In many ways, this is comparable to asking how much larger diamonds are worth! To arrive at an answer – in regards to any such investment – it is important to look at the same factors informed professionals or consumers would examine and to make your decision based on your needs, priorities, and budget. You might be wondering what melee diamonds are worth. Cut, clarity, color, carat, quality, and cost do not go out the window when we discuss melee. It is essential that we keep all of these concerns in mind.
Are Small Diamonds Worth Anything?
What are melee diamonds worth? Let’s start with a different question: what are melee diamonds worth to customers?
They mean the difference between a simple engagement ring and one that stops shows with endless dazzle and glamor. They mean the difference between spending the entire budget on a single stone and achieving a larger, grander effect at a similar (or lower) price point. They mean that intricate, opulent, luxurious designs are achievable. They mean that givers will be able to gift their loved ones (or themselves!) with pieces that are heirloom-worthy and imminently wearable.
So, yes, they are worth quite a lot when it comes to delivering the quality, value, and aesthetic that your clientele expects.
But we’re business people, professionals. We need the numbers so we can make decisions that build not only our reputation as trusted suppliers/retailers but also our bottom lines. So, getting down to brass tacks. It is important to know that melee is not priced per stone. Instead, jewelers buy them in parcels that contain hundreds of small diamonds. Typically, they are sorted according to cut, color, size, and clarity so you receive consistent parcels. This is paramount when creating cohesive, elegant pieces for your clientele.
What Are Melee Diamonds Worth?
If you had to put a price tag on a single stone, the current value of diamond melee ranges from $400 to $800 per carat, depending, of course, on the quality of the stone and these factors:
- Color. The lack of color is an indicator of a more valuable gem.
- Clarity. Flawless diamonds are ultra-rare; most have inclusions. The clarity grade refers to the visibility of those blemishes.
- Cut. With melee, we have two cuts: single (17 - 18 facets) and full (57 or 58 facets). Full cuts are like little round brilliant diamonds, and they are sought after in halo and pavé designs for their sparkle and shine. Single cuts are most often used on watches.
- Carat. In terms of carat weight, melee diamonds are much less expensive than a full-sized diamond. The average value of 0.5 carats is about $1,500. Melee is typically less than half that weight.
Cut, color, size, and clarity influence how much the jeweler pays, which will in turn influence how much consumers pay for finished pieces.
A final factor to consider in determining what diamonds are worth is the value attached to their scarcity. The most expensive diamonds are cut to maximize their brilliance. The most brilliant diamonds are usually eye-clean, which means that they have few or no inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the higher the price. If you're buying a diamond as an investment, there are three things you want to know: its carat weight, its color, and its clarity.
While they are small, melee diamonds can do a lot to add sparkle, shine, and the “wow” factor to jewelry. They can also be positioned to make the center stone appear larger. In this respect, melee is an invaluable element in rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and other stunning pieces. They offer a great way to get more brilliance for your buck, so to speak!
So, what are melee diamonds worth? It depends on a variety of factors - but it also comes down to how they are used by jewelers. The overall impact of the piece plays a role in its value. While melee is small, it can certainly make a big impact.
If you're looking to purchase melee diamonds, check out our Ultimate Melee Diamond Buying Guide!
