calling GoodSoul!

pannini · May 27, 2009

I saw your avatar and am intrigued by your collection in the photo. Do you mind posting your ering and telling me more about your specs and the process you went through with Leon? I am possibly your ering twin if I move fwd with Leon. I have a 1.30 RB and wanted the mushroom pave with a Solitaire "401" - it''s very exciting! Would love to see your hand shots, etc.

pannini · May 27, 2009

bump

does anyone have a link to a SMTR thread for GoodSoul? maybe i missed it.

D&T · May 27, 2009

if you click on "find all posts" under her avatar, and then click "All topics by this user" maybe you can find her SMTR posts

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Hi Pannini!

Thanks for asking! We will definitely be ering twin as my stone is 1.30 too!

When I was looking for a setting, I actually was very interested in replicating one of the designer's ring and had Maytal and a local jeweler quoted for it. I wasn't sure if they were able to make it as delicate as possible. I've always loved two PSer's ring - Diamondnut and tiger007 and decided to check out Leon's website. At the end, I went with 401 which is the same as Diamondnut's setting.

Basically, I told him that I want the same wedding set as 401 and attached a picture to the email query. In the email, I told him I want it as dainty and delicate as possible with 1.6mm band. I followed up with a call (best way to get to him) and went over the details with him and also highlighted that the stone should be set as medium height (Panda08's stone was set too low). He is a straight shooter and does not sugar coat stuff and I am totally ok with that. I wanted the matching band to be 3 quarter pave so that I can resize if possible. He hightlighted that unlike ER, WB will spin and it would not be nice and that most of his client has it as eternity style. He said that since it's so cheap, just ask my husband to get another one for me (LOL). He issued a work order with the details and captured what we had discussed. Once we are ok with the Work Order, we paid half of the budgeted quote and then he started work on it. We paid the remaining once the job is done and they shipped it out once they receive payment.

He was professional at all times. I changed my ring size twice (two jeweler sized me wrongly) and also asked him to modify the donut (under the culet) to be as small as possible so that the gap when I wear the WB will not be big. His assistant, Rachael, was quite patient with me as she was the main point of contact once the work order is issued.

The band came out to be 1.4 - 1.5mm but it still feels sturdy. Here's the only decent handshot that I have (size 4 7/

. I will post a close up later to show you how the pave looks like. Let me know what else you want to know. I'll be more than happy to help!

ETA: HOLY SMOKES!!! SORRY!! I didn't expect the picture to be so BIG!!

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Sorry about the earlier picture.

It''s not really even a handshot but this is all I have for now. Here''s the smaller version.

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Here is the pave close up shot.

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Here is how it looks from a side angle with the matching band.

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Here''s one that you can see that how the stone is being set and this is Leon''s version of "medium height" and "not too low". So if you think that it''s low, you best be specific to him how high you want it.

The donut is also smaller compared to the 401 stock photo and gap is small.

Last photo. Let me know if you want to see from other angles.

pannini · May 27, 2009

Oh my goodness gracious GoodSoul, this is exactly what I had been picturing in my head except I''d want 2.0 mm just because I personally feel safer with a wider band. Yours is gorgeous and a dream come true to me. Do you mind me asking you how I could reference you as the one I want exactly (only that mine would be wider)?

If that is a strange request, I totally understand! I''m sure Leon would get what I wanted regardless and interpret it the right way.

From what I saw in your posts, you sound like you are in the Bay Area, CA. How was the long distance relationship with Leon?

As for other angles, if you have one from bottom - up that would be great, and one from the side showing the side view (the smooth sides of the shank)that would rock. Hope I make sense.

I''m so happy you found my message for you!

Thanks again....

pannini · May 27, 2009

P.S. did you get it resized by Leon or by a local? I got measured by a B&M twice and they both said 4.75 but it was fitting perfectly when my hands were cold. I'm paranoid and think I may be 4 7/8 like you! We really are twins! I live in SF....

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

Hi Pannini,

You are welcome! I don't have those shots taken but will do so tomorrow and post it.

Not sure what is the best way to reference it to him. You can probably ask him to refer to Carrie from San Leandro?

The long distance relationship was good

. I had my stone insured and overnight it to him. He confirmed receipt and went over details again. He sent the work order. We made the payment (Bank Wire 50% of quote without melees). Rachael confirmed receipt of payment. We waited... emailed and called them to change ring size and mentioned the donut size. Rachael acknowledged it with an updated work order. We Waited... and Waited. Rachael informed us that it's ready. Sent us the final invoice. We checked and found mistake on melee cost. Rachael sent amended invoice. We made final payment. They shipped with insurance.

It's quite simple. We pretty much left him alone to do what he needs to do and not micro-manage him.

