Pavé Engagement Rings

Pavé engagement rings set a row of small stones along the band so closely that the metal almost disappears beneath them — the name comes from the French for “paved,” because the surface looks cobbled with light. The effect is continuous sparkle that frames the center stone and makes it read larger. This collection features pavé settings with moissanite, lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones, in sterling silver, gold vermeil and solid gold.

What a pavé setting is

In a pavé setting, small stones sit in tiny drilled seats and are held by minute beads of metal raised from the band itself, so almost no metal shows between them. Variations include micro-pavé (even smaller stones for a finer, more delicate line) and French pavé (V-shaped cutouts beneath each stone that let in more light). Compare with the fully exposed look of bezel-set engagement rings, where a metal rim surrounds the stone instead.

Pavé engagement rings & halo settings

Pavé pairs naturally with a halo, where the accent stones encircle the center stone as well as running along the band — see halo engagement rings and hidden halo engagement rings. It also works beautifully as a contrast to a plain solitaire, adding brilliance without competing with the main stone. Browse colored options in gemstone engagement rings and moissanite engagement rings.

Choosing & caring for pavé

Pavé adds sparkle and apparent size for relatively little cost, and it suits nearly every center-stone shape — oval, emerald, pear and marquise all pair well. Practical note: because the stones are held by small beads, pavé rewards a gentle clean with a soft brush and periodic checks that the settings remain snug, as with any accent-set band.