What Are Pave Set Diamonds?

Pave set diamonds are a beautiful and often less expensive choice for an engagement ring. These stones are set very closely together and give the impression of a band covered in diamonds.

What Pave Means

Pave comes from a French word that means "paved" or "cobblestones." Pave diamonds appear to pave a band with diamonds and are set very closely together.

How Pave Diamonds Are Set

Pave diamonds are round and set on top of a band using tiny metal prongs. They are typically used to create a line of diamonds going around an engagement band.

Pave vs. Channel Setting

Pave settings are often confused with channel settings and can look similar to an untrained eye. Channel set diamonds, however, come in a variety of shapes and are set deeper into the band. Pave diamonds, however, appear to be closer to the top of the band and have very little (if any) metal visible between them.

Options for Pave Settings

Pave is the setting of choice for eternity bands, but is also a fashionable choice for engagement rings. A solitaire can be accented by a pave band. Pave settings can also be arranged into shapes like hearts for a unique-looking engagement band. While diamonds are the most commonly used stone for this setting, other gemstones like sapphires can also be pave set.