Any new Leon Mege''''s Coming Soon?

[wintotty]

luv, getting some cushion fix by getting a pair of earrings is a great idea! I''m very happy with ACA studs! I posted some pics in "show me the bling" forum.
Not so good pics, but you can get the idea!

 

[luv2sparkle]

Icetea, are you looking at Artofplatinum.com? Leon also has a site called micropave.com, and that one doesn''t have as many rings and things. If you look at his pave, he covers every space. Each stone
perfectly matches the previous one, unless the space gets smaller. The precision is quite amazing, perfection really. I own one other ring with some pave, by Martin Flyer and it is not nearly as precise
as Leons. His pave seems to be pretty secure, not many people have lost stones, and I believe his rings are all hand made. If you enlarge some of his photos and check out the precision and intricacy of
design you will begin to see it.

There are definitely some cons about going with him, but the man has an eye for symmetry and balance that sets him apart, I think. He likes things his way and doesn''t want the customer to be overly
involved, so you have to give up the hands on approach. Think soup nazi (seinfeld) but with jewelry. But if you want his work, you go for it.

 

[icetea]

Hmm... I think I may have been looking at the wrong site. There are a lot more than I remember now. The pave looks fantastic.

 

[missydebby]

Just want to point out, and I think just about everyone will agree, it''s not "soup nazi" like you have to fear him and he''s mean. In fact, he''s nice and has had a lot of patience. He''s spent long months with some of us on our designs.

It is like the Seinfeld episode in that he''s the chef and the soup is highly meaningful for him. You might go in thinking you want his famous chicken noodle, but with wide pasta, and he may tell you that it would take the magic out of the whole thing. Or he might say he got in some very unique spices that he''s really excited about, that they would be perfect for you, and you should trust him that this soup''s gonna be the best most righteous soup ever.

What you don''t want to do is go in and say that you''ve heard about his mastery in the soup making world, and you just got to have a bowl, but instead of cumin you want oregano, and you want some input into the combo of vegetables, that they''ve got to be sliced in a very particular way, that you prefer your soup on the the thick side instead of thin, etc etc. In that case, he might suggest that you try the other diner down the street that is also very good or if you''ve totally irritated him, he may tell you to go buy some Campbells.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Your so right Debbie, that was not meant how it came out, but exactly like you said. Thank you for explaining my intentions so perfectly!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I personally found Leon to be very very nice and no where near the soup nazi analogy. I found him very easy to work with. I reserve full judgement until my ring is done.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I think he is nice too, I haven''t had any problems with him at all.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Let me see if I can pull my foot out of my mouth. Here is another analogy:

I am a quilter. Say I have won top awards all around the world for my quilts. Someone comes to me and buys a hand made quilt that I have spent 1000 hours handquilting. They take that quilt and
use it for a beach blanket. Would I be ticked, you bet, would I want to ever sell them another, no way. Say someone comes to me and wants to commission a quilt. They have a design and a color
scheme, and I hate it. The design doesn''t reflect me aesthetic but my name is going on that quilt. Would I want to do it, no.

It is not the same process as going to buy a quilt I saw at Bed, bath and beyond. That''s all.

I think it is good to know before you go to purchase it.

Leon has garnered himself a reputation here. Not all people have had the same experience. I would guess most have been positive. There are many here who wouldn''t work with Leon. Each person
has to make their own choice. We share our experiences, that is why reputation can have an impact.

 

[missydebby]

well said, luv!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Well said luv. I would hate it when someome butchers my work that I have slaved over and take personal pride for. It''s not like mass manufactured work that no one has put love into.

 

[icetea]

luv2sparkle, maybe it''s because I don''t quilt or own any, but I would feel mighty proud if someone loved my quilt enough to enjoy it on the beach and it was so well made it could withstand the conditions!

missdebby, I enjoyed your soup nazi analogy. Does this mean that you should give him a piece you like or an intended design, and trust that as long as you like his other work and his style he will take what you''ve given him and make something amazing from it, or will he take your ring and give you back an ankle bracelet (dramatic change, just trying to understand what he reserves the right to improve on).

 

[luv2sparkle]

icetea, that is flat out blasphemy! The BB &B quilt is suitable for the beach the hand stitched on lovingly graces a bed or hangs on a wall out of direct sunlight! That''s it! No quilt for you!

 

[missydebby]

Date: 5/15/2010 9:14:59 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
icetea, that is flat out blasphemy! The BB &B quilt is suitable for the beach the hand stitched on lovingly graces a bed or hangs on a wall out of direct sunlight! That's it! No quilt for you!

hahahahahaha!

