me·lee | ˈmā-ˌlā
noun
A classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than 1 carat
A melee of diamonds is a collection of diamonds that weigh less than 1 carat, typically with individual diamonds weighing up to 0.15 carats. It is a classification used in the sorting process for diamonds, separating them from larger diamonds that make up a melange, which refers to collections of diamonds that are up to 1 total carat. Single cut melee diamonds have 17 facets which full cut melee may be replicas of round brilliant diamonds in a smaller size, meaning they have the full 57 combined facets. Melee diamonds may be used in a number of applications to accent rings or provide a surrounding for a larger stone in a piece.