When it comes to adding extra sparkle without overwhelming the design, a micro pavé diamond ring might just be the subtle yet stunning choice you’ve been looking for—are you ready to find out why?

Navigate This Guide:

• Introduction
• 7 Practical Tips for Buying Diamond Engagement Rings with Micro Pavé Settings 
• The Basics of Micro Pavé
• Key Factors to Consider for the Ideal Selection
• Certification for Melee Diamonds
• Picking the Right Jeweler for Your Micro Pavé Engagement Ring
• Conclusion
• 8 FAQs

Introduction

Whoever first coined the phrase ‘it’s the small things that count’ probably wasn’t thinking about engagement rings. At the beginning of your search, it’s only natural that you’re squarely focused on finding that perfect diamond – and, of course, that you quickly become used to the idea that every tenth of a carat counts.

After all, we all want that center diamond to draw attention from across crowded rooms – to light up with brilliance and fire the moment the ring box is opened, and you finally pop the question to her.

Still, when it comes to making an impact, the ‘small things’ really do play a decisive role, and nothing offers a better example of this fact than the micro-pavé setting.

Minute, but nonetheless transformative for your engagement ring setting, this represents one of the most popular options among fiancés-to-be today.

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:

7 Practical Tips for Buying Diamond Engagement Rings with Micro Pavé Settings 

When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, especially one with a micro pavé setting, there are several critical aspects to consider. These tips will help you make an informed decision and ensure you select a ring that is both stunning and enduring. 

• Tip 1: Evaluate the Craftsmanship of the Micro Pavé Setting: Closely inspect the micro pavé setting. The diamonds should be uniformly set with minimal gaps. Precision: Look for evenly spaced and securely held diamonds to ensure longevity and avoid potential loss. 
• Tip 2: Check for Overall Ring Balance: Ensure that the micro pavé complements, rather than overwhelms, the center stone. The setting should enhance the ring’s aesthetic without detracting from the main diamond. Comfort: Consider the ring’s band width and how it feels on the finger, especially if the micro pavé extends around the band. 
• Tip 3: Assess the Quality of Micro Pavé Diamonds: Verify that the micro pavé diamonds have uniform color and clarity, as inconsistencies can be more noticeable in such a delicate setting. Brightness and Sparkle: Observe the ring under different lighting conditions to ensure the micro pavé diamonds contribute to the ring’s overall brilliance. 
• Tip 4: Understand the Durability and Maintenance: Recognize that micro pavé settings can be more susceptible to damage if not crafted well. Ensure that the setting is sturdy and well-constructed. Maintenance Requirements: Be aware of the need for regular cleaning and inspections, as micro pavé settings can trap dirt more easily and may require professional cleaning to maintain their sparkle. 
• Tip 5: Consider the Resizing Limitations: Understand that rings with micro pavé settings, especially those with diamonds around the entire band, may be difficult or impossible to resize. Choose the correct size and consider future needs. 
• Tip 6: Match the Metal of the Setting with Lifestyle: Choose a metal that suits the wearer’s lifestyle. For instance, platinum offers more durability but is heavier, while gold is lighter but may require more maintenance. 
• Tip 7: Compare Different Micro Pavé Styles: Explore different micro pavé designs, such as those with different patterns or varying numbers of rows, to find a style that aligns with personal tastes and preferences.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

The Basics of Micro Pavé

Like the pavé set engagement rings, the micro pavé adds a number of very small, real diamonds along the shank (band) of the ring, to create extra sparkle on either side of the center diamond, or simply as decoration for a wedding band or eternity ring.

These diamonds tend to be known by the name ‘melee diamonds’, or simply ‘smalls’.

They can be placed all the way around, on the shoulders of the ring, or on a split shank to create some difference between the two halves. The micro pavé is also small enough to be used on either side of a knife-edge shank, creating a multidimensional sparkle that, in spite of its small size, will sparkle bright enough to steal the attention of people standing across the room.

Micro Pavé Settings vs Traditional Pavé Engagement Rings

From the diamonds used to the settings that hold them in place and the size of the ring’s shank, everything about the micro pavé is smaller than the pavé.

