Buying the perfect engagement ring for yourself or your fiancée is a huge responsibility. After all, your engagement is the most important and special day of your lives! So, how should you go about making the right decision? There are so many factors and variables to consider while looking for the perfect ring. Let’s check out pavé diamond engagement rings, explore why they are among the best choices, and how they can make your special day even brighter!
Pavé (pronounced as pah-vay) comes from the French term for paving. As the name suggests, this is a setting where multiple small diamonds or gemstones are set on the shank of a ring in a way that they appear like beautiful droplets on the band of the ring, whose sparkle accentuates the main diamond set at the center of the ring. A pavé setting may consist of a single row or multiple rows of very small diamonds. The smaller diamonds are closely set so well together they almost appear as part of the main diamond.
There are different types of pavé settings. Let’s have a look at what they are, and how each pavé engagement ring has a unique character and style of its own.
-
Micro Pavé
Micro pavé as the name suggests is a setting that consists of very small diamonds. The diamonds are so categorically small that the entire band looks like it is made of diamond. Generally, the micro pavé setting features multiple rows of small diamonds that cover the entire band seamlessly.
-
U-Cut Pavé
The U-cut pavé is a very popular choice. It’s a modern pavé setting. When looked at from the side, the groove into which diamonds are set looks like a “U” – hence the name. The main advantage of this setting is that many of the diamonds that are set on the ring are exposed from all sides. This allows light to reflect from all sides and the diamonds to shine and sparkle from all angles.
-
French Pavé
The French pavé or the fishtail pave creates a unique textured appearance with the base metal. In the French pavé setting, the diamonds appear to be sitting next to each other seamlessly with almost no metal holding them together. Like the U-cut setting, this allows the diamonds set on the ring to sparkle more. This form combines engraving with diamond setting, to create a textured ring pattern.
-
Split Shank Pavé
A shank is the part of the ring that goes around your finger. The shanks of most rings are generally round. However, these days, modern jewelry can have a shank of a different shape. The split shank form is made by dividing the shank into two while stemming from the center stone. A split shank is known for its symmetry and the distinct character that it lends to the ring. This design makes the ring look very sophisticated and classy.
-
Art Nouveau Pavé
Art nouveau pavé rings have designs inspired by nature, in a geometrical motif as an homage to the era. The gentleness of the art nouveau era often reflects in these rings. They can have soft swirly shapes and can be made of different materials and vibrant colors.
-
Petit Pavé
Petit pavé rings are often confused with micro pave rings. While micro pavé rings have small diamonds, petit pavé rings generally have small prongs that hold the diamonds set on the ring in place. As the prongs are smaller, the tiny diamonds also become more visible, accentuating their shine and sparkle.
-
Bright Cut Pavé
The bright cut pavé setting has been widely used for a very long time. This setting is also known as the channel set pavé. The metal used in this setting is generally of higher quantity as compared to the diamonds studded on the ring. This makes the complete ring an affordable choice, albeit a less sparkly ring. However, because the metal quotient is high, it is more versatile as compared to other pavé settings.
-
Scalloped Pavé
A scalloped pavé ring setting is one of the most beautiful and eye-catching types of pavé rings. With a similar concept to a U-cut pavé, this setting has metal beads that hold the small diamonds in place, creating a scalloped pattern. This setting is rarely used and has a niche following. It is mostly used for wedding bands or right-hand rings.
-
Infinity and Eternity Pavé
Infinity and eternity pavé settings are similar. This setting represents eternal and everlasting love. The small diamonds that comprise the pavé setting covers whole band, bestowing it with a timeless character. This type of setting is very versatile and provides the flexibility to mix and match with various metals or materials to create the band.
-
Pavé Halo Engagement Rings
Pavé in a halo setting is also a very interesting albeit less explored option. Pavé halo engagement rings can look quite stunning and add more depth and character to the ring.
Now that we have explored most of the intricacies of the pavé setting, let us understand why a pavé setting can be your best choice when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands. A pavé setting primarily executes the function of accentuating the center stone. It is a simple fact that the bigger the center diamond, the happier the person wearing it is going to be! The second huge advantage that a pavé setting brings to the table is that it adds that extra bling to your ring. The pavé setting always looks more attractive than a plain metal band because it has the glam factor that all plain bands lack.
At A.JAFFE, we carry a versatile range of pavé rings that will dazzle you, literally and metaphorically! Our pavé-set diamond rings do a wonderful job of adding that aesthetical accent and sparkle to the design, enhancing the allure of the center stone set on the ring. Our micro-pavé diamonds are not only set by hand, but also each prong is created individually by hand, directly into the metal so it is stronger, smoother, and will not catch on delicate fabrics over time.
Discover our wide assortment of pavé diamond engagement rings and get yourself a sparkling beauty that you would be proud to wear for life.
We also offer a versatile range of rings in other popular settings and types, including beautiful bezel set engagement ring. Explore now!

Genevie Keaney is an experienced fashion blogger. She has been blogging for nearly 10 years, and her blog posts are often featured in major publications. Her blog posts cover everything from the latest trends to tips on how to wear certain pieces of clothing. Theresa’s favorite style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama, who she cites as having great style.