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ť ERD, Leon and Some Other Vendors...

ERD, Leon and Some Other Vendors...

P: 6/17/2009 10:53:25 AM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	I don't post on here much but I've been looking for the past few months for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I broke down my search into two parts - Diamond and Setting. For the first part of my search, I contacted several vendors including GOG, Whiteflash and ERD. Since I live within walking distance of the diamond district, I also visited several of the shops in the area as well. I'd have to say that hands down, the service I received from the online vendors was exponentially better than that of the sleazy salesmen on 47th and 5th. Two of the guys I was in contact with were Jon from GOG and James Ramey from Whiteflash. They were both great. They provided tons of information and always seemed to be willing to help. Ultimately I bought my diamond from Mark T at ERD. I can't say enough good things about him. He was awesome. The first time I went to his office he had several diamonds for me to look at. He sat with me for almost 2 hours to explain the different things I should be looking out for. I'm not the most decisive of people, especially considering the size of the purchase, but he was patient and informative throughout the entire process. I never felt pressured to buy a certain diamond, or even to buy any diamond at all. And when I finally decided on the diamond that I wanted, Mark went above and beyond what was expected to make sure that was the diamond I ended up with. For the second part of the search, I again contacted a few vendors. I ultimately decided to go to Leon Mege. Although I've only seen pictures of his rings, I really liked the attention to detail that the closeups showed. My girlfriend had also wanted the ring to be somewhat "dainty" and I though Leon would be the best man for the job. Now my main concern was everything that I had read about him here concerning his temperament. After meeting him earlier this week I have to honestly say that I had ZERO problems. I was running a little late so I called him to let him know. Met up with him at his office and he was very polite. I guess I expected some sort of barbarian after everything I read here but he was far from anything of the sort. We spoke for about an hour. I told him some of the ideas I had and he expressed his opinions. I found him to be very helpful as whenever he expressed his opinion, he would follow up with reasons as to why he felt that way. I really appreciated that since he probably knows a thing or two more about rings than I do. And during the whole meeting, I never felt pressured to choose a design that HE wanted. He was always open to my suggestions and gave his advice, but ultimately let me know that the final decision was mine. So all in all ERD and Leon were my final choices and so far, I feel like I've made a great decision. I have to wait a few weeks while Leon's working on the final ring but if anyone is thinking of working with Mark T and/or Leon, I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
Posted: 6/17/2009 10:53:25 AM

There are 25 replies to this message. There are 25 replies on this page.

P: 6/17/2009 11:02:18 AM
Maisie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,769 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 12/30/2006	Thank you for posting your experiences. Its really helpful for others who are just starting out on their diamond search. I also had some communication recently with Leon (by telephone) and he was super nice to me too. I was a bit nervous to call but I didn't need to be.
Posted: 6/17/2009 11:02:18 AM

P: 6/17/2009 11:49:33 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	I'm glad to hear your ring process has been so smooth and enjoyable, naturally that's something we all hope for, some just get luckier than others. The ring sounds like it's going to be lovely! Be sure to post when you get it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 6/17/2009 11:49:33 AM

P: 6/17/2009 12:06:52 PM
Rockit Cut Rock Total Posts: 167 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 6/2/2008	I agree, it is wonderful to hear that both Part One and Part Two of your ER process have been pleasant and positive especially when you had some trepidation about contacting at least one of the vendors. Here's to smooth sailing for the rest of the process! And, I second the request to see your beautiful, dainty ring when it is ready.
Posted: 6/17/2009 12:06:52 PM

P: 6/17/2009 6:59:59 PM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	Once I get the ring back I'll definitely be posting some pics.
Posted: 6/17/2009 6:59:59 PM

P: 6/17/2009 7:11:12 PM
Skippy123 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 19,842 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 11/24/2006	Date: 6/17/2009 6:59:59 PM Author: lowphat Once I get the ring back I'll definitely be posting some pics. can't wait to see them; sounds like it will be gorgeous Skippy "The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible" Rich Devos
Posted: 6/17/2009 7:11:12 PM

P: 6/23/2009 1:33:14 AM
pannini Cut Rock Total Posts: 314 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 4/7/2009	lowphat, I'm very excited for you!
Posted: 6/23/2009 1:33:14 AM

P: 6/23/2009 2:01:12 AM
mscushion Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,166 Last Post: 11/16/2009 Member Since: 11/15/2008	Sounds like your ring shopping experience has been exactly what it should be. Good! Can't wait to see the pics of the finished product.
Posted: 6/23/2009 2:01:12 AM

P: 6/23/2009 8:57:02 AM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	Thanks, Pannini. ! I know we're on a similar search and it seems you're at the same stage as I am. What kind of setting did you decide on?
Posted: 6/23/2009 8:57:02 AM

P: 6/24/2009 2:55:14 AM
pannini Cut Rock Total Posts: 314 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 4/7/2009	lowphat, I am going for the ring 401 with mushroom pave with a medium height head. what about you?
Posted: 6/24/2009 2:55:14 AM

