Melee - "best" size for most sparkle?

[denverboy]

I know that cut quality can make a difference in the sparkle of small melee stones (around 0.01 carats). But assuming the best cut quality, would there be a dramatic difference b/n melee stones that are 0.01 carats and those that are 0.02 or 0.015 carats or larger?

I''ll be discussing custom ring design options soon and I have initially asked for 0.01 carat melee stones, and I was just wondering if this is an average/good size or if I should bump it up. The ring width would be on the smaller side... approx 2mm shank width. So in one way, I guess the ring width may dictate the size of the melee anyway?

i know this is a very nitt-picky / splitting hairs kinda topic, but just curious and bored =P

 

[Gypsy]

Well. I have a few rings with different sized melee and have shopped extensively for diamond bands around 2mm. I have to say my favorite hands down are my 1.3 mm SINGLE CUT melee in my halo. They have broader flashes of fire than the rest of my diamonds (all of which are very well cut and nice quality) and are just enchanting. If you are asking for a general opinion about what makes smaller stones really wow a person... I have say single cuts more so than actually melee size for a 2 mm band.


Information on difference between single and full cut melee (double cut is an incorrect term, it's full cut). https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/source-for-melee-and-differenc-between-single-and-double-cuts.72512/

 

[ericad]

Ditto what Gypsy said - it really depends on the cut of the melee more than the size, though my own sweet spot is 1.3mm or smaller melee for delicate rings (under 2mm shanks and/or halos). But size is really a matter of personal preference.