What Are Pave Diamonds? Complete Guide

Pave diamonds are a popular choice in jewelry design, and they are known for their dazzling sparkle and elegant appearance. If you're looking to understand more about what are pave diamonds, their characteristics, benefits, and how they differ from other diamond settings, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about pave diamonds.

What Are Pave Diamonds?

Pave diamonds, pronounced “pa-vay,” derive their name from the French word "pavé," meaning "paved." This setting involves numerous small diamonds closely set together, resembling a paved road of diamonds. The stones are typically set into the surface of the metal with minimal metal showing, which maximizes the sparkle of the diamonds.

Characteristics of Pave Diamonds

To truly understand what are pave diamonds, we need to delve into their defining characteristics:

1. Small Diamonds: Pave settings use small diamonds, often referred to as melee diamonds, to create a continuous sparkling surface.
2. Minimal Metal Visibility: The diamonds are set close together with tiny prongs or beads of metal, making the metal almost invisible.
3. Sparkle: Due to the arrangement and number of diamonds, pave settings offer a significant amount of sparkle and brilliance.
4. Versatility: Pave settings can be used in various jewelry pieces, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Types of Pave Settings

Understanding the different types of pave settings can help you better appreciate what are pave diamonds. Here are the common types:

1. Micro Pave: Uses extremely small diamonds, creating an even finer and more intricate appearance.
2. French Pave: Features a V-shaped cut under each diamond to allow more light to pass through, enhancing the sparkle.
3. Bright Cut Pave: Involves cutting a groove into the metal to hold the diamonds, which adds a unique gleam to the setting.
4. Scallop Pave: Has scalloped edges, offering a delicate and intricate design.

Benefits of Pave Diamonds

Now that we know what are pave diamonds, let's explore their benefits:

1. Enhanced Sparkle: The primary advantage of pave settings is the exceptional sparkle they provide due to the multiple small diamonds.
2. Elegance and Sophistication: Pave settings are often associated with luxury and elegance, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewelry.
3. Versatile Design: Pave settings can be adapted to various jewelry styles, whether you prefer modern or vintage designs.
4. Affordability: Because they use smaller diamonds, pave settings can be a more affordable option compared to settings with larger, singular stones.

How to Choose Pave Diamonds

When choosing pave diamonds, it's important to consider the following factors to ensure you get the best quality and design:

1. Quality of the Diamonds: Pay attention to the 4 Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Even though the diamonds are small, their quality still matters.
2. Craftsmanship: Ensure the pave setting is well-crafted. Poorly set diamonds can fall out over time.
3. Metal Type: The metal used in the setting can affect the overall appearance and durability of the jewelry. Common metals include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
4. Personal Style: Choose a design that fits your personal style and the occasion. Whether it's an engagement ring, a necklace, or a pair of earrings, pave settings can be tailored to suit your taste.

Care and Maintenance of Pave Diamonds

Understanding what are pave diamonds also involves knowing how to care for them. Here are some tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your pave jewelry regularly to maintain its sparkle. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water.
2. Professional Inspections: Have your jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year to check for loose stones.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your pave jewelry away from harsh chemicals and substances that could damage the metal or stones.
4. Proper Storage: Store your jewelry in a soft pouch or a jewelry box to avoid scratches and damage.

Common Questions about Pave Diamonds

1. Are pave diamonds secure?

Pave diamonds are generally secure when set properly by a skilled jeweler. However, due to the numerous small stones, there is a higher risk of stones coming loose compared to other settings. Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure their longevity.

2. Can pave settings be resized?

Resizing a pave set ring can be challenging and risky due to the numerous small stones. It’s important to consult with an experienced jeweler who can advise on the best course of action.

3. How do pave diamonds compare to other settings?

Pave settings offer more sparkle than many other settings due to the multitude of small diamonds. However, they can be less durable and require more maintenance than simpler settings like prongs or bezels.

