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Pavé Setting

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(pah-VAY set-ing)

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Jewelry technique where small gemstones are set closely together on watch surfaces, creating continuous sparkle through precise stone placement.

What does

Pavé Setting

mean?

A Pavé Setting is a decorative technique used in watchmaking where small gemstones, typically diamonds, are set closely together on the surface of a watch, creating a continuous and sparkling effect. The term "pavé" is derived from the French word for "paved," reflecting the way the stones are meticulously arranged to resemble a cobblestone street. This setting involves drilling tiny holes into the watch's metal surface, where each stone is placed and secured with small prongs or beads of metal, ensuring they are held firmly in place.

The Pavé Setting is often employed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of luxury watches, adding a layer of opulence and elegance. It is commonly used on watch dials, bezels, and even bracelets, transforming the timepiece into a dazzling piece of jewelry. The technique requires exceptional craftsmanship and precision, as the stones must be uniformly aligned and securely set to achieve the desired seamless appearance.

In addition to its visual allure, the Pavé Setting also allows for a more flexible design, enabling watchmakers to incorporate intricate patterns and designs. This setting is favored for its ability to maximize the brilliance of the gemstones, making it a popular choice in high-end watch collections.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pavé setting in watchmaking?

Pavé (French for 'paved') is a gem-setting technique where small diamonds or gemstones are set closely together across a watch surface — dial, bezel, or bracelet — creating a continuous carpet of sparkle. Each stone is held by tiny metal prongs or beads, revealing minimal metal to maximize the impression of uninterrupted brilliance.

How is pavé setting applied to watches?

A gem-setter drills tiny holes precisely sized for each stone, then places each stone and secures it with small beads or prongs pushed up from the surrounding metal. This requires exceptional skill: stones must be perfectly aligned, consistently spaced, and uniformly set at the same height. The work is done under magnification and can take days for a fully pavé-set dial.

What's the difference between full pavé and partial pavé?

Full pavé covers the entire surface (dial, bezel, bracelet) with continuous stones, creating maximum brilliance. Partial pavé sets stones in specific zones — just the bezel, lugs, or dial indices — for accent. Full pavé watches are significantly more expensive due to stone quantity and setting labor, often reserved for haute joaillerie complications and ladies' watches.

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Close-up of a Himalayan Project wristwatch with a gray and pink dial and a fabric strap with a pink stripe.

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