The Art of Vintage Pavé Diamond Setting
Estate pavé diamond jewelry represents the pinnacle of traditional stone-setting craftsmanship, where skilled artisans hand-set numerous small diamonds to create surfaces of continuous brilliance. Vintage pavé work differs significantly from modern techniques – period pieces feature irregular bead spacing, hand-filed grain work, and subtle variations that reveal the human touch behind each setting.
Authentication elements include period-specific diamond cuts – old European cuts with high crowns and small tables in early pieces, transitional cuts from the 1920s-1940s, and early modern brilliants in post-war jewelry. Vintage pavé typically utilizes platinum or high-karat gold with hand-raised beads securing each stone, creating distinctive texture patterns. The presence of tool marks, slight asymmetries, and natural patina distinguish authentic vintage pavé from contemporary machine-set imitations.
The Grygorian Gallery Pavé Diamond Collection
Our estate pavé diamond collection represents exceptional examples of this demanding craft, personally selected by Eduard Grygorian using expertise developed at prestigious French maisons. Each piece undergoes comprehensive examination to verify diamond quality, setting integrity, and period authenticity. Our master gemologists assess individual stones for color consistency, clarity characteristics, and cut proportions typical of specific eras.
Acquired through documented private collections and aristocratic estates, our pavé pieces come with verified provenance and professional certificates. Restoration work in our South of France atelier focuses on stabilizing loose stones while preserving original setting work, ensuring these delicate pieces maintain their historical character and structural integrity for future generations.
The Enduring Appeal of Vintage Pavé Diamonds
Collecting estate pavé diamond jewelry offers unique advantages beyond aesthetic pleasure. These pieces represent exceptional value – the labor-intensive hand-setting techniques would command significantly higher prices in contemporary creations. Investment potential remains strong, particularly for signed pieces from renowned houses or examples featuring exceptional stone quality.
Vintage pavé jewelry provides remarkable versatility in styling – Art Deco bracelets add geometric sophistication to modern wardrobes, while Retro brooches create striking focal points. The durability of properly maintained pavé settings ensures these pieces can be worn and enjoyed while appreciating in value. Our consultants provide expert guidance in selecting pavé pieces that complement your collection goals and personal aesthetic preferences.
