Jewelry 101 |

What is the Real Difference Between Pavé and Micropavé Settings?

June 15, 2017 Tracy L Comments 49 comments

An engagement ring is a symbolic representation of everlasting love that is to be cherished for a lifetime, never losing its glow. While the “perfect” engagement ring is different for every woman, the words used to describe them are the same: brilliant, captivating, and breathtaking. With a row (or rows) of brilliant diamonds set closely together that shine and shimmer with the slightest movement or faintest flicker of light, pavé and micropavé settings can certainly embody the words used to describe the perfect engagement ring. That being said, it is important to understand the differences between pavé and micropavé settings in order to choose the right ring for you.

For a definitively classic and timeless look with a dashing extra touch of shine, a pavé setting is a perfect option. In many pavé designs, a large center diamond is complemented with pavé set diamonds to create an unprecedented level of radiating brilliance. Although not visible, the pavé diamonds are secured with precious metals. This not only holds the diamonds in place, but it creates an illusion of a continuous line of gleaming diamonds.

18K White Gold Elongated Diamond Lined Shank Engagement Ring

A micropavé setting adds a new level of sophistication, giving the ring a diamond-encrusted look. With a micropavé setting, diamonds are not only found on the band, but in addition, are found around a center gem or underneath it. It could be stated that a micropavé setting is created under a microscope. Diamonds extremely small in weight and size are delicately placed by hand on a ring and can require a microscope to achieve precision, hence the term micropavé. Diamonds can also be featured along the band on multiple rows. As spectacular and beautiful as micropavé settings can be, they do require more care and caution than other rings because of the small size and high number of diamonds they showcase. The micropavé ring pictured below is a sight to see, featuring over 60 diamond stones on a single ring! The delicacy of micropavé rings can certainly be frightening for some, but the unparalleled beauty and brilliance of these rings are certainly tempting and may be worth the extra care.

18K White Gold Halo Inspired Diamond Engagement Ring

Despite their subtle differences, both pavé and micropavé settings are undeniably beautiful in the way they accentuate engagement rings with diamonds. The most important thing is to choose the ring that fits best with you and the one which you love the most. While this may take a lot of time and contemplation, it will be worth every time you wear the ring for the rest of your life!

The Top 5 Engagement Ring Settings

May 15, 2017 Tracy L Comments 15 comments

A ring’s setting is an essential detail that can make or break a ring style for you. It’s important to note the differences and to pick out the right setting for you. It can, however, be difficult to distinguish the different styles and see what sets them all apart. To help you decide on the best fitting one for you, we’ve broken down the top 5 most popular ring settings. Let’s take a look at these favorite styles.

Halo

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A halo ring setting is one that has smaller side stones placed around the center stone. This means more diamonds! It is currently the most popular type of setting due to how it makes the center stone pop. The surrounding diamonds give off an optical illusion, making the center diamond seem larger than it really is. If you’re a diamond lover who is concerned about size, this may be the best setting for you.

Prong

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The prong setting is a very classic and traditional type of ring setting. Most prong settings feature four prongs, holding the center diamond securely in place. Prongs can become loose over time, so it is recommended to have the ring inspected from time to time. A prong setting can also cause snags on clothes if it is set high, which may not be as ideal for those living more of an active lifestyle. A plus for this setting is that there’s minimal presence of metal, causing the center diamond to capture all the attention.

Bezel

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Bezel settings are another very popular style with its chic and modern look. Unlike the discrete prong setting, a thin metal ring holds the center diamond in place. Bezel settings come in full or partial, with the full having complete enclosure and the partial leaving the sides open.

Pavé

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The pavé setting comes from the French term meaning “to pave.” Literally meaning paved with diamonds, this setting is also commonly referred to as a bead setting or micro-pavé setting if the beads are especially small. With the diamonds being closely placed together, it adds a continuous array of sparkle, which is a definite plus.

Channel

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A channel setting sets smaller side stones in a channel on the band of the ring. This also provides a snag-free design for those who’d like a smoother finish. Extra diamonds means extra sparkle!

Battle of the Classic Engagement Rings: Solitaire vs. 3-Stone

January 3, 2017 Admin Comments 15 comments

18k White Gold Three Stone Engagement Ring

Classic-style engagement rings are beautiful and timeless. These traditional, ever-popular designs have proved they can stand the test of time. But, if you haven’t shopped for an engagement ring before, you might not know that there are actually multiple classic engagement ring styles. There are two main types of classic engagement rings: 3-stone rings and solitaire rings. But what are the differences between these two types of rings, and why should you choose one style over the other? Let’s take a look at the pros of each, as well as the meaning behind their designs.

