How delicate/durable is pave'?

[Engrgrl1]

Good evening, second question and last question of the night (I promise):

How fragile/durable is pave'?

I really like the look of a pave' shank, especially a shank that is a wee bit wider and the pave' that appears to be on three sides of the shank (sorry, not sure what that is called), but I would consider other versions. But, I am a little bit (Okay maybe a lot of bit) concerned about durability. Since I have waited this long to do an ER upgrade, I plan on wearing this sucker on a daily or near daily basis.

My original ER contains the main stone and channel set princess cut diamonds (almost 28 years ago when that was all the rage)--and I have had no issues with it.

Any experience/advice/suggestions?

 

[seaurchin]

No expert here nor even one who owns a pave ring, so for what it's worth... The way I look at it is, the more stones there are in a piece, the more chances you have of one of them falling out.

But then, would it be terrible to you if you had to get a tiny stone replaced, if it was only every great once in a while?

You could also take extra precautions to lessen the chance of losing a stone. Such as take the ring off when doing any kind of work that's hard on your hands and have the stones checked by a jeweler once in a while (or carefully look them over yourself with a jewelers' loupe).

All that said, if pave' is what I really wanted, then that's what I'd get. Perhaps keeping in mind that if it becomes too much of problem, you could start wearing it for occasions rather than for everyday. But maybe someone with experience with daily wear pave' experience will have more to say.

 

[Kim N]

From various anecdotes on the forum, I don't believe a three-sided pave ring is meant for daily wear, even when made by one of the highly regarded hand-forged jewelers. Does your work involve using your hands a lot, or do you have little ones?

 

[Engrgrl1]

From various anecdotes on the forum, I don't believe a three-sided pave ring is meant for daily wear, even when made by one of the highly regarded hand-forged jewelers. Does your work involve using your hands a lot, or do you have little ones?

I don't have any little ones any more, the last one left for college in the fall--we are still adjusting to being empty nesters during the school year. I'm mostly in an office, occasionally out in the field. I do plan on wearing this on a daily basis.

My oldest sister, who is no longer with us, used to say to go big and you will grow into into it--she would remind me of how many smaller rings we all have in our jewelry boxes that just don't get worn anymore.

It sounds like although the three sided pave is truly lovely, it may not a good fit for this ring. (and Kim, I read every one of your comments on stones to try and learn from them, It is very helpful).

 

[lovedogs]

I had a pave engagement ring/wedding band without any issues (just a plain band with small pave about halfway around the shank). But definitely agree that 3 sided Pave isn't something I'd recommend for daily wear.

 

[dk168]

Each to their own when it comes to how heavily we use our hands.

I for one have been known to slap tables after a few drinks, and had bent ring shanks in the past.

I only wear the more delicate rings when I know I am going to behave myself, such as going to a sedate dinner on my own at a nice restaurant.

I bezel everything if I can - the main stone is always bezel-set except for one ring with a small oval Spinel and I don't wear that ring very often.

I do not like paves in the shank as I know I am heavy with my hands.

DK

 

[0515vision]

Here's another thought - along the go big or go home lines: So a few stones pop out ... just get them replaced. Jewellers around the world know how to pop in another pave.

In the meantime, you'll enjoy your 3-sided pave and be able to start a "My life with 3-sided pave" PS thread for our edification. Who knows - maybe they don't pop out as much as we fear.

My stepmother just had a a single pave stone replaced, and it wasn't a big deal. I mean, pave *literally* isn't a big deal.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi everyone!!
Interesting subject.
Here are a few thoughts...
The finest pavé rings can be the most delicate.
This is especially true for "cut down" style of setting used by the most prestigious jewelers...many discussed on PS.
The great thing about cut down is that the stones appear to float.
The down side is that less metal means less security.
OK, so we can simply replace a few stones if/when they fall out......
Nope.
I mean, you can, but every time you work on a ring, it needs to be polished.
That removes metal. Subsequently, the ring is weakened after it's been repaired. You can't add metal to this type of ring. Sometimes repair is not even possible.


