Melee
/meh-LEE/
Definition
Small diamonds or gemstones, typically under 0.20 carats (20 points), used as accent stones in pavé settings, halos, side stones, and decorative borders.
Melee (from the French 'mêlée,' meaning mixture) refers to small diamonds and gemstones used as secondary stones in jewelry design. Industry convention defines melee as stones under 0.20ct, with sub-categories: full-cut melee (57 facets, 0.08–0.20ct) and single-cut melee (17 facets, under 0.08ct). Melee diamonds are sold by weight in parcels rather than individually, and are graded collectively for color and clarity ranges rather than individual stone grades. They represent a significant portion of global diamond consumption by volume. Quality of melee matters enormously — poorly matched melee with inconsistent color, size, or cutting quality will make expensive center stones look cheap. The trade sources melee from India (Surat), which cuts approximately 90% of the world's small diamonds.
Usage in the Trade
Melee is used in pavé rings, halo settings, eternity bands, tennis bracelets, and as accent stones in all types of fine jewelry. Jewelers purchase melee in calibrated size parcels from diamond dealers.