Pavé is a lovely sounding French word for something very literal—it simply means that the stones are "paved" on to a particular surface. The French pronunciation sounds much nicer that the English, although jewelers work the surface of a metal not unlike a bricklayer, setting precious stones in small, pre-made cavities until the entire surface is covered. It creates an incredible visual effect with a bright stone like turquoise - particularly when the cabochons have randomly discolored with age as can be seen in these late Victorian earrings.