Discover the allure of pavé diamond rings, bridging the gap between vintage charm and contemporary chic. Explore exquisite designs that blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Elevate your style with these dazzling expressions of everlasting beauty.
Pavé diamond rings may seem like a current trend, and you certainly wouldn’t be wrong if you cited their recent increase in popularity. These gorgeous diamond rings use many small diamonds set closely together, usually in a halo or on the shoulders of a ring. From the French word meaning “a pavé d surface,” a pavé setting often makes a ring look as if the surface has been paved with diamonds.
Unsurprisingly, this type of allure isn’t anything newfound. Pavé engagement rings have an intriguing history that makes them a timeless treasure.
Historical Background
Leave it to the Georgian Era, which preferred opulent and exuberant jewellery, to create the pavé design. During this period, from 1714 to 1837, the design increased in popularity. Some of the most gorgeous examples come from this Era. Although, not all of them are diamond pavé rings. Most include other semi-precious gems like turquoise, emeralds, or amethyst. Of course, there may be more ancient examples of this setting style. Still, the Georgian Era is where it indeed rose to prominence.
Back then, the technique was somewhat rudimentary. Small impressions, called divots, had to be made into the metal. Then, prongs would be created from the moved metal and pushed upward and over the stone to hold small pieces of gems. Most stones featured a rose or cushion cut as round European cuts were not yet en-vogue. Today, the pavé setting technique has evolved slightly.
Pavé Setting Technique
Even though jewellery craftsmanship has advanced, making a pavé diamond ring is still an intricate process. Generally, it takes a skilled craftsman to flawlessly pull off the design. Once, metal was hand hammered with fine tools, but today jewellers use a small drill. The drill effortlessly carves out tiny holes into the metal.
From there, a jeweller can carefully set a small stone into each divot. Micro-prongs are tediously constructed around each and every stone to ensure its safety and security. Considering pavé designs are pretty dense with diamonds or other stones, it can be a painstaking process. You’ll notice that current pavé rings have a much more uniform look. In contrast, the manual labour of antique pavé diamond rings meant that each one could look slightly different.
Speaking of differences, there are variations in pavé settings. For example, a micro-pavé is when the diamonds used are quite petite, usually smaller than 0.01 carats a piece. Because of their size, up to 100 or more individual diamonds can be set into a micro-pavé ring, creating a genuinely brilliant appearance. Alternatively, French-pavé consists of standard-sized diamonds but uses a different setting.
Instead of a U-cut or a divot, V-shaped settings are created from the prongs and the metal that composes the band. Much like a cathedral setting does for a centre stone, each V-shape setting in a French-pavé ring allows lighter to enter the stone, increasing its sparkle and fire. Each type has its own breathtaking appeal.
Design Elements and Pavé Diamond Ring Styles
The pavédesign can be used however you would like. Consider creating a pavé halo around your centre stone. Contrasting gems, like setting traditional colourless diamonds around a blue sapphire centre stone, can be particularly striking. Or, you could always go with a diamond halo surrounding a central diamond to enhance the size and appearance of your main stone. Your pavé setting could even be used to alter the shape of your centre stone; for example, placing a cushion halo around a round brilliant.
You don’t have to choose a halo if you want to utilize pavé, though. It is also a popular option for the shoulders and band of a ring. Different arrangements, patterns, and shapes constructed from pavé can really make your ring stand out. An eternity band is a gorgeous example of pavé as it commonly features the pavé setting around the entire band or at least two-thirds of it.
Eternity bands and halos tend to be more modern pavé designs. They’re striking and provide you with the timeless appeal of the technique. But if you want a more vintage look, consider a Georgian Era-inspired pavé ring. They usually use pavé to make more intricate shapes and whimsical designs, offering a royal vibe that is hard to resist!
Final Buying Considerations
Just because you’re choosing a pavé design doesn’t mean you can forgo the typical jewelry-buying considerations. Do your due diligence by vetting the jewellers from which you’re considering purchasing a pavé diamond ring. Check for diamond certification, the jeweller’s reputation, return policies, and information on resizing or repairs. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that a pavé ring, whether a natural or lab diamond pavé ring, still fits within your budget, as more diamonds can often equate to a slightly higher price tag.