Advice on custom design halo please!

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So I fell in love with lesco''s halo engagement ring done by Leon Mege. Unfortunately my budget will not allow for Leon''s services, so I am attempting to find another jeweler who can create a micro pave design as delicate and beautiful as Leon.


Surely someone else has been in this position -- admiring LM''s custom work, but simply unable to afford it. If so, where did you turn?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don''t think you''ll get his level of quality for much less money, but the other great choice would be Maytal Hannah:

http://www.maytalhannah.com/

 

[mrssalvo]

I agree with diamondseeker. Leon is actually very well priced for the quality of work he produces. You might be better off trying to find a designer ring that isn''t entirely custom piece. Ritani comes to mind and they will make their rings in whitegold and palladium which can be cost effective.

 

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Thanks for the tips. I''ve attached a picture of lesco''s micro pave design done by Leon Mege.

My main concern is on the "halo" portion itself - I want my setting to be flush against the center diamond. From what I''ve seen from Ritani and many others, there is usually a ring of metal showing either between the center stone and the micro pave around, or on the outside of the "halo" almost making it look like a disc. Also, I love how lesco''s mount is relatively low.

Do you think I can find a design similar to this without a custom job? I am hoping to keep my costs on the setting itself below $3000.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 10/12/2008 8:03:42 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I agree with diamondseeker. Leon is actually very well priced for the quality of work he produces. You might be better off trying to find a designer ring that isn''t entirely custom piece. Ritani comes to mind and they will make their rings in whitegold and palladium which can be cost effective.

I agree. Ritani has a lot of options...what you want if you don''t want to see metal is something without an airline and prong set instead of bezel.

Have you checked out Pearlman''s Jeweler''s website? They have a ton of settings many of which look similar to Lesco''s ring...

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 10/12/2008 9:11:33 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 10/12/2008 8:03:42 PM

Author: mrssalvo

I agree with diamondseeker. Leon is actually very well priced for the quality of work he produces. You might be better off trying to find a designer ring that isn''t entirely custom piece. Ritani comes to mind and they will make their rings in whitegold and palladium which can be cost effective.

I agree. Ritani has a lot of options...what you want if you don''t want to see metal is something without an airline and prong set instead of bezel.


Have you checked out Pearlman''s Jeweler''s website? They have a ton of settings many of which look similar to Lesco''s ring...

yep, Ritani will prong set a halo so you don''t have to have the metal. I agree with checking out Pearlmans. lots of setting options there. Be sure to check out the Beverley k line, they are really well priced for quality workmanship.

 

[jstarfireb]

This from Knox is kind of close to the one you posted. Price is pretty reasonable too...

 

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My local jeweler says he can make me one to custom fit my center stone for $1,750 in platinum. Assuming price is about the same, is this better than going with a jeweler who will order setting from a third-party and then insert the stone themself? My main concern is durability of the prongs on a custom-made setting. I am perhaps incorrectly assuming that a pre-made setting (like the white gold halo below by Timeless Designs) would be more durable on the micro pave settings.

Sorry I sound so clueless, there are just so many options and I want to maximize everything for my budget (about $5,000 - $6,000 including center stone).

 

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Bueller?