History and Popularity of Pave Diamonds

Understanding what are pave diamonds also involves a brief look at their history and rising popularity:

Pave settings have been used in jewelry for centuries, with roots in the Georgian and Victorian eras. Their intricate and sparkling design has always been associated with luxury and sophistication. In recent years, pave settings have seen a resurgence in popularity, especially in engagement rings and wedding bands. Celebrities and fashion icons often favor pave settings for their red-carpet appearances, adding to their allure and desirability.

Famous Jewelry Pieces with Pave Diamonds

Several iconic jewelry pieces feature pave diamonds, showcasing their timeless appeal:

1. Cartier Love Bracelet: Known for its elegant design, this bracelet often features pave diamonds, adding to its luxurious appeal.
2. Tiffany & Co. Engagement Rings: Many of Tiffany's engagement ring designs incorporate pave settings, highlighting their commitment to elegance and quality.
3. Harry Winston Earrings: These high-end earrings frequently use pave diamonds to create stunning, sparkling pieces.

Are Pavé Diamonds Expensive?

When considering adding pavé diamonds to your jewelry collection, one of the primary questions you might have is, "Are pavé diamonds expensive?" The answer to this question can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the diamonds, the type of metal used in the setting, and the craftsmanship involved.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Pavé Diamonds

1. Diamond Quality:
• Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat (4 Cs): Even though pavé settings use smaller diamonds, the quality of these diamonds still impacts the price. Higher quality stones (better cut, color, and clarity) will cost more.
• Number of Diamonds: The sheer number of small diamonds used in a pavé setting can add to the cost. More diamonds mean more labor and materials.
2. Craftsmanship:
• Setting Quality: The skill required to set numerous small diamonds precisely is considerable. High-quality craftsmanship ensures that the diamonds are securely set and that the jewelry will last, which can increase the price.
• Designer vs. Generic: Jewelry from well-known designers or brands often carries a premium due to the brand's reputation and guarantee of quality.
3. Metal Type:
• Platinum: More expensive than gold, platinum is often used in high-end pavé settings for its durability and luxurious appearance.
• Gold: Yellow, white, and rose gold are commonly used and their prices can vary. White gold is typically more popular for pavé settings due to its complementary color.
4. Complexity of Design:
• Intricate Designs: More complex and intricate designs that require more labor and precision will be more expensive.
• Simple Designs: Simpler pavé settings will generally be less expensive but still offer significant sparkle.

Comparing Costs: Pavé vs. Other Settings

To better understand if pavé diamonds are expensive, it's helpful to compare their cost to other popular diamond settings:

1. Solitaire Settings: Generally, a single large diamond set in a solitaire setting can be more expensive due to the larger carat weight of the center stone. Pavé settings, which use smaller diamonds, might be less expensive overall but provide a more intricate look.
2. Halo Settings: Similar to pavé settings, halo settings use smaller diamonds around a central stone. The cost can be comparable, but pavé settings can sometimes be more affordable if they use fewer small diamonds.
3. Channel and Bezel Settings: These settings can be less expensive than pavé settings as they typically involve fewer diamonds and less intricate work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding what are pave diamonds reveals their undeniable charm and versatility. Pave settings offer an unparalleled sparkle and elegance, making them a popular choice for various jewelry pieces. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, a bracelet, or a pair of earrings, pave diamonds can add that extra touch of sophistication and brilliance.

With proper care and maintenance, pave diamond jewelry can last a lifetime, making it a cherished addition to any jewelry collection. When choosing pave diamonds, consider the quality of the diamonds, the craftsmanship of the setting, and your personal style to ensure you get a piece that you'll love for years to come.

FAQs about Pave Diamonds

1. What are pave diamonds? Pave diamonds are small diamonds set closely together with minimal metal visibility, creating a paved appearance and maximizing sparkle.
2. How do I care for pave diamond jewelry? Clean regularly with mild soapy water, avoid harsh chemicals, store properly, and have professional inspections annually.
3. Are pave settings more expensive? Pave settings can be more affordable due to the use of smaller diamonds, but prices vary based on the quality of the diamonds and craftsmanship.
4. Can I resize a pave set ring? Resizing pave set rings is challenging and should be done by an experienced jeweler.
5. What types of jewelry feature pave diamonds? Pave settings are popular in rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.