I changed my ring size before the work order was drawn up. I changed it again during week 2 or 3 after we paid the first half of the quote. I wasn't sure if he started work or not.

No one had resize my ring yet.

We should compare notes once you get your ring back since you are so near to me!!

ETA: Thanks for your compliments on the ring

GoodSoul · May 27, 2009

WOW!! Geez!! We are like ering twins! I got sized as a 4.5 and a 5 to 5.5 by another. Finally, I decided to go with 4 7/8. It spins when it''s cold but it didn''t come flying out. Tight when it''s warm, but still easy enough to remove it without hurting my finger.

pannini · May 27, 2009

well i think whenever (or IF) it gets done, we should compare LOL.

it''s comforting to hear there are local PSers, for some reason it make this all the more real.

thanks again for sharing your experiences. i''ll definitely try to mention your design,but i have a feeling he gets many new customers so he won''t have all of us by heart (that would be flattering if he did).

and please do post a side view of the ring (with the smooth side of shank facing us) so we can see the way the head rests on the shank!

have a good rest o the week!

pannini · May 28, 2009

another question for you GoodSoul, when you get a chance (gawsh I wish I could just PM you but I don''t think we can), how do you feel about your mushroom pave with the 4 prongs setting in the melee? it looks like Leon''s interpretation of a 4 prong shank, correct? do you think Leon has any shared prong settings? i am worried that with a 2 mm width shank, the metal will be more obvious-looking.

GoodSoul · May 28, 2009

As promised, here is the side view.

Let me know if this is what you were talking about.

GoodSoul · May 28, 2009

Here''s my attempt on the bottom view.

GoodSoul · May 28, 2009

Date: 5/28/2009 12:05:25 PM
Author: pannini
another question for you GoodSoul, when you get a chance (gawsh I wish I could just PM you but I don''t think we can), how do you feel about your mushroom pave with the 4 prongs setting in the melee? it looks like Leon''s interpretation of a 4 prong shank, correct? do you think Leon has any shared prong settings? i am worried that with a 2 mm width shank, the metal will be more obvious-looking.

Leon''s work is SO SO delicate in real life that the "four prongs" are really invisible. It only shows up in all the close up shots or under a loupe. All I see are just the melees in real life. For 2mm, he will use bigger melees and I would imagine that it''ll be the same effect, you will see the melees and the metal is really just enough to ensure that the melee are held together and protected.

I am not sure about shared prongs and you should let him know your concern about less metal looking. He can definitely address that.

I am totally happy with the mushroom pave as it''s so subtle and all I see are the melees shimmering. I know what you mean by having the metal being obvious and its definitely NOT the case for Leon''s mushroom pave.

Hope it helps!

pannini · May 28, 2009

thanks again! you''ve been extremely helpful. and yes, the side view and bottom-up view were exactly what i was craving to see.

so nice to hear the melee is still sparkly with the 4 prongs holding each in place. i think i will just trust that and go with your feedback, it is better to trust a fellow PSer who likes the same stuff i like!

GoodSoul · May 28, 2009

You are most welcome. I understand that it''s a tough call for such an important piece of jewelry. Do let us know what is your final decision!

pannini · Jun 10, 2009

hi goodsoul,

so i am moving fwd with leon! i''m still worried about my ring size. you think 4.75 and 4 7/8 is a noticeable difference? i did get 4.75 at every b&m fitting, maybe one said i was a size 5. also, i heard because leon''s shanks are so delicate that it is easier to slide on rings, so maybe 4.75 is fine? what do you advise?

GoodSoul · Jun 10, 2009

Hello there!

Congras in making this BIG decision!

If you are sized as a 4.75 in most stores, then I would just go with that size.

Do come back with pictures of your ring(s)!!

Souffle · Jun 11, 2009

Hi Pannini & GoodSoul,

I am a fellow Pser who also live in the bay area. I have been wanting to work with Leon for the LONGEST time but is worried about sending the stone cross country. Can you share with me the medium you all used to send the stone over? THANKS SO MUCH!

Souffle · Jun 12, 2009

*bump* For GoodSoul and Pannini

pannini · Jun 12, 2009

hi Souffle!

well, bf and I followed the instructions on Leon''s website: http://www.artofplatinum.com/start/policies/shipping.php

from there you''ll see what to do. depending on the value of the diamond, you will ship through either US Postal Service or FedEx, etc. you would use the boxes provided by the service. just follow the instructions.

I''d advise you request a quote first and then worry about shipping a diamond later!

Good Luck!

Souffle · Jun 12, 2009

Hi Pannini,

I too have received a quote from him and talked with him over the phone. I think I am ready to hit the "GO" button but is apprehensive about the sending the ring cross country.

