Pavé settings feature diamonds or gemstones set very closely together to create the illusion of a surface "paved" with gems. The diamonds are set into small holes drilled into the metal, and metal beads or prongs are pulled up to hold the stones. The only metal visible is what is actually used to hold the stones in place. The term pavé originated from the French word for paved or cobblestoned.
See Also: Melee, Bead Set, Calibrated Sizes