A Guide to Pavé Jewelry Repair

Pavé is the fancy French term for tiny stones that are set close together in order to create a beautiful, gem-studded aesthetic. However, this level of detailing in jewelry isn’t without its cons as well. Read on to learn more about pavé jewelry repair.

Pavé Setting

These pave rings display the versatility of this setting style.

Simply put, pavé-set stones are tiny stones that are set with small, special prongs that are designed to showcase the gem and blend in as seamlessly as possible. While this serves to create an optical illusion of a sparkling “sea” of gems, the prongs are extremely prone to wear and tear over time. With enough damage, these prongs can break off, causing a gem or two to fall out.

This happens even more with a specific type of pavé setting, also known as micropavé. These gems are smaller than standard pavé and are set with matching prongs of almost microscopic size. As a result, the design of these settings can pose some issues during repair.

Pavé Jewelry Repair

When a jeweler receives an item for pavé stone replacement and setting repair work, the jeweler has to evaluate the piece before they proceed. Is the setting still fairly intact? What stone size is needed for the replacement? These are all questions that will affect the repair.

If the setting is still mostly intact, the jeweler can simply procure the right stone replacement and set it. Oftentimes with pavé the jeweler has to push the stone down into a hole underneath the setting, tighten it, and then cover the edge of the stone with the almost “bead-like” prong of a pavé setting. 

This setting has a missing side stone, and the metal is almost gone.

If the setting is worn down, this can pose a problem for the jeweler. They may have to further push the stone down in order to secure it, or add metal to create a more secure prong. In this situation, the additional metal may be slightly visible in comparison to the rest of the pavé set stones, as it can be difficult for the jeweler to match a cast setting in terms of design and handiwork. This additional metal may often be noticeable as a larger beaded prong.

Things to Consider After the Repair Is Finished

A common misconception is that a repair fully restores your item to its original integrity, because it looks like it’s fixed. This is not true when it comes to jewelry repairs! Pavé jewelry is by default fragile, and especially after repair. You cannot wear the item carelessly after getting it fixed, because the additional metal used in the repair is weaker than the original metal of your item, and any hard blows or friction will knock the gem right back out of your jewelry. 

If your pavé item is fairly worn down, you may need to consider wearing it only for special occasions in order to reduce the possibility of it being affected in the future.

Now you’re all set when it comes to pavé jewelry repair! Comment below if you’ve got something you need to fix up and we’ll help you get started.