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Pavé
Pavé is tiny stones set close together along the band, held by small beads of metal, so the metal almost disappears and the band glitters. It is the classic way to make a thin band sparkle.
What it is
Small round diamonds, usually about 1 to 1.5 mm, are seated low in the band along the shoulders and held by beads of metal raised from the band itself. The stones sit just proud of the surface, in a line or in rows. Pavé runs part of the way around the band so the back stays plain for comfort and resizing.
Pavé
Tiny stones set close together along the band’s shoulders, held by small beads of metal.
Why people love it
A thin, glittering band that makes the center stone look larger by contrast. It suits every shape and pairs naturally with a hidden halo. A pavé band also works alone as a wedding or anniversary band.
- The band glitters; the metal almost disappears.
- A classic look with a thin band.
Trade-offs
Resizing is limited to the plain back of the band. Small stones can work loose over years of wear, so a check now and then keeps every one. Pavé also adds setting time and many small stones to keep clean, and a very thin pavé band bends more easily than a plain one.
- Resizing is limited to what the plain back of the band allows.
- Small stones can work loose over years of wear; a check now and then keeps them.
Who it suits
Someone who loves sparkle, wants a thin band, and will bring the ring in for a check once in a while. It suits solitaires of every shape and is lovely with a hidden halo.
Sizes
| Diameter | Depth | Diamond · approx. |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 mm | 3.1 mm | 0.47 ct |
| 5.5 mm | 3.4 mm | 0.62 ct |
| 6.0 mm | 3.7 mm | 0.80 ct |
| 6.5 mm | 4.0 mm | 1.02 ct |
| 7.0 mm | 4.3 mm | 1.28 ct |
| 7.5 mm | 4.6 mm | 1.57 ct |
| 8.0 mm | 4.9 mm | 1.91 ct |
| 8.5 mm | 5.2 mm | 2.29 ct |
| 9.0 mm | 5.5 mm | 2.71 ct |
Round center stones with their approximate diamond weight. The pavé itself uses stones of about 1.3 mm along the shoulders; the studio counts them for you. Natural and lab-grown diamonds weigh the same. All figures approx.
What affects the cost
The center stone first. Pavé adds a number of small matched diamonds and, more than their weight suggests, the hand-setting time to seat and bead each one. A band set further around costs more than one set only across the top.
Every custom piece is quoted after a consultation; there are no posted prices for custom work.
Care
Soak in warm soapy water and brush gently along the pavé; dry with a soft cloth. Have the beads checked yearly, and take the ring off for anything that could knock the band.
A diamond is the hardest thing you own, but the metal around it is not. Take the ring off for the gym, the garden and anything with a bar or a rope in it, and keep it away from chlorine and bleach, which attack gold alloys over time.
Questions
How far around should pavé go?
Halfway or a little more keeps the back plain for comfort and resizing. Full pavé is possible but limits resizing.
Do pavé stones fall out?
Rarely, and usually after a knock. A yearly check catches a loose bead before a stone goes.
Pavé or channel?
Pavé shows the most light; channel set stones sit between two rails and are smoother to wear.
Can a pavé band be resized?
Within the plain part of the band, yes. Sara tells you how much room there is before you order.