Another important fact: the term "pavé" is used to describe a myriad of different setting styles.
It's totally possible that @0515vision 's step moms ring is a no problem repair.... while other rings with stones that are described as "pavé" are a big problem when it comes to repair

Three sided pavé....my perspective as a jeweler/designer is colored by durability.
It's lovely ( 3 sided pavé) but much more easily damaged. Also possibly much more difficult to repair if it loses a stone

Another consideration is the possibility of size adjustment in the future.
Stones set into the shank of a ring complicate size adjustment to varying degrees.

I'm admittedly jaded after 25+ years of experiencing the disappointment when a little stone falls out of the ring.
I really feel for the people when that happens. Tiny little stone...maybe .01ct.....but when it's gone, it looks like a missing tooth.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

I posted this in Cocktail rings. Pave on both sides, on top of the baguettes and some on the sides. It lives in a crate like a show dog, but it turns any quiet dinner at home into a special evening. MrCarParts named it "The Baby Grand" and he teases that Liberace wants his ring back.

 

[Engrgrl1]

I posted this in Cocktail rings. Pave on both sides, on top of the baguettes and some on the sides. It lives in a crate like a show dog, but it turns any quiet dinner at home into a special evening. MrCarParts named it "The Baby Grand" and he teases that Liberace wants his ring back.

Truly a stunning ring!

 

[Rockdiamond]

I posted this in Cocktail rings. Pave on both sides, on top of the baguettes and some on the sides. It lives in a crate like a show dog, but it turns any quiet dinner at home into a special evening. MrCarParts named it "The Baby Grand" and he teases that Liberace wants his ring back.

Ooooh lala!!!!

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Engrgrl1 thank you so much! It's a "would never sell this" ring. Very 2nd hand from ebay but the seller said it's really a nice piece. It weighs about as much as a stick of butter.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Ooooh lala!!!!

Corny old people in the Midwest.

 

[Engrgrl1]

Hi everyone!!
Interesting subject.
Here are a few thoughts...
The finest pavé rings can be the most delicate.
This is especially true for "cut down" style of setting used by the most prestigious jewelers...many discussed on PS.
The great thing about cut down is that the stones appear to float.
The down side is that less metal means less security.
OK, so we can simply replace a few stones if/when they fall out......
Nope.
I mean, you can, but every time you work on a ring, it needs to be polished.
That removes metal. Subsequently, the ring is weakened after it's been repaired. You can't add metal to this type of ring. Sometimes repair is not even possible.


Another important fact: the term "pavé" is used to describe a myriad of different setting styles.
It's totally possible that @0515vision 's step moms ring is a no problem repair.... while other rings with stones that are described as "pavé" are a big problem when it comes to repair

Three sided pavé....my perspective as a jeweler/designer is colored by durability.
It's lovely ( 3 sided pavé) but much more easily damaged. Also possibly much more difficult to repair if it loses a stone

Another consideration is the possibility of size adjustment in the future.
Stones set into the shank of a ring complicate size adjustment to varying degrees.

I'm admittedly jaded after 25+ years of experiencing the disappointment when a little stone falls out of the ring.
I really feel for the people when that happens. Tiny little stone...maybe .01ct.....but when it's gone, it looks like a missing tooth.

Thank you so much for your expert opinion! You have given me a lot to think about! I'm pretty low maintenance myself (I've lived with the same ER for 28 years without a thought of changing it), so I am not sure I am ready to take on a "hot house orchid" for a ring I plan on wearing regularly. (Kinda like the time not too long ago when my auto industry husband decided it was time for a fancy sports car with a stick shift and a V8, but we live out in the country on a dirt road, and with a couple teenage drivers, it was in the shop every other month with a bent rim or two ). Perhaps pave becomes part of my second project....

 

[Rockdiamond]

Perhaps pave becomes part of my second project....

There’s different sorts of settings that place diamonds in the shank. Some are very durable.
But once we’re talking about multiple faces with diamonds… different story

 

[0515vision]

Here are a few thoughts...

OK, so we can simply replace a few stones if/when they fall out......
Nope.

Tiny little stone...maybe .01ct.....but when it's gone, it looks like a missing tooth.

So much for my "let's horse around with our fine china" idea. Thanks for being our voice of reason, @Rockdiamond.

I don't own nice things and it shows!