Icetea, Regarding the Leon process: Have your center stone first or have Leon source one for you, go to his site, drool over every single item, spend countless hours trying to narrow it down, and when you finally have it narrowed down, email for a quote. He likes you to send as much info about your center stone as possible and even better, to have your center stone already in his hands. Leon's whole deal is that he tailors his settings to the particular characteristics of the stone, so if, for instance, you want a setting that doesn't work with the stones depth or l/w ration or carat size, he'll let you know. I think what happens with just about everybody is that it's impossible to settle on just one design - every ring is so gorgeous... so you ask about incorporating a few different ideas from a few different rings. So then it's an issue of if he thinks all your desires will work on one piece. And then you get the new price quote, which will jump quite a bit usually from all the new added elements. During this time, Leon is more than willing to suggest settings that'll work beautifully for your center stone, including new ideas sprouting from new sides stones he's acquired. Then you either decide or go back to the drawing board.

This is how it worked for me. I originally got a quote for a setting with 3 marquise side stones on each side. I used info from a diamond I had on hold at James Allen. After getting less than stellar feedback about the stone on PS, I decided to have Leon and Perry source my center stone. Choose my stone, paid for it, and re-discussed the design since my center stone was a little too small to support 3 marquise on each side. He asked what basic type of setting I was looking for: solitaire, halo, or 5 stone. I didn't want a halo and said 5 stone and he was gonna get back to me about an idea he had for my Cushion cut flanked by Half Moons and French Cuts. The photo I got back showed only my center stone, solitaire style, flanked by 5 French cuts on each side. At first it felt a little too simple for me. I mean, no traps, no pave, dang! But we talked and he showed me a ring it would be based on and was really excited about how perfectly all the diamonds matched up. Before I finally settled on the design, I asked again about maybe doing the original 3 marquise idea with only two, and he said I could also go in that direction. I got some good advice in a PS poll and realized that I did truly want something more sleek and timeless, so then I confirmed the french cut side design with Leon. They emailed me a work order, and since I had already paid for the diamond, I didn't have to pay any more for them to get started. I think if you bought your diamond elasewhere and he's only doing the setting, you have to pay 1/2 down to begin the process.

 

[vbnet]

Hi Luv, Hi deb, hope you don''t mind me jumping into this story. Meanwhile in another area of the country, we are going through a similar process. Except we have no idea what stone, round, cushion, asher, or who wer are going to get it from. I float a quote request on a 5 stone ring to Leon on a Sat afternoon, saying I don''t have my diamond yet and I was really totally undecided about everything from shank to size of the ring because I don''t know my size. I had been looking for 4 months all over Chicagoland and not sure what I wanted. Lo and behold he called me within a half hour. WHOAA after reading what I''d seen all over pricescope, I didn''t know WHAT to think. But the pertinent part of the story is, we flew to NY to meet w/ Leon and 2 others (who all had stones ready for us to see) and just clickled him and Perry so we decided to go with them. I too, preferred to do everything in one house if possible. While there, I got to see the french cuts that Leon is using on Deb''s ring!!! WHOLEY TOLEDO! Pictures can''t do them justice. French cuts are very beautiful, but the set he has for her are soo unique, were cut special as a set. So what I''m trying to say is this is part of his creativity. He''s or someone who works for him or someone is bringing him set of diamonds, or side diamond or whatever you want to call it. He knows the kinds of stones people are buying from him or bringing to him and is letting his creativity work with that. We were going round and round on my ring because I was locked into getting something like Wintotty or Debbie had. When my sides came available, it was like lightning struck. It was done. I wan''t quite sure, had to mull it over a bit, but then it was done.

You don''t have to just let him come up with it and walk away and then see your ring in a finished state. But i would advise give him ideas of things you love, things you hate. Then allow a little creativity to work. Also you can''t be in a hurry, unless you just want something like what you''ve seen on the website. And then, it will depend if it works w/ your stone and wait about 6 weeks for it to be made. There are some items on micropave.com he has for sale.

Anyway, sorry to jump in Just trying to help. And Debbie, I still love your french cuts

 

[missydebby]

VBnet, I think it''s so funny that you were there that day to see my French cuts. You''re like my ring''s godmother or something!

I think you summed up the process really well.

 

[vbnet]

I only complemented your explanation Missy I feel like your french cuts godmother, but I also feel like you and Wintotty and Charmypoo have been like cousins. I''ve learned and refined my own search from all your posts.

 

[missydebby]

Have you guys seen this? A great article about Leon.

Also, I had a little freakout the other day about my design, but all has settled down now.

 

[wintotty]

Missydebby,

Why did you freak out? We are half way there now!

 

[luv2sparkle]

Wintotty, are you down to counting ''sleeps'' yet?

Did you ever get pictures posted of your new pretties?

 

[missydebby]

Hey Win! OK, it was a momentary thing. But I read that article about Leon and they showed a picture of the ring that originally made my heart swoon. It''s this halo.

I never really looked into this ring, cause even though it makes me catch my breath, it''s just not something that would work with my style on a daily basis. Anyhow, earlier in the day, I had spoken with Leon to finalize a question with the ring size, and I think the act of really finalizing the whole thing got to my psyche. I had a momentary heart attack and thought, "it''s not too late... maybe you should get the swooning heart one, damn the torpedos"

But I held myself back and with the help of Luv2Sparkle, was able to think about why I loved the simpler, timeless, unique design of my french cut solitaire. I''m feeling fine now.