3-Stone Engagement Rings

18k White Gold Three Stone Engagement Ring

A three stone engagement ring is just what it sounds like. Instead of having one centerpiece diamond, the three stone ring has three. Traditionally, the center stone is the largest diamond, and each of the flanking stones is half the size of the center stone. But, today, you can find variations on three stone engagement ring diamond sizes, including ones where all three stones are the same size.

18k White Gold Halo Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

For many, the major appeal of three stone engagement rings is the meaning behind their design. Each of the three stones represents a time in your relationship: your past, present, and future as a couple. This representation of the timeline of your life together sits beautifully on the circular band of the ring that represents eternity. This meaning behind this design is highly romantic and sentimental.

18k White Gold Trapezoid Diamond Side Stone Princess Cut Channel Set Shank Engagement Ring

Another benefit of a three stone ring is that there are more customization options for each stone. For example, you can choose from many different sizes and shapes for your design. Another customization option that many people take advantage of is using various gemstones instead of diamonds for the side stones. This can be either for aesthetic reasons, preferring the look of certain gemstones, or for budget reasons, as many gemstones cost less than diamonds.

Solitaire Rings

18k White Gold Single Bezel Set Diamond Accent Solitaire Engagement Ring

Solitaire rings are what come to mind for most people when they think of an engagement ring. A solitaire engagement ring is a ring that features only one center stone, usually a diamond. Solitaire rings are the most popular engagement ring style and have been for many decades. This gives them the advantage of always looking classic. They are both practical, elegant and look appropriate with both the most casual and the most dressy of outfits.

18k White Gold Elongated Shank Diamond Engagement Ring

Another advantage of solitaire rings is that they usually fit with standard wedding bands. With more complicated ring designs, you might have to get specific or custom wedding band that will be specially designed to sit flush with your ring. But most solitaire bands have a more standard design that will match more wedding bands, allowing you to customize your wedding set more easily.

Solitaire rings also do an excellent job of highlighting your diamond. With no other distractions on the ring, all the focus is on your center stone, letting it take the spotlight.

18k White Gold Six Prong Center Mounting Diamond Gallery Engagement Ring

So, now you know all about the different advantages of these two classic designs. All that’s left to do is decide which one is right for you! Whichever design you prefer, Natalie K has an incredible selection to choose from. Our solitaire rings are elegant and timeless, and our 3 stone rings are as romantic and meaningful as they are beautiful. Check out our carefully crafted selection of rings and find the one you’ll love for a lifetime.

3 Subtly Obvious Ways to Hint @ the Engagement Ring You Want

August 4, 2015 Admin Comments 0 Comment

Engagement rings and proposals are tricky because, of course, you want the proposal to be a complete surprise but, of course, you want the ring that you want. How do you find a happy medium between the two that doesn’t include you shopping for your own engagement ring with your future fiance? Some women prefer that approach which is great! For others, here are a few tips for leaving subtle, yet obvious clues as to exactly what engagement ring makes your heart sing.

1. Tape a Picture to the Fridge

So simple. So obvious. Slightly devious. What person doesn’t visit their fridge at least once a day? This is especially subtle if you both have a lot of things on your fridge like magnets and pictures. Sneak in a pic of an engagement ring you’ve printed out from online or cut out of a magazine.

2. Tag Them Online

Feeling a little pink today. How about you? #NKrings #nataliek #rosegold #engagementring #diamonds #pinkdiamond #bridal

A photo posted by Natalie K (@nataliekjewelry) on Apr 22, 2015 at 12:55pm PDT

Ahh the beauty of the digital age. See an engagement ring you love on Facebook, Twitter, or IG? Tag your sweetheart and call it a day!

3. Wear A Ring Similar to the One You Want

Sometimes you have to just put it all out there. If you just so happen to see a sterling silver copy of the ring you want or something similar, buy it, wear it and make sure he notices. One of the girls here in our office did that and she said he definitely got the hint. So why not give it a shot?

How did you make sure your fiancè got the ring you wanted? Any clever tricks and tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

3 Reasons to Choose Platinum Jewelry

June 9, 2015 Admin

We’re thrilled to introduce the Natalie K Platinum Collection. We’ve always had the option to order rings in platinum but these pieces are just ours and our customers absolute faves. Platinum has become more and more of a popular choice of metal for brides and grooms lately. What exactly makes this metal so special? There’s a number of platinum facts that make it a top choice metal in bridal right now.

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