 

[Tonks]

Good evening, second question and last question of the night (I promise):

How fragile/durable is pave'?

I really like the look of a pave' shank, especially a shank that is a wee bit wider and the pave' that appears to be on three sides of the shank (sorry, not sure what that is called), but I would consider other versions. But, I am a little bit (Okay maybe a lot of bit) concerned about durability. Since I have waited this long to do an ER upgrade, I plan on wearing this sucker on a daily or near daily basis.

My original ER contains the main stone and channel set princess cut diamonds (almost 28 years ago when that was all the rage)--and I have had no issues with it.

Any experience/advice/suggestions?

It depends on what kind of pave and who makes it. I would steer clear of mass produced pave at chain stores and go with one of our PS recommended vendors.

If you go with pave on the ER, my understanding is that bright cut pave is the most durable. It looks almost like a channel setting but if you look closely, the stones are held with teeny prongs, not a channel. There is a wall on each side, though, so if you bang the ring around the pave is more protected than it would if it were a more traditional type of pave. I have a band with bright cut and a band with more traditional pave and if the storm headed this way doesn’t knock out our power tomorrow I’ll try to get a few photos.

Here’s a great link with some illustrations in the meantime:

https://leonmege.com/pave-types-in-jewelry/

My strong advice would be to go with a plain shank engagement ring, or something with pave only on the top, and then a pave band to go with it. That way you get sturdy and durable in the engagement ring shank and the option to wear a blingy band or not, depending on what you’re doing.

 

[Engrgrl1]

It depends on what kind of pave and who makes it. I would steer clear of mass produced pave at chain stores and go with one of our PS recommended vendors.

If you go with pave on the ER, my understanding is that bright cut pave is the most durable. It looks almost like a channel setting but if you look closely, the stones are held with teeny prongs, not a channel. There is a wall on each side, though, so if you bang the ring around the pave is more protected than it would if it were a more traditional type of pave. I have a band with bright cut and a band with more traditional pave and if the storm headed this way doesn’t knock out our power tomorrow I’ll try to get a few photos.

Here’s a great link with some illustrations in the meantime:

https://leonmege.com/pave-types-in-jewelry/

My strong advice would be to go with a plain shank engagement ring, or something with pave only on the top, and then a pave band to go with it. That way you get sturdy and durable in the engagement ring shank and the option to wear a blingy band or not, depending on what you’re doing.

Thank you so much for responding Tonks! I have followed your journey with Vivian, and have learned quite a bit. I think a small diamond band of some sort of pave is a great way to go. I will look forward to your pics (and I'm in the midwest-with a lot of celebrating going on around town right now -- and in the path of the storm also---hoping to hold onto power with the wet snow predicted.)

 

[Tonks]

These are not new photos, but I think they work to show you a couple of different pave types on bands.

This is a bright cut pave band with single cuts. You can see how the stones are set almost within walls (held in place by tiny beads). This band has milgrain but you could easily do one without it.

Bonus on this type of pave if worn in a band: it won’t eat away at the prongs of your ER, because any contact between the two would be metal, not diamond girdles.



This band is a more traditional cut down pave band.


This gives you a sense of how the two compare. Cut down pave you’ll definitely see less metal…but metal is what makes it sturdy.



Overall I would say the bright set pave is probably my most frequently worn band. If I were making it again I might go without the milgrain for a more modern look. It is incredibly sturdy.


Any of these types of pave could be done on an engagement ring as well. Plain shank ER and pave wedding band is what has worked well for me so that’s where I’m inclined to steer you.

The best thing you can do is be honest with yourself about how often you want to wear your rings and how hard you are on them. I wear the heck out of my rings (unless I’m lifting, washing dishes, doing yard work, etc., they are on), and I have been known to whack my hands against doorframes, etc, so this works well for me.

 

[Engrgrl1]

These are not new photos, but I think they work to show you a couple of different pave types on bands.

This is a bright cut pave band with single cuts. You can see how the stones are set almost within walls (held in place by tiny beads). This band has milgrain but you could easily do one without it.

Bonus on this type of pave if worn in a band: it won’t eat away at the prongs of your ER, because any contact between the two would be metal, not diamond girdles.



This band is a more traditional cut down pave band.