 

[luv2sparkle]

comrades in craziness, sisters in sparkles, patients at the same asylum, does that about cover it Debbie? he he

 

[missydebby]

Date: 5/19/2010 6:50:12 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
comrades in craziness, sisters in sparkles, patients at the same asylum, does that about cover it Debbie? he he

*salutes* "Yes, Maam!"

 

[CharmyPoo]

Don''t worry about freaking out - for most of us, the e-ring is probably the most substantial piece of jewelry we own. I have been going back and forth since I want the e-ring to be my favorite ring that I wear all the time. I still haven''t sorted out my work order since I haven''t been able to sync up with Leon - I am free and he''s not ... he''s free and I am not. Fun phone tag .. hopefully soon.

So MissDebby ... when is your ering going to be ready?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/19/2010 7:27:56 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
Don''t worry about freaking out - for most of us, the e-ring is probably the most substantial piece of jewelry we own. I have been going back and forth since I want the e-ring to be my favorite ring that I wear all the time. I still haven''t sorted out my work order since I haven''t been able to sync up with Leon - I am free and he''s not ... he''s free and I am not. Fun phone tag .. hopefully soon.

So MissDebby ... when is your ering going to be ready?

But which one will that be Miss Charmy?

Spoiled with two amazing diamonds

This dilemma is why I have never set my diamond into a special setting. There are entirely too many options available.

 

[wintotty]

luv, my pictures had Whiteflash''s logo on them so the thread got deleted. I will try to post pics here tomorrow, I wasn''t sure if I should because the forum is shifting to the newer version and didn''t get my pictures to get deleted again!
And YES! I am counting days now.......it should be 2 more weeks. I talked to Rachel a few days ago to make sure there is no delay, and she said it''s on schedule, so we''ll see.


Missydebby, yeah that Halo ring is very pretty.......maybe for your Right Hand ring in the future!

 

[vbnet]

Date: 5/19/2010 4:37:12 PM
Author: missydebby
Hey Win! OK, it was a momentary thing. But I read that article about Leon and they showed a picture of the ring that originally made my heart swoon. It's this halo.

I never really looked into this ring, cause even though it makes me catch my breath, it's just not something that would work with my style on a daily basis. Anyhow, earlier in the day, I had spoken with Leon to finalize a question with the ring size, and I think the act of really finalizing the whole thing got to my psyche. I had a momentary heart attack and thought, 'it's not too late... maybe you should get the swooning heart one, damn the torpedos'

But I held myself back and with the help of Luv2Sparkle, was able to think about why I loved the simpler, timeless, unique design of my french cut solitaire. I'm feeling fine now.

ok, I don't feel so bad. I've been starting to get not quite freaked but very anxious. Wondering if I made the right choice on size. Missy how did you finalize your size, snug going over the knuckle or loose? I went a little snug because when it's down on my finger there's a Lot OF ROOM . My knuckles are bigger than my finger by a lot.

Yea, then I start thinking about the style and my heart starts to pound, should I have done pave instead.

Then I think about the sides stones and think omg they're too big.

Then I finally almost called him today and said Leon , just talk to me and tell me it's going to be ok cause I'm almost hyperventilating here .

omg, it's only been a week since I signed the work order. I don't think I can take it. ahhhhhhhh! and no, I haven't bought anything in the meantime. YET.

Charmy, If you don't get him tomorrow or Fri, I find him easy to reach on Sat. OR I've emailed him to set up a time to call. That usually works great!

Oh, Missy, thx for the heads up on the article. That was cool!

Win, I Am So Excited for You!!

Dreamer, sorry I've lost track have you narrowed it down, or just totally undecided?

Luv, how long for you?

Anybody else?

OMG June will be such an exciting month

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 5/19/2010 9:43:21 PM
Author: vbnet

Charmy, If you don''t get him tomorrow or Fri, I find him easy to reach on Sat. OR I''ve emailed him to set up a time to call. That usually works great!

Really? I didn''t know he worked on Saturdays - that would be great for me!! I usually have no time at work.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 5/19/2010 7:35:22 PM
Author: dreamer_d

But which one will that be Miss Charmy?

Spoiled with two amazing diamonds

This dilemma is why I have never set my diamond into a special setting. There are entirely too many options available.

I will let you know but I think it is going to be the AVC

Right now, I don''t have either cushions. I am really missing them.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/19/2010 9:43:21 PM
Author: vbnet

Dreamer, sorry I''ve lost track have you narrowed it down, or just totally undecided?

There is a thread about my upgrade in SMTB

It is not Leon, I just crash this thread

 

[vbnet]

Ah yes, Dreamer, it all comes back to me. I see your trip went well and your ring is gorgeous!!!! I''m jealous that you have yours! Not really , just happy happy happy!!!