What Pavé and Side Stone Engagement Rings Actually Are?
Pavé and side stone are two distinct ways of adding diamond sparkle to the band, often grouped together because both place accent stones along the shoulders, but they work differently and suit different buyers. In a pavé setting, small diamonds are set closely along the band and held by tiny prongs, creating a continuous surface of sparkle that runs the length of the shoulder.
The band itself appears to be paved with diamonds, hence the name. In a side stone setting, the accent diamonds are fewer and larger, flanking the center stone rather than running the full band length. Side stones add weight and presence to the shoulder area without the all-over texture of pavé. The result: pavé reads as a continuous shimmer; side stone reads as a deliberate three-part composition. Both styles work across all 11 diamond shapes at EthicStone, in lab grown diamond and moissanite.
How Pavé and Side Stone Rings Wear and How We Build Them?
Pavé and side stone rings are not equal in maintenance, and that difference is worth knowing before you choose. Pavé accent stones are small, held by tiny prongs, and can loosen with daily impact over time. Annual prong inspection is not optional for pavé; it is the difference between catching a loose stone early and losing it.
Micro-pavé stones under 1.3mm require more frequent checking because the prong gauge is finer. Side stone settings use fewer, larger accent stones held by standard prongs, which means they are significantly more durable day-to-day and require no more maintenance than a solitaire. The honest tradeoff with pavé is this: the more surface coverage you add, the higher your long-term upkeep. If you want band sparkle with lower maintenance, a side stone build with three or five accent stones per shoulder is the more practical choice.
At EthicStone, every accent stone in both styles is sourced to Excellent or Ideal cut grade, D–G color for lab grown diamond (D–F equivalent for moissanite), and VS2 clarity or better. Metal options run across 925 sterling silver, 10k, 14k, and 18k gold in white, yellow, and rose, and platinum, all hand-finished in our workshop.
Make This Ring Yours
Every pavé and side stone ring at EthicStone is made-to-order in our workshop in 5–8 business days. You choose the center stone shape (11 options), material (lab grown diamond or moissanite), band style (full pavé, half pavé, or side stone), metal (925 sterling silver, 10k, 14k, or 18k gold in white, yellow, or rose, or platinum), and carat range. We source every center and accent stone to our internal standards. Free insured shipping worldwide.
