dislikes so that they know what they can compromise with in the area of the disadvantages which were presented by each of the ring settings.
One major advantage that the pave setting offers its customers is that it is much more capable of handling heftier diamonds than a micro setting. Therefore, pave settings prove to be more expensive and fall under a larger budget. In this aspect, a micro-pave setting is better since its daintier details are much simpler and cost a lot less. If customers wish to possess smaller diamonds to exude some simplicity and elegance while also ensuring that their budget remains unharmed, then the micro setting is an excellent option. But if customers wish to incorporate larger diamonds while retaining the style of the pave setting, they can do by first setting a higher budget and then without any stress or confusion purchase a diamond ring set in paving which is home to large beautiful diamonds.
Although the pave setting is as terrific and amazing in design as the micro-pave setting and is the best choice if customers are in search of brilliant sparkle, wish to add a pop of colour or create a more dramatic and bolder look with their rings, the micro setting is an excellent choice when diamond shoppers are looking for precious gemstones with a glint of detailing and sparkle, and a lot less drama and more demure than the pave setting.
Both these designs are, however, beautiful enough to include intricate and profound details to its overall product and bring about some sort of peculiarity to the ring, although, ultimately the choice depends on every customers’ personal preference of budget, style, and design.
Pave and Micro-Pave Design Options
Many designs would adequately complement the pave and micro-pave settings which are not just known for its sparkle and brilliance brought on by the line of diamonds within the rings but also due to the different designs that are included into the settings.
Pave and micro-pave rings would look stunning diamond even as halos which would use a centrepiece stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, leading to the creation of a glistening roundabout of precious gems or diamonds bordered around the centre stone. This design fulfils other purposes such as adding carat weight to the centre stone or drawing the attention of the eye to the dominant stone which is done through the creation of a frame with the smaller diamonds.
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These designs look their best when all the diamonds used in the ring are of the same colour and size which creates a streamlines beauty that is characteristic to the pave settings. Although, a continuous evolution takes place of these designs and interpretations of the description of the settings, a basic understanding that surrounds the pave setting is always expected to stay which contributes to the beauty and popularity of the pave and micro-pave details. This is said to be primarily driven by the cobblestone continuance and hence is embraced in such a manner.
Conclusion Thoughts
Both the pave and micro-pave settings are unique and beautiful in their own way and to distinctly announce one as better than the other would not only be untrue but also unfair to customers whose opinions are not the same as ours. It is just a matter of preference when it comes to comparing any two settings, even the pave and micro-pave and so customers must always listen to themselves first and then to the experts when they are out there in search of the perfect diamond and setting. With the brilliance and uniqueness exuded by the paving and micro-pave settings, it is no surprise though if many customers land on either of these options when looking for a stunning setting to adorn them on their special occasions.
