What are Melee Diamonds? Are they the same as Pavé Diamonds?

We actually hear this question more than you might imagine.  Both Melee and Pavé are terms used in the Diamond Industry and neither is complicated.

The short answer to your question, however, is No, Melee Diamonds are not the same as Pavé Diamonds.  In fact, the Term Pavé doesn't describe a Diamond type, but rather it describes a style or manner of setting Diamonds.  

Pavé (pah-vay) is French for "paving."  In jewelry this describes stone setting in which several small diamonds are mounted close together to create the effect of an array or field of Diamonds.  Over the past several years Pavé set Diamonds have increased in popularity, although Pavé Setting has been around since the early 1700s.  

Melee Diamonds describes a size of Diamond.  Melee Diamonds are small diamonds that typically weigh less than 0.2 carats and are often used to accentuate larger stones.   An example of how Melee Diamonds are used would be in a Pavé Setting.