pave, melee, prong set...what''s the difference?

[icelovr]

Could someone explain the difference - I can figure out prong set - and I''ve seen pave - but what is melee? I am considering making a "band of diamonds" like Leota''s and Mara''s - but I''m not sure if it''s prong set or melee that will give me the look of very little metal - just a band of stones.

 

[ClownFishFunk]

I've been confused by this as well. Labelled pictures would be of help I think!

I've also heard of "ornaments" referring to side diamonds too. Any help with what that is? Thanks in advance!

 

[DavidEmslie]

All melee is, is small diamonds, usualy under 15pts, its sort of a technical/generic term...if grading terms for larger stones are not confusing enough! LOL

its yet another silly seceret jewelers term your not supposed to know about!

I am going to use examples in context of use.

If I go to one of my suppliers and need say 1pt to 15pt stones, I put in an order for x number of carats of melee say 2 carats of 3pt stones, 1 carat of 9pt and 1 carat of 1pt stones...all together or in one parcel, its refered to in the business as melee for all small stones.
This goes for colored stones as well.

I have never heard of a setting called a melee setting as per a style of setting, maybe it was a confused marketer or sales person. Melee is set into pave settings, and melee can be set into prong settings, as way of setting melee.
Its not a style, just a generic term for the small stones. And an easy way to identify to a dealer from a consumer, if your someone who works with diamonds alot for resale and use...as too someone just looking to buy personaly.

 

[icelovr]

Thanks for the expl. David - it made it very clear.