This gives you a sense of how the two compare. Cut down pave you’ll definitely see less metal…but metal is what makes it sturdy.



Overall I would say the bright set pave is probably my most frequently worn band. If I were making it again I might go without the milgrain for a more modern look. It is incredibly sturdy.


Any of these types of pave could be done on an engagement ring as well. Plain shank ER and pave wedding band is what has worked well for me so that’s where I’m inclined to steer you.

The best thing you can do is be honest with yourself about how often you want to wear your rings and how hard you are on them. I wear the heck out of my rings (unless I’m lifting, washing dishes, doing yard work, etc., they are on), and I have been known to whack my hands against doorframes, etc, so this works well for me.

Thank you Tonks! I do plan on wearing the heck out of it, and I'm not good about protecting my rings--occasionally hand-washing dishes is how mine gets cleaned .

I really like what you have going there--a plain platinum setting (Vatchte U 113 if I remember correctly) and a diamond band. I have read about single cuts versus normal cuts in small stones (I never would have guessed that they would be more "sparkly"). And if I go with a more "muted" setting, a thin narrow diamond band is what I would like to pair with it. I think that look is very classic and more in line with daily wear than what I was first looking at--settings with lots of pave and side stones that scream, "look at me!!!" (absolutely gorgeous for an occasional ring, but likely too much for my lifestyle on a daily basis).

I have to ask, because I did read a thread about copying design (that was more about the designer, but copying other individual's designs did come up), would you be offended if I did something along those lines? My intent would not be to copy your design directly, but it may look awfully similar. Of course the Tiffany setting is a classic because they got it right-understated elegance, and I am thinking that type of setting for the ER setting, but I would like the shoulders to be just a teensy bit "thicker" and taper down, and I am not looking for a sharp knife edge. I have no idea how that would look however . I haven't looked at baskets enough yet to figure out what I want there, and I have always been a claw prong girl. And if I end up going with a Whiteflash stone, it may be easier to just set it in the Vatche-U113 instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

I have not made a final decision yet, I still am going to look and see if I can find a pave or channel set that I like that might be able to endure my abuse---but I have to admit a single very thin band with pave is not going to be it--that seems to be overdone, and I am not a fan of a very thin band anchoring a larger stone---I have never seen one sit straight on someone's hand.

 

[tyty333]

@Tonks That's what I was going to suggest...bright set which I tend to call bead set. @Rockdiamond is bright set (or bead set)
any better as far as the security of stones?

From Victor Canera's website...

 

[Tonks]

Thank you Tonks! I do plan on wearing the heck out of it, and I'm not good about protecting my rings--occasionally hand-washing dishes is how mine gets cleaned .

I really like what you have going there--a plain platinum setting (Vatchte U 113 if I remember correctly) and a diamond band. I have read about single cuts versus normal cuts in small stones (I never would have guessed that they would be more "sparkly"). And if I go with a more "muted" setting, a thin narrow diamond band is what I would like to pair with it. I think that look is very classic and more in line with daily wear than what I was first looking at--settings with lots of pave and side stones that scream, "look at me!!!" (absolutely gorgeous for an occasional ring, but likely too much for my lifestyle on a daily basis).

I have to ask, because I did read a thread about copying design (that was more about the designer, but copying other individual's designs did come up), would you be offended if I did something along those lines? My intent would not be to copy your design directly, but it may look awfully similar. Of course the Tiffany setting is a classic because they got it right-understated elegance, and I am thinking that type of setting for the ER setting, but I would like the shoulders to be just a teensy bit "thicker" and taper down, and I am not looking for a sharp knife edge. I have no idea how that would look however . I haven't looked at baskets enough yet to figure out what I want there, and I have always been a claw prong girl. And if I end up going with a Whiteflash stone, it may be easier to just set it in the Vatche-U113 instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

I have not made a final decision yet, I still am going to look and see if I can find a pave or channel set that I like that might be able to endure my abuse---but I have to admit a single very thin band with pave is not going to be it--that seems to be overdone, and I am not a fan of a very thin band anchoring a larger stone---I have never seen one sit straight on someone's hand.

