Full of luster and an abundance of sparkle, the pavé diamond is a popular fine jewelry style loved by many. But with multiple different types of pavé settings, it can be challenging to choose the right design for your personality and style.
Of all the top pavé looks, the U cut pavé diamond comes up a lot. This delicate design features tiny diamonds that “pave” the metal and are set in a U-shaped pattern. But there are some important pros and cons to consider before choosing a U cut pavé diamond.
At 12FIFTEEN, we’re on a mission to make purchasing lab diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry simpler than ever. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about U cut pavé.
What Is U Cut Pavé?
U cut pavé refers to several tiny diamonds that “pave” the metal and feature a U-shaped setting style. This style was named after the shape of the grooves where the gemstones like the diamonds are set. When you look at the design from the side, the grooves have a wavy appearance, much like the letter U.
Compared to the traditional pavé design you see, the U-shaped pattern has a metal notched on either side of the gemstone, which exposes more of the diamond’s side, elevating the look of the jewelry.
Of the many different types of pavé settings, the U cut style is a popular choice due to its distinct and glamorous design. Popular in fine jewelry and engagement ring designs alike, pavé settings, like petite pavé and micropavé, bring the sparkle and highlight the overall brilliance.
Additionally, diamonds that are 0.01 to 0.02 carats are considered “pavé,” while the smaller ones are considered “micro-pavé.” Whether looking for a hint of sparkle or a stunning all-out design, there’s a pavé style for you.
Why Choose a U Cut Pavé DIamond?
Many jewelry wearers love the look of pavé, especially that of a U cut pavé setting because it adds an abundance of sparkle to any piece of fine jewelry or engagement ring. But when considering if you should choose a U cut pavé diamond, you should weigh all of the unique benefits.
A pavé setting is ideal for those with an elegant yet glam style. The intricate detail of the U cut diamond adds depth and creates a timeless style. Choosing a U cut pavé setting ensures your fine jewelry features extra personality while also pairing well with different settings, like lab diamond solitaires and halos.
No matter the style you’re looking for, adding pavé detailing is a great way to elevate the look of your piece of pavé fine jewelry. This is especially true for U cut pavé diamonds as they create an alluring design.
Pros and Cons of a U Cut Pavé Setting
If you’re considering choosing a U cut pavé diamond for your fine jewelry or engagement ring setting, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the style. While U cut pavé designs look brilliant, there are also some important weaknesses to weigh.
Understand these pros and cons to determine if a U cut pavé diamond is right for you.
Pros of U Cut Pavé:
- Adds an abundance of sparkle
- Doesn’t take away from the center stone’s beauty
- Adds overall brilliance and luster
- Elevates any look for a timeless style
- Can appear both modern and vintage for a unique appeal
Cons of U Cut Pavé:
- Resizing can be difficult depending on the positioning of the diamonds
- Diamonds can become loose if not cared for properly
- Can be challenging to clean between each stone
U Cut Pavé vs. Micro Pavé vs. French Pavé
When considering U cut pavé over other pavé styles like micro and french set, you may be curious to know the differences. While all pavé styles feature many tiny diamonds, different types offer unique design details.
U Cut Pavé vs. Micro Pavé
Micro pavé features very small diamonds, usually smaller than .01 of a carat. This makes the diamonds much smaller than that of traditional and U cut pavé. This creates the illusion that the entire band is made of diamonds. The average micro pavé setting can hold up to 50 diamonds, making the style especially beautiful to those who prefer an abundance of sparkle. Because micro pavé features even more diamonds than that of a U cut, it often costs more than other pavé styles.
U Cut Pavé vs. French Pavé
Also referred to as a fishtail, the French pavé features tiny diamonds that are placed into v-shaped grooves cut into the band of the ring. While similar in concept to the U cut, the French pavé actually enhances the sparkle of a gemstone even more as it allows more light to pass through. A wedding band in this setting style is loved by many as they require a minimal amount of metal to hold the accent diamonds into place.
Where to Buy U Cut Pavé Diamonds
Buying the right diamond, whether it’s a pavé or a traditional center stone, can be challenging if you don’t have a trusted jeweler. Many consumers make the mistake of going to the nearest mall jeweler for their jewelry purchases, but when it comes to jewelers, there are good, better, and best.
Simply put, the best place to buy U cut pavé diamonds is online. Online jewelers are better for a couple of important reasons. First, online jewelers are able to cut out the middle man and brick-and-mortar expenses, drastically reducing prices. Additionally, online jewelers offer more jewelry options to choose from. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, wedding band, or piece of fine jewelry, online jewelers feature a large variety of styles to choose from.
What to Consider Before Purchasing U Cut Pavé
Before purchasing a U cut pavé setting, keep in mind the above pros and cons, the differences between other pavé settings, and the best place to buy one. Each of these aspects can help inform your shopping journey, leading you to the right style that fits your budget, style, and jewelry needs.
Another important thing to consider before purchasing a U cut pavé set diamond is whether a lab grown diamond is right for you. Lab grown diamonds are carbon diamonds that have been grown in a laboratory. They are as real as diamonds pulled from the earth, and they sparkle just as brilliantly. The big difference between a natural diamond and a lab made diamond is that lab diamonds aren’t associated with the unethical practices that are inherent with mined diamonds. This includes earth displacement, ocean dredging, and habitat destruction. Considering all this, a lab grown U cut pavé diamond might be right for you.