While the Bright set pavé is also called the channel set pavé, pavé settings are different from channel settings in engagement ring designs.

Pavé Setting Vs Channel Setting Engagement Rings

Today, the pavé and channel settings are popularly used in engagement rings and are often mistaken for each other. This is mainly because both settings feature small diamonds that run along the shank or band of an engagement ring. However, both the settings have a few differences, which any potential buyer should be aware of.

1. Pavé set engagement rings tiny accent diamonds are fitted into holes set level with the ring and sit in raised beds, prongs or metal beads. Whereas a channel set engagement ring does not have metal prongs between each diamond, the diamonds are pushed next to each other and sit inside the metal walls created.

2. The channel setting features diamonds inside the band, in contrast to the pavé setting, which features diamonds on the surface, allowing more light to be reflected. Channel set rings offer a more subdued sparkle than pavé engagement rings.

3. Pavé settings can make the center stone appear larger and enhance the sparkle. On the other hand, channel settings add to the beauty of the setting but do not make the center diamond look larger or more brilliant.

4. A channel setting minimises the risk of diamonds falling out, whereas little stones in a pavé setting can get loose, as the prongs can become weak over time.

5. Although the pavé setting focuses on elevating the center stone, the channel setting brings attention to the metal and setting of the engagement ring.

6. Channel settings often use different types of stone shapes, from emerald to baguette cuts, while the most common type of shape used in a pavé setting is round.

7. Compared to pavé setting engagement rings, Channel setting engagement rings are quite expensive, as the diamonds used in pavé settings are smaller than those used in channel settings.

Pavé Setting Vs Prong Setting

Another engagement ring setting that the pavé is often mistaken for is the prong setting. A prong or shared prong setting features diamonds along the ring’s shank held together by metal prongs, much like the pavé setting. There are some differences between these two popular settings.

1. Pavé settings feature small beads or micro-prongs designed to hold each of the diamonds securely on the surface of the ring’s shank. In a prong setting, adjacent diamonds are held in place by sharing two thin prongs minimising the amount of metal on the band.

2. Pavé engagement rings can have multiple rows of pave diamonds (Like Gemvy’s Two Row Bright Set Pavé Engagement Anniversary ring). The key combination to achieve this design is a broader shank and smaller diamonds. Shared Prong settings, due to the way the prongs are placed and the larger size of diamonds, cannot have multiple rows.

3. The prongs have a rounded top in a shared prong setting, making them less susceptible to snagging.

4. Pavé settings are not just exclusive to the shank of a ring but can be placed in a circle around the center diamond, forming a halo, whereas this design cannot work with a shared prong setting. The pavé halo feature can be seen on this spectacular Gemvy’s Tapered Double Row Pavé Half-Band Halo Diamond Engagement Ring.

5. Shared prong settings have larger diamonds, unlike the pavé setting, which features smaller diamonds. A shared prong setting does not always accentuate the center stone like a pavé setting; however, each diamond on the band stands out in a shared prong setting.

6. Shared prong settings do not have a variety of designs to choose from when choosing an engagement ring, whereas a pavé setting, as shown above, has various designs within itself to help you find your perfect ring.

If you are considering a pavé engagement ring, you should be aware of the pros and cons of this style.

Pros:

I. The pavé setting elevates the center stone. The smaller diamonds on the shanks of a ring, leading to the center stone, draw the eye towards the stone, enhancing the sparkle and the size of the center stone.

II. It is a versatile option. A pavé can be added to a variety of engagement ring settings, e.g. it can be added on to solitaire or even a cathedral style. Gemvy’s Tapered Pavé Set High Profile Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring Wist or the Double Twisted Shank Diamond Engagement Ring are great examples of the versatility of the pavé setting.

III. Pavé enhances the sparkle of your ring, making it brilliant and luxurious looking. If you want to achieve the maximum sparkle from your engagement ring, a pavé is a direction to take.

Cons:

I. There is some risk of pavé stones dislodging or getting loose because of impact or snagging.

II. Cleaning and maintaining a pavé engagement ring can be difficult, as there are more grooves where dirt can get lodged.

III. Resizing a pavé setting can be difficult, especially if it’s a full pavé, so getting the correct ring size from the beginning is vital.

IV. Although a pavé setting is not as expensive as a channel setting, this setting can still be quite expensive, depending on the size of the setting and the number of pavé diamonds used.