While most people are keen on the selection of the gemstone, it’s equally important to choose a setting that can be safely places and fully displays the stone.
Pave and channel are two of the most popular types of ring settings. They determine the look, style, and design of the ring, and while the two may seem similar at first glance, they differ significantly in the look and aspects that define each setting type.
Let’s take a closer look at pave and channel ring settings and decide which one is the better choice for you.
Channel or Pave – Which one should you buy?
Pave Setting vs Channel Setting
The channel and pave are ideal Settings but deciding between the two can be difficult. Your decision will depend on your lifestyle, style, taste, preference, fashion sense and budget.
Select channel setting if:
1. You want a more secure ring
2. What you need is a soft glow and luster
3. You like the big diamond on the ring
4. You live an active lifestyle and don’t want your diamonds catching on objects
5. You want a ring that is eye-catching, glamorous and glittery
6. Your hands are not busy
7. You take good care of your jewelry
8. You want a beautiful and elegant ring at a reasonable price
Select pave setting if:
1. You want a ring that is eye-catching, glamorous and glittery
2. Your hands are not busy
3. You take good care of your jewelry
4. You want a beautiful and elegant ring at a reasonable price
Channel Setting
Mingtai Channel setting engagement ring. See more here.
The channel setting is exactly what it sounds like. A row of stones set in a ring groove or a ring channel. These gems are protected by the sides of a metal band that encloses and holds the stone in place.
Stones within the channel are usually uniform and of the same shape, design, size and quality. Round stones are the most popular channel setting choice, but squares and rectangles are also common, giving a continuous tessellated look to the ring.
In the channel setting, stones can be placed along the entire ring or part of the ring, depending on how much sparkle the wearer wants.
Channel Setting - Styles and Designs
The channel setting can be embedded with gems of various shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular gem cutting channel setting.
· Round Cut – Round cut stones are the most popular design for channel rings. In this style, the round stone is cut to exact size and placed in the channel of the ring.
· Princess Cut – Princess stones are shaped like a square or rectangle, and when viewed from a certain angle, they resemble an inverted pyramid. The princess cut stones are arranged neatly in the channel of the ring.
· Oval Cut – Oval cut stones are a less popular choice compared to round and princess cuts. But they are perfect for those looking for a unique design at an affordable price.
· Baguette Cut – The baguette cut is a step-cut similar to the emerald cut. It makes clear and unique channel Settings.
Pros of the Channel Setting
· The channel setting is perfect for wearers who wish to stack other rings on one finger. It matches and complements various other designs and styles.
· The channel setting is set with smaller stones, about 1/3 the size of the center stone, which is not only a visual treat, but also a cost-effective option. In other words, better value for money.
· The channel setting holds the stones securely and is ideal for those who consistently work with their hands and need a durable ring.
· With the diamonds and gems are securely embedded within the channel, there are lesser chances of the ring getting caught in everyday objects such as scarves or skirts.
Cons of the Channel Setting
· The channel setting has spaces between the gems, especially if it’s made of diamonds with curves, making it easier for dirt to get trapped.
· Since diamonds and other precious stones are embedded in the channel, light doesn’t hit the back of the gem, making it less sparkly.
· Repairing or modifying a ring with a channel setting is expensive.
Pave Setting
The paving setting has a large number of small stones covering the entire ring band. The stone is held in place by tiny prongs or beads, and the underlying metal is barely visible.
Those who choose to pave setting prefers diamonds over other stones for extra sparkle and shine. Small, round diamonds are the most popular choice for pave rings because they cover more surface area.
Pave Setting - Styles and Designs
The pave setting can be made up of stones of various shapes, designs and sizes. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles for pave setting.
· Micro Pave – Micro pave design features small stones below 0.01 carats. These small accent stones are secured to the band of the ring with small prongs. The stones are carefully arranged to cover the entire surface of the ring.
· Micro Pave Set – The micro pave set is quite similar to the micro-pave design, with small diamonds placed close together. In this style, however, the stones aren’t held together by prongs, but by micro beads.
· U-Cut Pave – The U-cut pave setting consists of small U-shaped metal beads that holds up the stone for greater strength and security.
· French Pave – The French pave setting consists of V-shaped beads that hold each small stone in place. This shape not only gives the stone more support, but also allows lighter to be reflected onto the stone.
Pros of the Pave Setting
· The pave setting can be used for both modern and vintage style wedding rings.
· Due to the gloss of the paving stone, the central stone of the paving setting usually looks 20-30% larger. The wearer can invest in a much smaller main stone.
· The pave setting makes the ring look shinier because its small stones cover the entire surface area of the ring.
· The smaller stones of the pave setting accentuate and amplify the effect of the central stone.
· Paving Setting with miniature diamonds are usually less expensive than the channel setting.
Cons of the Pave Setting
· The pave setting is best set with diamonds, not ideal for delicate gemstones.
· Rings with pave settings are extremely difficult to resize and modify.
· Pave settings are challenging to maintain and clean because there are smaller nooks and crannies between the stones.
· The pave setting is delicate and not suitable for those who work a lot with their hands.
Summary
As with the beautiful ring designs shown above, both pave and channel have their own pros and cons and make for stunning engagement and wedding rings. Ultimately, it comes down to durability and personal preference.
Post time: Oct-17-2022