Halo Diamond Engagement Rings: Pave or not Pave
How are pave stones set?
Setting micro pavé is very labour intensive and the finest work can only be achieved by a select master setters. The result is an exquisite dance of colours as light reflects off the rows of diamonds from all angles.
There are typically two ways to secure the diamonds, 6 gold or platinum beads will secure 3 stones or 4 smaller beads can secure each stone. Typically the 4 bead technique is preferred as less metal is used and it will result in more sparkle and scintillation.
Will stones fall out?
If you choose for a design with micro pavé set stones, there is a good chance you will lose a stone from time to time. Some micro pave designs may have 100-200 diamonds, and there is greater opportunity for diamonds to fall out.
With some micro pave diamonds being less than 2 mm in diameter and you can imagine the prongs holding these small diamonds are a fraction of that size.
Therefore the amount of metal actually holding each tiny diamond is very small and any direct hit on one of these small prongs or diamonds could easily dislodge it.
Even modern cleaning techniques such as ultrasonics and steam cleaners can dislodge micro pave set stones.
If you have a very active lifestyle, wearing a pave ring everyday may not be a good idea. To prolong the life of your micro pavé ring remember to remove it if you’re going to engage in sports and other physical activity. Dust and dirt can also affect the quality of a pave set ring so make sure to have it inspected, cleaned and repaired by an expert jeweller regularly.
That said well-maintained pave set jewellery will give many years of of wear. The key is having a jeweller that has the experience and onsite facilities to service your repair or replacement quickly for the occasional missing stone.