Melee Diamonds

Pronounced mel-ay (emphasis on final syllable), the name comes from the French verb mêler, which means ‘mixed sizes.’ The name was more accurate in former times, when melee diamonds were sold in bulk with lots of different sizes and colors mixed together. Today, they tend to be sorted and sold in parcels of similar sizes and colors for added convenience. We consider melee diamonds ​to typically​​ be below 0.15 carats, round with a full cut (57 facets). But this size limit can change from country to country and also based on the colors 

Often used as a beautiful compliment to center stones,  these small diamonds can make the main diamond appear larger in size and have a clearer, more vibrant reflection and color. When used in a larger number they can become the star of the jewel​ as is the case with eternity rings. Add a touch of glamour and sophistication to jewelry pieces using color diamonds. 

Several factors influence the price of melee diamonds, including their size, color, clarity, and cut. Smaller melee diamonds, typically weighing less than 0.1​5​​​ carats, are generally more affordable than larger stones. The intensity and purity of the diamond's color, as well as its overall quality, also contribute to the pricing. Use our diamond encyclopedia to discover the origins of diamond colors and learn about the grading process.

Smaller diamonds are versatile and primarily serve to enhance larger gemstones. They are frequently used in pavé, halo, and channel settings to add sparkle and brilliance to engagement rings, earrings, and other pieces. They can also be arranged in clusters to create their own shimmering designs. Explore our Natural Colored Diamonds collection for inspiration.

Yes, all our melee diamonds are natural and untreated diamonds. The term "melee" refers to small diamonds, typically weighing less than 0.15 carats, and they are genuine, natural diamonds. When a diamond is labeled as "natural," it indicates that the diamond has formed in the Earth's mantle without human interference.

There are many ways in which melee diamonds can enhance a piece of jewelry and add extra brilliance. Melees can be either be the “star of the show” or have a “supporting role”. In the first case, melee diamonds are selected and put together in a larger number creating a beautiful look and allowing for creative designs. They can typically be set in either a pave or a channel setting.

Melees as a supporting role can be used to surround the jewelry’s main stone making them appear larger in size and with a stronger vibrant color. In this case getting the proportions is very important because if the melees are too big they can remove the attention from the center stone and if they are too small they won’t achieve the desired effect.

To enhance and deepen the shades of the main stone one can either select matching or contrasting colors.

We will be more than happy to advise and help find the perfect size and shade to enhance your jewelry design.

Within our melee diamond collection, you'll discover a captivating array of colors, each with its unique charm. The variety of colors in melee diamonds allows for versatile and creative design possibilities. Some of the colors you can find in our melee diamond collection include: 

• Blue Melee Diamonds: Dark, medium and light blue melee diamonds showcase vibrant hues and provide a stunning alternative for those seeking a pop of color in their jewelry. 
• Brown Melee Diamonds: Brown melee diamonds have a wonderful range, from warm and inviting rose, striking champagne, to dazzling chocolate, and cognacs. These diamonds provide a unique and sophisticated character to your jewelry designs. 
• Green Melee Diamonds: From bold limes to dramatic olives, green melee diamonds bring a striking contrast when paired with other gemstones.      
• Yellow Melee Diamonds:  From light and delicate Vanilla to bright Canary. These diamonds are as eye-catching a​s​​  they are characterful.  
• Pink Melee Diamonds: Baby Pink, Raspberry, or Burgundy will add a touch of pink at a fraction of the price of what a larger-sized pink diamond would cost 

Taking care of melee diamonds, despite their smaller size, is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain their brilliance.

Jewelry containing melee diamonds will need looking after to retain their brilliance. They should ideally be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.

Take them to get professionally cleaned at least annually if you can.

Here are some tips to help you care for your diamonds: 

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your diamonds regularly to remove dirt, oils, and other residues that can dull their sparkle. You can use a mild solution of warm water and a gentle dish soap. Soak the jewelry for a short time and use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub away any debris. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. 
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your melee diamond jewelry away from harsh chemicals. This includes household cleaners, chlorine, and abrasive cleaning agents. These substances can damage the metal settings and affect the diamond's brilliance. 
• Storage: When not wearing your melee diamond jewelry, store it in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with separate compartments to prevent scratching. Diamonds are known for their hardness, but they can still scratch other diamonds or gemstones. 
• Professional Inspections: Schedule periodic professional inspections and cleanings with a reputable jeweler. Professionals can check for loose settings, inspect the overall condition of the jewelry, and clean it thoroughly with specialized equipment. 
• Avoid Impact: While diamonds are durable, they can still chip or break if subjected to strong impacts. Avoid wearing melee diamond jewelry during activities that may expose it to rough handling, such as sports or heavy manual work. 
• Insurance: Consider insuring your melee diamond jewelry to protect it from loss, theft, or damage. Consult with your insurance provider to ensure that your valuable pieces are adequately covered. 

At Langerman, we stand behind the quality of our jewelry with a Jewelry Lifetime Warranty and Service Policy. We're always here to answer any questions before or after your purchase. Our services include resizing your jewelry if the size is incorrect, replacing a diamond that falls out of its setting, and offering lifetime cleaning services to ensure your piece retains its brilliance.

Please note that clients are responsible for shipping and insurance costs when sending items to our office in Antwerp.

Melee diamonds, despite their smaller size, serve various purposes in the world of jewelry design and craftsmanship. Here are some of the common uses and advantages of these diamonds: 

• Accent Stones: melee diamonds​ can be used ​as accent stones to heighten the overall brilliance and beauty of a jewelry piece. They strategically place these diamonds around a larger center stone. Alternatively, they incorporate them into intricate designs to add sparkle and detail. 
• Pave Settings: Pave settings involve closely setting melee diamonds, in a way that they appear like a continuous surface of brilliance. This technique is popular for creating stunning and glamorous effects in rings, earrings, and other jewelry items. 
• Halo Settings: melee diamonds​ are frequently used to​ craft halo settings around a central gemstone. This design technique adds size and visual impact to the center stone, making it appear larger and more impressive. Natural color diamond melees will also enhance and deepen the color of a center stone by either matching or contrasting the color. 
• Eternity Bands: Melee diamonds are ideal for eternity bands, where the diamonds are set in a continuous circle around the band. This creates a timeless and elegant look, often chosen as wedding bands or anniversary rings. 
• Micro Pave Jewelry: Jewelers use extremely small diamonds, setting them closely together to achieve a delicate and intricate look in micro pave settings. This technique is often employed in crafting fine jewelry pieces, such as delicate necklaces and bracelets. 
• Affordability and Versatility: Due to their smaller size, melee diamonds are generally more affordable than larger stones. This makes them a versatile option for those who want to incorporate diamonds into their jewelry without a significant cost. They provide flexibility in design without compromising on the beauty of real diamonds. 
• Custom Designs: Jewelry designers appreciate the versatility of melee diamonds