From the French word meaning "to pave", many tiny diamonds (usually brilliant cut) are set close together to cover the surface of a pave ring and create a gleaming effect. This look also has an antique edge to it, suggesting both the frilly elegance of Victoriana and the glitz of the golden age of Hollywood.
Pave engagement rings can come in many shapes or be paired with a plain band to form a puzzle ring, and can be wide and flashy or thin and elegant. They can also be formed into simple shapes, such as a circle or a flower. Many times when a pave ring is set on a thin band, the band itself is set in a curvy, elegant shape, such as a wavy line or an s-curve. You can also choose a one-sided or three-sided pave, meaning that you might have one row of diamonds that are set relatively flat in the ring, or a raised row (or several in the case of a wider ring) flanked on each side by a row facing out to form a three-dimensional effect.
Pave engagement rings are also commonly made with a setting in the middle for a larger central stone, which can be any shape but is most often a brilliant or princess cut (round or square). In many cases where the couple is operating under a budget, the pave stones are cubic zirconia with perhaps a diamond or other precious gem in the middle.
There are a few risks in choosing a pave diamond ring that you should be aware of. One is that when pave rings are stacked, they rub against each other with minimal protection, meaning potential damage to the stones. However, as an engagement ring, pave rings pair very nicely with a plain gold band, and are sparkly and gorgeous enough alone to draw attention (and the occasional "ooh-la-la").
Another common risk inherent in the pave setting is that you can probably expect a stone to fall out once in a while. Most of the time pave stones are inset into the metal band, which is less secure than the prong setting of larger stones. It is also a risk for stones to "pop out" after cleaning or resizing. The good news about this is that since pave diamonds are by nature very small, they are easy and relatively inexpensive for your jeweler to replace. It's also a good idea to have your pave band checked by your jeweler from time to time to make sure that the stones are secure and the setting has not incurred any weak spots. Many jewelers also offer a free replacement policy.
However, if you choose to accept these minor risks, you will have a beautiful pave diamond ring that expresses your undying love to your beloved and shares your unique style with the world.
