What Is Petite Pavé? A Complete Guide to This Elegant Setting

Are you looking for a jewelry style that’s both elegant and eye-catching? Petite pavé might be the perfect choice for you. Unlike traditional pavé settings, petite pavé features smaller prongs on the shank of the ring, allowing the pavé diamonds to shine even brighter.

In this article, we’ll explore what petite pavé is, its pros and cons, and how to style it. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pavé diamond engagement ring or an everyday pavé jewelry piece, we’ll help you decide if petite pavé is right for you.

What is Petite Pavé?

Petite pavé jewelry is a unique take on the traditional pavé setting. Instead of using large prongs to hold the pavé diamonds in place, petite pavé settings use smaller prongs on the shank of the ring. This design allows the pavé diamonds to be more striking and adds extra brilliance to the jewelry piece.

Petite pavé jewelry is perfect for those who want a jewelry piece that’s both elegant and eye-catching. The smaller prongs allow the pavé diamonds to appear more visible, adding extra sparkle to the accent stones.

Why Choose Petite Pavé?

Pavé styles are popular among jewelry wearers due to the abundance of brilliance and sparkle. Petite pavé jewelry takes this to the next level, featuring even more allure and elegance. If you’re looking for a statement fine jewelry piece or engagement ring that shows your personal flair, petite pavé is an excellent choice.

Key Features of Petite Pavé

• Smaller Prongs: Petite pavé settings use smaller prongs compared to traditional pavé settings. This design makes the diamonds more prominent and visible, adding extra brilliance to the jewelry.
• Micro Pavé Diamonds: The diamonds used in petite pavé settings are typically very small, often less than 0.01 carats each. These micro pavé diamonds are carefully placed to create a continuous line of sparkle along the ring’s band.
• Enhanced Sparkle: The smaller prongs in petite pavé settings minimize the amount of visible metal, allowing the diamonds to take center stage. This creates a more dazzling effect, especially when paired with a center stone.

Pros of Petite Pavé

• Extra Brilliance: Petite pavé settings add an abundance of sparkle to any jewelry piece, making them ideal for those who love a glamorous look.
• Visible Diamonds: The smaller prongs in petite pavé settings make the diamonds more visible, enhancing their appearance and the overall beauty of the jewelry.
• Versatility: Petite pavé jewelry looks great with both casual and dressed-up outfits, making it a versatile choice for everyday wear or special occasions.
• Durability: With proper care, petite pavé jewelry can last a lifetime, ensuring that the sparkle and beauty of the diamonds endure.

Cons of Petite Pavé

1. Risk of Stone Loss: The smaller prongs used in petite pavé settings can increase the risk of stones falling out over time. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent this.
2. Cost: Petite pavé jewelry is slightly more expensive than traditional solitaire or accented designs due to the intricate setting process and the use of multiple small diamonds.
3. Overpowering Center Stone: In some cases, the intense sparkle of the petite pavé diamonds can overpower the center stone, so it’s important to balance the design carefully.
4. Limited Style Options: While petite pavé is versatile, it may have limited style options compared to traditional pavé settings, which can be adapted to various designs and themes.

Pavé vs. Petite Pavé vs. Micro Pavé

Understanding the differences between pavé, petite pavé, and micro pavé can help you choose the right Pave setting styles for your needs.

• Pavé: This term refers to any size stone set into the band. Pavé settings can use diamonds of various sizes and are known for their continuous sparkle.
• Micro Pavé: Micro pavé settings use diamonds that are smaller than 0.01 carats. These settings often feature multiple rows of gemstones that cover the entire band, creating the illusion that the whole ring is made of diamonds. Micro pavé settings are usually more costly due to the intricate setting process and the large number of diamonds used.
• Petite Pavé: As discussed, petite pavé settings use smaller prongs to hold micro pavé diamonds in place, making the diamonds more visible and adding extra sparkle. This setting is ideal for those who want a little glint of metal showing while still enjoying a seamless row of diamonds.

How to Style Petite Pavé Jewelry

Petite pavé jewelry is incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions.

• Engagement Rings: Petite pavé diamond accents can add glamor and accentuate the center stone in an engagement ring. This setting is particularly effective in highlighting the beauty of the center diamond while adding extra sparkle to the overall design.
• Fine Jewelry: For fine jewelry pieces that feature a center stone, petite pavé detailing can elevate the look by adding depth and creating a timeless, elegant appearance. This setting works well with various center stone shapes, including round brilliant, oval, and square cuts.
• Everyday Wear: Petite pavé jewelry is not just for special occasions; it can also be worn as part of your everyday ensemble. The subtle yet striking sparkle of the petite pavé diamonds makes it suitable for both casual and formal wear.

What to Consider Before Buying Petite Pavé

Before buying petite pavé jewelry, consider the following factors:

• Shape: Choose the diamond shape that best represents your personality and personal style.
• Cut: Diamond cut is one of the most important characteristics. Choose an Excellent or Ideal cut diamond for the most brilliance and light dispersion.
• Clarity: Choose a diamond that’s eye-clean. While it doesn’t need to be completely flawless, it’s a good idea to select one that’s Very Slightly included or better.
• Color: Focus on choosing a diamond that appears colorless. A diamond in the G to I Color range will appear colorless but cost far less than a diamond in the D to F range.

Where to Buy Petite Pavé Jewelry

Buying the right jewelry, whether it’s a traditional pavé or petite pavé, can be challenging without the right jeweler. But when it comes to jewelers, there are good, better, and best. The best place to buy petite pavé diamonds is online. This is because online jewelers are able to cut out the middle man and brick-and-mortar expenses, drastically reducing prices. Additionally, online jewelers usually offer more jewelry options to choose from than mall jewelers. 

When searching for the right petite pavé jeweler, consider their quality standards, price point, and how large their inventory is. For example, at LuxyVerse we’re committed to providing the highest quality product and highest quality service experience. That’s why your purchase is protected to ensure your absolute satisfaction.