Solitaire Engagement Ring vs. Pavé Engagement Ring, Which One Should You Choose?

It's incredible how many different styles of engagement ring you'll see - from simple to extravagant. Two popular styles are solitaires and pavé–they're gorgeous, eye-catching, and versatile. The solitaire engagement ring setting is a timeless classic - it features a single central diamond or gemstone on a simple, unadorned band. This design draws all attention to the beauty and brilliance of the central stone, emphasizing its cut, clarity, and sparkle. Pavé setting brings additional radiance to the ring with the multiple small diamonds embedded along the band. These tiny stones are closely set with minimal metal visibility, creating a dazzling effect that wraps around the finger.

Aesthetic Differences

Solitaire settings place the emphasis on the center stone. Solitaires are a favorite for those who appreciate elegance in simplicity - the focus remains on the primary gemstone with no distractions along the band. Pavé engagement rings enhance the ring's overall sparkle by combining a center stone with a decorated diamond band. They're ideal for someone who wants a ring with more visual impact but with a modern, glamorous feel. Solitaire and pavé settings offer distinct aesthetics - one for understated elegance and the other for maximum shimmer. Each of these caters to different tastes in engagement ring designs.

Choosing the Right Style Based on Lifestyle

Basing your diamond engagement ring style on your lifestyle can help you decide between solitaire and pavé designs. Solitaires work well if you have an active lifestyle and choose a lower profile setting. They offer a simple and sturdy design, and its single central stone and minimal embellishments mean fewer elements that could catch on clothing or are prone to wear. Pavé rings work well for those who want some extra sparkle. The small diamonds set along the band create a striking, glamorous look but may be better suited for wearers who aren't frequently engaged in rugged activities. The tiny stones can be more delicate. If you like the look of pavé but are active, simply leave your ring at home when you're exercising or working with your hands to keep your ring safe.

Durability and Maintenance

Solitaires are generally easy to maintain because there are fewer diamonds to check. You'll want to have your setting inspected regularly to ensure the prongs or bezels are keeping your center stone safe and secure. If any prongs are worn down or damaged, they're easy to repair.

Pavé settings require more maintenance because of the smaller diamonds, but it's not a heavy lift. Have your ring professionally inspected periodically to ensure none of the stones are loose or need resetting. The stones are smaller and closer to the band, so they're generally more secure than a single stone when it comes to daily wear.

Cost Considerations

Several factors impact the cost of solitaires and pavé engagement rings, such as the size and quality of the center stone and the metal choice. Larger, higher-quality diamonds will cost more than smaller, lower quality stones. In general, solitaires are generally more affordable because the ring focuses on the center stone. Some pavé settings might cost more due to additional diamonds on the band. However, it comes down to the choice of metal and diamond quality.

Customization and Versatility

Both solitaire and pavé settings are easily customizable. You can pick the diamond size, cut, quality, and metal for solitaires and they'll all look spectacular. There's plenty of flexibility for personalization. Pavé settings come in all different shapes and sizes, and there are various types of pavé, such as French or micro pavé. Some settings allow you to add more stones to the band. These also pair well with varying styles of wedding bands.

Which Style is Best for You?

How do you decide between these two stunning engagement rings? Ultimately, it's a personal choice that depends on preferences, lifestyle, and the type of statement you want to make. Solitaires suit those who value simplicity and elegance. Pavé settings might appeal to someone who wants a sparkly, glamorous design with some added diamonds.

Highlight With Clarity's Selection

Let's look at some styles from With Clarity so you can see how they vary. You'll find varying styles of classic solitaires, such as this Classic Four Prong Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring. You can also see higher profile settings, like this Sleek Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring. For a modern twist, check out this Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring.

With Clarity provides high-quality engagement rings made with expert craftsmanship. They're experts on settings and guiding you through the engagement ring process. Plus, they have thousands of setting options and make it easy to customize in terms of choosing the setting, picking the metal, selecting the center diamond quality and whether you want natural or lab. Lab diamonds come in a variety of price points and quality grades so you can be selective about picking your diamond.

Like solitaires, pavé rings come in hundreds of options as well. To see how styles vary, check out Arc Hidden Halo Engagement Ring, Chevron Hidden Halo Engagement Ring, and Tapered Cushion Halo Engagement Ring. Notice the varying details in each ring.

Final Thoughts

Picking out an engagement ring is exciting! Solitaries and pavé engagement rings are stunning options. They're both beautiful and timeless in their own ways. The right choice for you depends on your preferences, personality, and how you envision your engagement ring. What did you picture your future engagement ring to be when you were little? Explore all of the options at With Clarity to see which styles catch your eye. Browse the site and play around with the customization options until you create your perfect ring.