I have read that USPS only insures up to 25K and Fedex do not provide insurance at all. Which method did you use? If you went Fedex route, did they provide insurance on rings/stones for you? THANKS!

gemgirl · Jun 12, 2009

Date: 5/28/2009 1:01:17 PM
Author: GoodSoul

Date: 5/28/2009 12:05:25 PM
Author: pannini
another question for you GoodSoul, when you get a chance (gawsh I wish I could just PM you but I don''t think we can), how do you feel about your mushroom pave with the 4 prongs setting in the melee? it looks like Leon''s interpretation of a 4 prong shank, correct? do you think Leon has any shared prong settings? i am worried that with a 2 mm width shank, the metal will be more obvious-looking.

Click to expand...

Leon''s work is SO SO delicate in real life that the ''four prongs'' are really invisible. It only shows up in all the close up shots or under a loupe. All I see are just the melees in real life. For 2mm, he will use bigger melees and I would imagine that it''ll be the same effect, you will see the melees and the metal is really just enough to ensure that the melee are held together and protected.

I am not sure about shared prongs and you should let him know your concern about less metal looking. He can definitely address that.

I am totally happy with the mushroom pave as it''s so subtle and all I see are the melees shimmering. I know what you mean by having the metal being obvious and its definitely NOT the case for Leon''s mushroom pave.

Hope it helps!

Please excuse me for intruding in your conversation ladies, but I have a question about Leon''s mushroom pave''. That''s a style of setting that I am really drawn to for the antiquity of it. I was thinking of having my reset done in mushroom pave'' instead of shared prong because I already have a couple of shared prong rings. My question is.... did Leon ever mention mushroom pave'' being safer for the stones than shared prong mountings? Logically I think this would be so since each stone is held by four prongs instead of two that are shared by the neighboring stone, but I''m just curious about his opinion. Thanks!!

GoodSoul, your ring is gorgeous and Leon''s workmanship looks impeccable. Do you know how big each stone is in the pave''?

pannini · Jun 12, 2009

Date: 6/12/2009 1:03:04 PM
Author: Souffle
Hi Pannini,

I too have received a quote from him and talked with him over the phone. I think I am ready to hit the 'GO' button but is apprehensive about the sending the ring cross country.

I have read that USPS only insures up to 25K and Fedex do not provide insurance at all. Which method did you use? If you went Fedex route, did they provide insurance on rings/stones for you? THANKS!

HI Souffle, go ahead and read that shipping link. Why would you use FedEx if US Postal Service will insure it for you? I spent roughly 40 bucks on USPS shipping with insurance, and Leon got it in 4 days. No problem. I really think there's nothing to worry about.

pannini · Jun 12, 2009

Date: 6/12/2009 1:27:32 PM
Author: gemgirl

Date: 5/28/2009 1:01:17 PM

Click to expand...

Please excuse me for intruding in your conversation ladies, but I have a question about Leon''s mushroom pave''. That''s a style of setting that I am really drawn to for the antiquity of it. I was thinking of having my reset done in mushroom pave'' instead of shared prong because I already have a couple of shared prong rings. My question is.... did Leon ever mention mushroom pave'' being safer for the stones than shared prong mountings? Logically I think this would be so since each stone is held by four prongs instead of two that are shared by the neighboring stone, but I''m just curious about his opinion. Thanks!!

GoodSoul, your ring is gorgeous and Leon''s workmanship looks impeccable. Do you know how big each stone is in the pave''?

Hi there, you can call him directly and ask, or ask his assistants. I''m not sure about the answer to that, maybe GoodSoul knows?

ElizabethRose · Jun 12, 2009

Hi Pannini. Your ring will be gorgeous! I think I remember a post by DiamondNut, saying that photo of ring style 401 on Leon''s website was her actual ring. She also asked for the base/donut of her basket to be particularly wide. I would definitely clarify with Leon your preference on that.

As for ring size, I just received a three stone LM ring in a size 6, the band width is less than 2mm. I was sized 6 to 6 1/4, in a few B&M stores. Since I don''t mind if my ring spins, but I HATE it tight, I wish I had gone up to 6 1/8 or even 6 1/4. I will probably have him resize it eventually. Will yours be full eternity or 3/4?

Souffle · Jun 12, 2009

Pannini,

Thanks so much for your advice. I am just a a bit paranoid because my stone is worth more than the maximum of USPS. But I have HIT the GO button today! I made the decision to enlist 23rd st jewelers in LA to make my new setting.

Please post a picture of your drool worthy Leon as soon as you receive it! THANKS!

calling GoodSoul!

Shiny_Rock

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