Pave and Channel Set Engagement Rings: What's the Difference?

Searching for the perfect engagement ring is best done with the heart first - and then with the head. Before getting started we would like to inform you on some of the terminology involved, so that when you do find a particular element or style you like, you can efficiently look for more of the same. Today we're examining the difference between pave and channel setting engagement rings -— two similar ideas with slightly different approaches. § Channel Setting Engagement Rings. Channel settings embed diamonds within the band itself, running anywhere from 50% to 100% of the circumference of the ring. The stones are often baguette-cut (rectangular), and set either flush with the metal channel or even a bit below, making the stones less likely to catch on fabrics. Channel setting engagement rings provide a very clean and very clear geometric pattern along the band. This pattern can offset or augment the main stone, depending on its cut. While this setting incorporates fewer overall stones than the pave setting, the stones are generally larger and sometimes up to a third of the size of the main stone itself. § Pave Setting Engagement Rings. A Pave setting is another way to embed stones on the band. Rather than maintaining the distinct separate look of the Channel setting, a Pave setting will give the appearance of a veritable carpet of diamonds, sometimes obscuring the metal of the band altogether. The smaller stones are usually set by prongs within the band, but the small glints of metal are lost in the overall sparkle, giving the appearance of a band that is made of diamonds. The Pave technique can be placed on the top of a band, on the sides of a band, and even on the prongs supporting the main stone—basically anywhere there's a flat surface. Some settings will work better than others with certain stones, the main stone's cut, size, or even clarity can play a factor in this(a Pave setting, for example, can be used to downplay a slightly lower clarity rating of the main diamond). Your best bet is to find a main stone you love, then build the perfect ring around it. Which do you prefer: Pave set or Channel set? Voice your opinion in the comments below.