A pave setting contains small round brilliant cut diamonds that are set level with the surface of the ring. Tiny holes are made in the setting and once the diamond is placed into the hole the surrounding metal is raised to form tiny beads or prongs that will hold the diamond in place. Pave adds brilliance to the ring and creates the illusion of a larger center stone. Pave settings are commonly designed using white gold or platinum to minimize the appearance of metal.
Pave settings are quite durable, but are not for everyone. They are not recommended for someone that does a great deal of physical activity or works with their hands on a daily basis as pave settings don’t provide for a smooth surface like a channel setting. Pave settings also require a little more cleaning because dirt can gather in the crevices created by the diamond pattern.
Henri Daussi Micro Pave Setting