When it comes to engagement rings, wedding bands, or fine jewelry that makes a statement, pave diamonds are a favorite for their brilliance and intricate sparkle. This setting style, which features small diamonds closely set together with minimal visible metal, creates the illusion of a continuous surface of shimmering stones. But while the setting style is essential, the clarity of the diamonds used in a pave ring diamond is just as important for achieving the right look.
In this guide, we’ll explore how clarity affects the beauty of pave set diamonds, what clarity grades to consider, and how to balance appearance, quality, and budget for your diamond pavé jewelry.
What Are Pave Diamonds?
The term “pavé” (pronounced pah-vay) comes from the French word for “paved,” referencing how the diamonds resemble a paved road of light. A pave setting uses many small diamonds placed side-by-side, often held in place by tiny beads or prongs.
Types of pave diamond settings include:
Micro Pave
Micro pave is a highly intricate setting style where extremely small diamonds, often less than 0.01 carats each, are set closely together using precise craftsmanship. The stones are held in place with tiny prongs or beads, creating a seamless, glittering surface that looks delicate yet luxurious. This style is popular in engagement rings and wedding bands because it adds an abundance of sparkle without overpowering the center stone. Micro-pave requires expert setting skills, as the small size of the stones leaves little room for error. Its refined detail is perfect for those who appreciate subtle, continuous brilliance.
French Pave
French pave is distinguished by its V shaped grooves cut into the metal beneath each diamond. These cuts expose more of the diamond’s sides, allowing additional light to enter and increasing overall brilliance. The prongs are minimal and blend seamlessly with the stones, giving the setting an airy, open feel. French pave is often chosen for those who want their ring to sparkle from every angle, as the increased light performance enhances even the smallest stones. This style works beautifully in engagement rings, wedding bands, or as a decorative accent, offering both sophistication and maximum diamond visibility.
Petite Pave
Petite pave settings feature slim, delicate prongs that securely hold the diamonds while minimizing visible metal. This creates a more diamond focused appearance, where the stones appear larger and more prominent. The fine craftsmanship gives the ring a refined, elegant aesthetic without adding bulk. Petite pave is ideal for modern, minimalist designs or for those who want their band to complement rather than compete with a center stone. It provides a continuous row of sparkle with a clean, polished look. Because the prongs are thinner, they require skilled workmanship to ensure long term durability while maintaining the sleek style.
U Cut Pave
U cut pave, also known as scallop pave, features a distinct curved cut beneath each diamond, forming a U shaped groove. This design exposes more of the diamond’s pavilion, allowing maximum light to pass through for exceptional brilliance. The setting appears almost lace-like from the side, adding decorative detail to the ring’s profile. U cut pave is often used to give rings a romantic, vintage inspired feel while still maintaining modern sparkle. It works beautifully with both classic and unique designs, offering a balance of intricate craftsmanship and high light performance that enhances every diamond in the band.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) or surface features (blemishes) within a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale includes:
- Flawless (FL) – No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.
- Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions, only minor blemishes visible under magnification.
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) – Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) – Minor inclusions visible with effort under magnification.
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) – Noticeable inclusions under magnification, sometimes visible to the naked eye.
- Included (I1, I2, I3) – Obvious inclusions that may affect transparency and brilliance.
In large center stones, clarity plays a major role in appearance, but for pave diamonds, the factors shift slightly.
What Clarity Grade Should a Pave Setting Have?
When selecting diamonds for a pave setting, you don’t need to aim for the highest clarity grades like Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF). Since pave diamonds are typically very small often under 0.05 carats most inclusions are nearly impossible to detect without magnification. The ideal range for pave set diamonds is VS2 to SI1 clarity. These grades are usually “eye clean,” meaning the stones appear free of inclusions to the naked eye, yet they are significantly more affordable than higher grades. Matching clarity across all pave stones is essential to create a consistent sparkle throughout the setting.
What Do I Need to Know About Pave?
Pave refers to a setting style where multiple small diamonds are set closely together, creating the look of a continuous surface of sparkle. The term comes from the French word for “paved,” much like a street paved with stones. Pave settings can enhance the brilliance of a ring without requiring large diamonds, making them a budget friendly yet glamorous choice. They work well in engagement rings, wedding bands, and decorative accents. While beautiful, pave designs require regular maintenance to ensure the small diamonds remain secure and the setting retains its dazzling, seamless look over time.
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Clarity for Pave Diamonds
Pavé diamonds are all about creating a seamless, glittering effect. While clarity is an important factor, you don’t need to choose the highest grades for small accent stones. VS2 to SI1 clarity typically delivers the best combination of beauty, durability, and value in pave set diamonds.
When buying a pave diamond ring, focus on:
- Matching clarity and color to your center stone.
- Ensuring consistent quality across all pave set diamonds.
- Prioritizing cut and craftsmanship to enhance brilliance.
At Carat Diamonds, we understand the art of combining beauty and value. Our diamond pavé designs are crafted with precision, using carefully selected stones that ensure every ring radiates light from every angle. Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring, wedding band, or statement piece, our experts can guide you in selecting the perfect clarity for your dream pave setting.