Oh wow, thank you for the compliment! You are so sweet to ask re: copying. You are welcome to do a set exactly like mine and it wouldn’t be copying at all, nor would i be offended. Flattered, in fact, though the design is not mine! Anyone can order the Vatche U-113, and I would consider the six prong Tiffany inspired solitaire to be firmly in the public domain at this point. Same with the pairing of a pave band with it!

Before you go ordering, definitely try on a bunch of styles and see what you like. While *I* like a plain solitaire, you did start off asking about three sided pave, so make sure it’s what you really love. Try solis, try three stones, try pave, try plain. Try them all. Try different shapes, even ones you think you won’t like. That way your upgrade will be mind clean and you’ll be at peace knowing you found what was best for you.

Do you know what shape and size center stone you want? I would start there. Pick the diamond first, then worry about the setting. You can always reset. Much more difficult to change your stone (unless you have a vendor with an upgrade program and even then you’re spending potentially 50% more to change it).

 

[Rockdiamond]

@Rockdiamond is bright set (or bead set)
any better as far as the security of stones?

My experience:
Having the channel on the side helps.....but in general, "hand-forged" rings described as either bright set or bead set ....including some discussed and linked to here....the most expensive and least durable.
This is "U-Cut" as I'd describe it.
The parts are cast, as opposed to hand forged.
A ring made in this style can be worn daily- and adjusted or worked on multiple times without compromising the integrity for daily wear.

 

[Engrgrl1]

Oh wow, thank you for the compliment! You are so sweet to ask re: copying. You are welcome to do a set exactly like mine and it wouldn’t be copying at all, nor would i be offended. Flattered, in fact, though the design is not mine! Anyone can order the Vatche U-113, and I would consider the six prong Tiffany inspired solitaire to be firmly in the public domain at this point. Same with the pairing of a pave band with it!

Before you go ordering, definitely try on a bunch of styles and see what you like. While *I* like a plain solitaire, you did start off asking about three sided pave, so make sure it’s what you really love. Try solis, try three stones, try pave, try plain. Try them all. Try different shapes, even ones you think you won’t like. That way your upgrade will be mind clean and you’ll be at peace knowing you found what was best for you.

Do you know what shape and size center stone you want? I would start there. Pick the diamond first, then worry about the setting. You can always reset. Much more difficult to change your stone (unless you have a vendor with an upgrade program and even then you’re spending potentially 50% more to change it).

Thank you! I really do need to find a decent jeweler in our area and try some things on, as well as see what services they can offer. I hate to use a B&M store without the intent of purchasing, so I will also check out what they have for pricing--although I have learned enough these days to be dangerous, and I am not sure a B&M can match quality and price---but once I decide what I want I will give them a shot at it.

 

[Engrgrl1]

My experience:
Having the channel on the side helps.....but in general, "hand-forged" rings described as either bright set or bead set ....including some discussed and linked to here....the most expensive and least durable.
This is "U-Cut" as I'd describe it.
The parts are cast, as opposed to hand forged.
A ring made in this style can be worn daily- and adjusted or worked on multiple times without compromising the integrity for daily wear.

Thank you for the education and expert opinion! The jury is still out on what exactly I am going to do, I need to do a little more research (and a little bit of soul searching), but you have been very helpful!!

 

[Tonks]

Thank you! I really do need to find a decent jeweler in our area and try some things on, as well as see what services they can offer. I hate to use a B&M store without the intent of purchasing, so I will also check out what they have for pricing--although I have learned enough these days to be dangerous, and I am not sure a B&M can match quality and price---but once I decide what I want I will give them a shot at it.

I do not think you can find the same stones at B&M that you can online….though if you’re near Whiteflash in Houston I would say GO.

My experience has been that brick and mortar salespeople are happy to help you look to see what suits your hand, even if you tell them up front you are not purchasing, but more in research mode.

 

[Engrgrl1]

I do not think you can find the same stones at B&M that you can online….though if you’re near Whiteflash in Houston I would say GO.

My experience has been that brick and mortar salespeople are happy to help you look to see what suits your hand, even if you tell them up front you are not purchasing, but more in research mode.

Unfortunately not near Houston, squarely in the Midwest, although many of our friends and neighbors were in Houston last night for an event and celebrating