P: 6/24/2009 9:31:55 AM
Phoenix Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,029 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 10/5/2006	I'm so glad you've had a positive experience with Leon. I've had Leon do two things for me, a ring and a pair of earrings. Each time, the quality just surpassed my expectations. As for his mannerism, I've always found Leon to be super-nice, super-professsional, very approachable and he never ever once tried to force any of his ideas on me. He always listened to what I had to say and did whatever I requested. I can't wait to see your finished ring. It's going to be GORGEOUS!!
Posted: 6/24/2009 9:31:55 AM

P: 6/24/2009 9:46:40 AM
bgray Ideal Rock Total Posts: 717 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 7/28/2007	what shape stone -? what size? what style setting?
Posted: 6/24/2009 9:46:40 AM

P: 8/3/2009 9:03:45 AM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	Wanted to just update you guys on the status of my ring. It's finished and I picked it up from Leon. I have to take it back to him for a minor issue but in the meantime, here's a picture that the appraiser took.
Posted: 8/3/2009 9:03:45 AM

P: 8/3/2009 9:17:00 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	Gorgeous! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 8/3/2009 9:17:00 AM

P: 8/3/2009 10:38:56 AM
tyty333 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,407 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 12/17/2008	Wow! Thats just yummy! ~~~Thanks to PS, my wants far exceed my budget!~~~
Posted: 8/3/2009 10:38:56 AM

P: 8/3/2009 4:35:28 PM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	I went to Leon this afternoon for a minor issue with a melee stone and he was more than accommadating. He was very pleasant and fixed the issue on the spot while I waited. I have to say that for anyone that was thinking twice about going to Leon because of some of the things you've read here regading his attitude, don't hesitate. My experience with him was 100% satisfactory and I would defintely go back to him again and recommend him to any of my friends.
Posted: 8/3/2009 4:35:28 PM

P: 8/3/2009 4:44:12 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,920 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Thanks for sharing your experience with Leon. This ring is gorgeous!!! ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 8/3/2009 4:44:12 PM

P: 8/3/2009 5:18:22 PM
TravelingGal Ideal Rock Total Posts: 11,346 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 12/29/2004	Thanks for coming back and updating us! I'm working with Leon now and so far have found him pretty easygoing (and direct, of course.) _______________________ Travel quote of the week: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Posted: 8/3/2009 5:18:22 PM

P: 8/3/2009 10:28:37 PM
litebrite Cut Rock Total Posts: 463 Last Post: 10/16/2009 Member Since: 2/11/2007	Gorgeous ring, and I love the double prongs. I have to laugh at your expectations - did you expect an artist barbarian? It creates a funny image in my mind, an artist barbarian who waves around platinum shouting, "It's not perfect! Redo the pave before I beat your unskilled hands into submission!" At least that's what popped into my head, but I'm a weirdo.
Posted: 8/3/2009 10:28:37 PM

P: 8/3/2009 10:50:51 PM
ChunkyCushionLover Ideal Rock Total Posts: 504 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 6/21/2009	Date: 8/3/2009 10:28:37 PM Author: litebrite Gorgeous ring, and I love the double prongs. I have to laugh at your expectations - did you expect an artist barbarian? It creates a funny image in my mind, an artist barbarian who waves around platinum shouting, 'It's not perfect! Redo the pave before I beat your unskilled hands into submission!' At least that's what popped into my head, but I'm a weirdo. No Platinum Ring for You, NEXT!
Posted: 8/3/2009 10:50:51 PM

P: 8/3/2009 11:38:59 PM
Moh 10 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,004 Last Post: 8/18/2009 Member Since: 10/25/2008	I spoke to him once on the phone about making a ring. My sense is if you could turn into a problem-customer he can sniff that out quickly and doesn't want your job. He's been around the block a few times, is successful, can pick an choose his projects, and doesn't have to deal with problem-customers any more. If you know what you want and respect him everything will go well.
Posted: 8/3/2009 11:38:59 PM

P: 8/3/2009 11:58:46 PM
CDNinNYC Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,856 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 10/21/2007	Thanks for coming back with the update. That ring is gorgeous!
Posted: 8/3/2009 11:58:46 PM

P: 8/4/2009 8:20:53 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	Date: 8/3/2009 11:38:59 PM Author: Moh 10 I spoke to him once on the phone about making a ring. My sense is if you could turn into a problem-customer he can sniff that out quickly and doesn't want your job. He's been around the block a few times, is successful, can pick an choose his projects, and doesn't have to deal with problem-customers any more. If you know what you want and respect him everything will go well. Not always moh. However, things seem to go well way more than they don't, and we haven't heard any negative reports of late, so that's a good thing!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 8/4/2009 8:20:53 AM

P: 8/4/2009 6:01:36 PM
Laila619 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,220 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 4/28/2008	It's gorgeous! _________________________ Married my sweetie on 11.8.08 Happily addicted to Pricescope and sparklies!
Posted: 8/4/2009 6:01:36 PM

P: 8/4/2009 6:05:04 PM
bebe Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,003 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/20/2007	Love the ring, very nice. I too bought my stone from ERD and Leon did the setting.
Posted: 8/4/2009 6:05:04 PM

P: 8/10/2009 5:51:27 PM
lowphat Cut Rock Total Posts: 109 Last Post: 9/17/2009 Member Since: 4/22/2009	Proposed this past weekend and she said yes! Posted a couple more pics here. Haven't gotten any real life shots yet but will try once we get around to it.
Posted: 8/10/2009 5:51:27 PM

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