Micro Pave Engagement Rings

What is Micro Pave?

A basic pave setting is a type of engagement ring setting where the ring’s band appears encrusted with diamonds that are held in place by very little metal, therefore accentuating the stones rather than the band. Micro pave settings are even more intricate, and use the smallest possible diamonds to achieve a uniform glitter on the ring’s surface. Because the individual stones are so small, they blend together more smoothly and present a truly extravagant image. Depending on the engagement ring design, thirty, fifty, or even more tiny stones may make up the micro pave, but because of their small size, they rarely add up to more than three-quarters of a carat in total carat weight (not counting the center stone).

Advantages

Micro pave engagement rings have several advantages over bolder pave settings, including:

• Smoother Surface: Because the diamonds or diamond chips used in micro pave are so small, the ring’s surface is smoother than with larger pave settings.
• Less Metal Visible: Smaller stones can fit together more closely, eliminating even more metal from showing through the diamond encrustation.
• Greater Delicacy: Because micro pave rings use such small stones, they can be incorporated into very delicate, intricate designs that are impossible with larger accent stones.

Disadvantages

At the same time, micro pave ring designs also have several disadvantages, such as:

• Less Durability: Smaller stones cannot be fixed as securely into the ring, and there is a greater likelihood that stones could become loose or fall out of the setting.
• Overpowering Glitter: While the sparkle of micro pave rings is alluring, too much diamond detailing on the ring’s band can overshadow the center stone and make the ring seem garish or ostentatious.
• Unbalanced Bands: If a single line of stones is used for the band, it may seem disproportionately narrow compared to the center stone, particularly if the center stone is also surrounded by diamond accents.

Cost

The cost of micro pave rings can be either an advantage or disadvantage. While the smaller stones or chips can be less expensive than larger accents, the sheer number of them can quickly add up to a higher engagement ring price. Furthermore, the intricacy of the design is labor intensive and may cost more to create even if the diamonds are less expensive. Couples on a budget, however, can lower the cost of a micro pave style by opting for cubic zirconia or other artificial accents instead of real diamonds in the pave.

Micro Pave Ring Designs

The small stones in a micro pave design lend themselves to great stylistic flexibility and there are many different types of micro pave engagement rings. Some of the most popular styles include:

Small bands add delicacy.

• Bands with pave accents along the sides as well as the top of the metal.
• Wide band diamond engagement rings with micro pave encrustations turning the entire ring into a work of art.
• Pave diamonds that are set into the engagement ring mounting, between prongs, or otherwise in locations impossible to set larger stones.
• Pave stones that not only wrap around the ring’s band but also encircle the center stone.
• Micro pave split shank diamond rings or semi mount diamond engagement rings.
• Bridal set engagement rings that incorporate micro pave elements on both the engagement ring and the wedding ring.

Tips for Micro Pave Engagement Rings

Couples interested in micro pave rings need to be cautious when purchasing such a delicate design to ensure they get a high quality ring. While understanding diamond quality is essential, these unique settings also require additional considerations.

• The diamond color of the pave setting should be consistent along the entire surface of the ring; diamonds with poor color are more likely to stand out.
• The ring should be regularly inspected for loose stones and repairs should be made promptly to avoid losing stones.
• The surface of the ring should be uniform, with no single stone jutting out further than the others.
• Extra care should be taken when wearing micro pave diamond rings, and they should never be worn during household chores, while swimming, or when activities may jeopardize the ring’s integrity.

Couples should also ask about the jeweler’s warranty policies and any protection plans to help defray the cost of repairs in the event that the pave stones come loose. Many jewelers offer such plans for reasonable fees that can be a substantial savings if multiple repairs are needed.

Micro pave engagement rings are delicate designer fashions with superior glitter and flair that will appeal to discriminating couples interested in unique designs. With care and consideration, that glitter can last for many happy anniversaries as the couple’s marriage is paved with sparkles.