ModernJeweler.com |

Only a diamond can cut a diamond. And today, it seems, only a diamond can set a diamond, too.

The strongest trend in engagement rings today is based on the simple sparkle principle: For the ultimate in dazzle, cover the metal with diamonds.

The most popular way to cover the metal with diamonds is pavé—setting small diamonds side-by-side in the metal with small prongs, covering the surface like cobblestones. “Micro-pavé” uses even smaller diamonds to pack more facets into smaller spaces.

The pavé trend started in elaborate vintage style designs. But designers today are also adding pavé to classic simple traditional engagement ring designs. The clean lines of a solitaire have extra impact when covered in diamonds. Some styles even have pavé covering the sides of the setting so it shines from all angles.

And designers are covering settings with channels and clusters of larger diamonds, too. The setting techniques are more varied than pavé, but the result is similarly sparkling. Larger stones often give a design more of a lacy look, with the scalloped edges of the accent diamonds ruffling the edge.

A diamond frame for the center stone is particularly popular since it helps to emphasize your engagement stone, like a picture frame calls attention to a photo.

This frame of brilliance makes any diamond look larger and brighter. With a pavé frame of small diamonds, the effect is subtle and delicate. Larger diamonds give the ring a feminine floral silhouette. A frame of white diamonds can call attention to a fancy colored diamond center stone or vice-versa.