Anyone new to the world of engagement rings will probably be pretty surprised to find out quite how small a diamond can be. We’re used to homing in on that center stone, even before we start browsing for ourselves, but even the smallest diamond is capable of emitting an incredible sparkle capable of bringing any diamond ring to the next level.

The general rule behind pavé and micro pavé diamond rings is the same: line the shank, or half the shank, with these tiny diamonds, held in place by prongs or delicate metal beads. A jeweler working on a micro-pavé ring, however, will have to practice even greater delicacy and sleight of hand to pull it off beautifully, and securely. This means that, unless you’re looking at a micro pavé band up close, your eyes probably won’t be able to pick up on the metalwork holding those tiny diamonds in place.

Micro pavé is an increasingly popular choice because of its ability to be used on skinny band engagement rings. This style has found prominence on the fingers of notable celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Ann Hathaway, as well as Beyoncé Knowles.

Understanding Melee Diamonds

During the cutting process, much of the rough diamond has to be removed in order to create the perfectly symmetrical and proportioned diamonds we prize today. These off-cuts can be shaped into melee diamonds, and sold in large quantities to jewelers.

So, for every diamond being cut right now, there are many melee diamonds waiting to be collected and shaped. It’s a great way of ensuring no piece of diamond goes to waste – and that, all around the world, there are many brides wearing a small piece of the same diamond.

These days, almost all melee diamonds are cut into a shape known as the ‘full cut’, which holds 75 facets – just like the larger round cut diamond – which enables it to generate an incredible amount of scintillating fire and brilliance, even in spite of its small size.

Once cut, these melee diamonds are sorted by size, and those of the same carat weight are combined together in large parcels and sold in bulk to jewelers.

Key Factors to Consider for the Ideal Selection

Durability of Micro Pavé Settings

A well-made micro pavé setting will keep those melee diamonds in their place for many years, with proper care.

Just because these diamonds are so much smaller than others, does not mean that they will be any less secure in their setting.

Good jewelers have long since perfected the art of securing melee diamonds in place without covering them in bulky metalwork, which is why it’s so important that you take a look through our options, as our jewelry maker find a local jeweler with has a strong reputation in crafting engagement rings that are as elegant as they are durable.

You’ll also need to get used to the idea that the micro pavé is specifically designed to create the impression that these diamonds are somehow floating on the ring. Exposing as much of the diamond to the light as possible is what creates that incredible glitter that continuously glints over the shank.

Maintenance of Micro Pavé Settings

The phrase ‘little and often’ is very apt here. A regular soak is preferable to a more intensive cleaning process, and will keep any product from building up between these tiny stones.

It’s a fact of life that many of our daily habits aren’t necessarily ‘ideal’ for our rings – but it’s also true that gold, platinum, and diamond are among some of the most resilient natural substances out there. Soaking your ring in a light detergent and plenty of warm water regularly will remove any build-up of hand sanitizer, moisturizer, makeup, and perfume so that you don’t need a jeweler with specialized tools to pick it out. the jeweler doesn’t have to go in with their specialized tools to pick it out.

You will still want to get it checked once a year, however, with a jeweler, regardless of how often you clean it.

Micro Pavé Cost

In general, micro pavé is no more expensive than traditional pavé. In fact, the micro pavé setting is a little more budget-friendly, as it uses smaller diamonds that would otherwise have little use to jewelers.

It goes without saying that choosing to incorporate a micro pavé setting into the design of your engagement ring will bump up the overall price, but the total carat weight of your completed ring will be lower if you choose a micro-pavé setting over a pavé setting.

Certification for Melee Diamonds

While the GIA does grade melee diamonds, it is not common practice. Nevertheless, it is vital your pavé comprises diamonds of similar colors. This is why it is very important to use a reputable online seller like us, as we will not overcharge for poor quality or diamonds that have not been thoroughly checked by an expert.

While the GIA Melee Analysis Service is available, the sheer volume of melee diamonds created, cut, and sold around the world makes this practice considerably less common than it is to have a full-size center stone graded and certified by the Gemological Institute of America.

But, while you won’t need a GIA certificate for each one, you will want to make sure that each melee diamond used in your micro pavé setting appears the same color, eye clean, well cut and, of course, the same size. When you’re talking about detailing this intricate, any minor differences will look glaringly obvious in the finished article.

