Melee diamonds are small polished stones, usually under 0.20 ct, sold by the parcel and sized by sieve rather than by single-stone carat weight. For round lab-grown melee, a sieve range tells you the millimeter size, the average weight and roughly how many pieces make one carat.

*By the Sheladiya Diamond team, Surat. Last updated 29 October 2026.*

We have polished diamonds in Surat since before lab-grown existed, and melee is where most jewelers' orders start. Pavé, halos, bands and clusters all depend on it. This guide shows how to read a melee order so your parcel matches your setting.

What is a sieve size?

Melee is sorted by passing stones through metal sieves with fixed holes. A range such as +7.0 -7.5 means the stone stays on the 7.0 sieve and falls through the 7.5 sieve. Each step is a small, standard size band.

This is why two suppliers can quote "2 mm" and deliver slightly different parcels. Always give the sieve range, not only the millimeter size.

Round melee size chart: mm, weight and pieces per carat

These figures come from our public price list, dated 21 October 2026. Weights are averages per stone.

| Sieve | Approx. mm | Avg. weight (ct) | Pieces per carat |
|---|---|---|---|
| +0 -1.0 | 1.00 | 0.006 | 175 |
| +4.5 -5.0 | 1.50 | 0.015 | 70 |
| +7.5 -8.0 | 2.00 | 0.035 | 30 |
| +10.0 -10.5 | 2.50 | 0.070 | 20 |
| +12.5 -13.0 | 3.00 | 0.110 | 10 |
| +15.0 -15.5 | 3.50 | 0.160 | 7 |
| +17.5 -18.0 | 4.00 | 0.240 | 4 |

The full list runs from 1.00 mm to 4.40 mm in sieve steps, then continues with 0.50 to 0.99 ct stones.

How are melee grades named?

Our list groups sieves into trade names:

  • -2 (SI mix): 1.00 to 1.20 mm, the smallest sizes.
  • Star: 1.25 to 1.70 mm.
  • Melee: 1.80 to 2.60 mm.
  • Eleven, Fourteen: 2.70 to 3.60 mm.
  • 1/6 up to 1/3: 3.70 to 4.40 mm.

Names differ between trading centers, so confirm the sieve range in writing.

What do round lab-grown melee diamonds cost per carat?

Prices below are INR per carat from the 21 October 2026 list. Quality A is EF color, VVS/VS clarity. Quality B is GH color, VS/SI.

| Grade | Quality A | Quality B |
|---|---|---|
| -2 (SI mix), 1.00 mm | 13,000 | 12,000 |
| -2 (SI mix), 1.15 to 1.20 mm | 10,000 | 9,000 |
| Star, 1.25 to 1.70 mm | 6,500 | 5,500 to 6,000 |
| Melee, 1.80 to 2.60 mm | 6,000 | 5,000 |
| Eleven to 1/3 (2.70 to 4.40 mm) | 7,500 | 6,500 |

Notice that the smallest stones cost the most per carat. Cutting a 1.00 mm stone takes the same care as a larger one, and a carat holds 175 pieces.

Prices can change at the time of ordering, and we confirm stock before you commit.

How do I choose between Quality A and Quality B?

Match quality to the setting, not to habit.

1. Pavé and halos: stones sit close together and face-up color blends. Quality B (GH, VS/SI) is often enough.
2. Open settings and bezels: each stone is seen alone. Quality A (EF, VVS/VS) shows more clean white.
3. Mixed designs: use Quality A for the visible center accents and Quality B for the shank.

How many stones will I need?

Multiply pieces per carat by the weight you buy. A 5.00 ct parcel of 2.00 mm stones holds about 150 pieces at 30 per carat. Pieces per carat is an average, so keep a small allowance for setting loss and replacements.

How to order melee from Sheladiya Diamond

1. Give the shape (round, or a fancy shape cut to your requirement).
2. State the sieve range and the total weight.
3. Choose color and clarity, or Quality A or B.
4. Say whether you need certification. Certified stones come with IGI, GIA or GCAL reports; melee is usually supplied non-certified.
5. Tell us your delivery country so we can advise on shipping.

Minimum order quantity and lead time for melee parcels: [NEED: confirm with the team]. Send your requirement through the contact page, and see services for production and private-label options.

FAQ

What size is a melee diamond?
Usually under 0.20 ct, often 1.00 to 3.80 mm in round shapes.

Is lab-grown melee the same as mined melee?
Yes in chemistry and optics. A lab-grown diamond is crystallised carbon with the same properties as a mined one. Origin is the difference.

Can you supply fancy-shape melee?
We cut fancy shapes to your requirements. Send the shape and size through the contact page.

Where can I see current prices?
On the price list, which is updated by date.