We only source our melee diamonds from reputable sellers, and we will ensure each is hand checked by a diamond expert before it is used within a pavé or micro pavé setting. 

Picking the Right Jeweler for Your Micro Pavé Engagement Ring

Micro pavé can prove transformative for even the simplest ring design and is subtle enough to add a little something extra without overwhelming the center setting with sparkle.

They can also be used as much or as little as you would like, whether you want to encrust the band with a vibrant sparkle or simply add a small, delicate twinkle on the shank’s edge. For that reason, they prove popular with shoppers of all different tastes and styles; they can complement the most ornate designs and the most basic.

There are two things you should always keep in mind when considering a micro pavé setting, however.

First of all, how skilled is the jeweler fitting it? If you’re going through an online retailer who is not known for their high standards, then that should be a cause for concern. If you’re working with a WillYou.com jeweler, then this won’t be a concern. If, on the other hand, you’re working with an online retailer and have only a handful of pictures to go off before you invest your money, it should be cause for concern. While the micro pavé diamonds are only small, the gap created by one that has worked loose will be glaringly obvious, so don’t risk your diamond ring with a seller without standards..on an unknown factor.

Secondly, how trustworthy is the jeweler fitting it? As we mentioned above, it’s all too easy for low quality or imitation melee diamonds to be mixed in with real ones, and that’ll mean you end up missing out on the incredible sparkle offered by these stones – and that your money will go to waste.

If you find your micro pave setting in our store, you can put a big check next to both of those questions and go for your preferred setting! then, absolutely – micro pavé diamonds are going to be an excellent choice for your diamond ring.

Conclusion

Micro pavé is pretty unique in its ability to subtly complement a low-key, minimalism-inspired engagement ring, as well as bringing a more elaborate piece to life with its incredible light performance.

If you love the pavé setting but want to make those metal settings a little less obvious, then the micro pavé could be a great one to choose. Have a look at our store to see both of these styles in action, and ask yourself what your partner would prefer. 

8 FAQs

• Q: What Is a Micro Pavé Diamond Ring?
• A: A micro pavé diamond ring features a setting where tiny diamonds, usually less than 0.01 carats each, are set closely together, creating a continuous sparkle effect. These small diamonds are known as melee diamonds and add extra brilliance to the ring.
• Q: How Do Micro Pavé Rings Differ From Regular Pavé Rings?
• A: Micro pavé rings use smaller diamonds and have more intricate setting work compared to regular pavé rings. This results in a more delicate and refined appearance, with less visible metal between the diamonds.
• Q: Are Micro Pavé Diamonds Real Diamonds?
• A: Yes, micro pavé diamonds are real diamonds. They are typically small but genuine diamonds that are cut and set to create a dazzling effect on the ring’s band.
• Q: Can Micro Pavé Rings Be Resized?
• A: Resizing micro pavé rings can be challenging, especially if the diamonds are set around the entire band. It’s important to get the size right initially or choose a design that can accommodate resizing.
• Q: How Durable Are Micro Pavé Diamond Rings?
• A: Micro pavé rings are generally durable but require careful handling due to their intricate setting. Regular maintenance and checks by a professional jeweler are recommended to ensure the diamonds remain securely set.
• Q: How Should I Clean a Micro Pavé Diamond Ring?
• A: Clean your micro pavé ring using a soft brush with mild soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubbing. Regular light cleaning is preferable to prevent dirt buildup.
• Q: What Should I Look for When Choosing a Micro Pavé Ring?
• A: Look for uniformity and precision in the diamond setting, ensure the micro pavé complements the center stone, and consider the ring’s overall balance and comfort. Also, be aware of the maintenance and care required for such intricate designs.
• Q: Are Micro Pavé Settings More Expensive Than Other Settings?
• A: Micro pavé settings can vary in price but are generally not significantly more expensive than other intricate settings. The cost depends on the quality of the diamonds and the craftsmanship of the setting.

Explore the world of micro pavé diamond rings with JewelerAI! Discover your perfect match in our exquisite collection and experience the elegance of tailored sparkle.