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Anyone remember the Lockes Signature Solitaire???

Christina...

Christina...

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
5,028
I think I've finally decided that I really want a Solitaire, but not just any solitaire, I want the Locke's signature solitaire. Of course they are long gone now, so that just isn't going to happen! So, I'm looking for a replica and the closest that I have come is MWM Torchiere, which is very close, but I like options!! =) So, I'm wondering if any of you have seen something similar in your travels....


The Locke's

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/matatora%E2%80%99s-lockes-solitaire.43506/page-2']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/matatora%E2%80%99s-lockes-solitaire.43506/page-2[/URL]

MWM Torchiere

http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/MMTorchiere/
 
OMG! The color! :love: I do prefer the petite version, and I think that you make a good point about the lower set diamond causing problems. I want to wear this with my eternity, in fact it's the reason I've pretty much decided to go with a solitaire. Do you know if Mark will alter his prongs at all? I really really want claw prongs, but I don't recall seeing any of his work with them?
 
Vatche makes something in the same vein, but given the opportunity I'd rather have the MM!
 
ecf8503|1376149067|3500266 said:
Vatche makes something in the same vein, but given the opportunity I'd rather have the MM!
Click to expand...


Are you thinking of the Sisley? I couldn't find any others. I hate the idea of the 6 week lead time that Mark currently has and would happily go stock so long as it was of a very good quality like Vatche.


I really like the MWM if I were able to make some slight design changes...I've never been a fan of his prongs, but I'm sort of a prong snob I think, my eyes automatically go there first. And I've hated on my own obsessively so I vowed that my next setting would have amazing prong work.

I know that Mark prefers to work with Plat, but have seen work in YG, does anyone know if he will work with WG? I find his website chaotic and haven't been able to find the answer.
 
Hi Christina-
Mark has worked in WG before going on 9 or so years ago. I don't know what he is willing to do nowadays though. My WG wedding bands were made by him, if that helps.
 
luvmysparklies|1376158981|3500344 said:
Hi Christina-
Mark has worked in WG before going on 9 or so years ago. I don't know what he is willing to do nowadays though. My WG wedding bands were made by him, if that helps.
Click to expand...


Good to know! Thank you. I guess if he is willing to work with YG why not WG right? I guess the best thing would be to reach out to him, but I'm just not to that point yet. I hate to take up a persons time if I'm not ready to commit kwim? How did you like working with him?
 
Mark was great to work with, but does like to do his own thing without a lot of back and forth stemming from mind changing. He's not too good with "indecisiveness" so your approach to wait until you are ready, know exactly what you want is probably best. He is open to an exchange of ideas or "hey what do you think about adding this detail?" once most everything else is in place. He is also open to a client that has a "concept" that needs his expertise to develop. Just not a "oh, I thought I wanted that, but now..." As you know, he's a one man shop, so he likes to be trusted to do "his thing" and I think that is probably why he tries to balance his workload with decisiveness where possible. Let me be clear though, there is no denigrating attitude to the client, like I have read LM sometimes can have.

One thing I might advise is to reach out to him to inquire if he will still work with WG in his creations more immediately. At least get that.

At the time I worked with him he had some proprietary alloy that kept WG white, without the need for rhodium plating. He was very pleased with the outcome of it, but I sort of got the sense that his true preference medium is platinum. I could be wrong-- so, see if there is some case by case at this time for WG.

Oh, and 9 years later the rings are still white.
 
luvmysparklies|1376163439|3500374 said:
Mark was great to work with, but does like to do his own thing without a lot of back and forth stemming from mind changing. He's not too good with "indecisiveness" so your approach to wait until you are ready, know exactly what you want is probably best. He is open to an exchange of ideas or "hey what do you think about adding this detail?" once most everything else is in place. He is also open to a client that has a "concept" that needs his expertise to develop. Just not a "oh, I thought I wanted that, but now..." As you know, he's a one man shop, so he likes to be trusted to do "his thing" and I think that is probably why he tries to balance his workload with decisiveness where possible. Let me be clear though, there is no denigrating attitude to the client, like I have read LM sometimes can have.

One thing I might advise is to reach out to him to inquire if he will still work with WG in his creations more immediately. At least get that.

At the time I worked with him he had some proprietary alloy that kept WG white, without the need for rhodium plating. He was very pleased with the outcome of it, but I sort of got the sense that his true preference medium is platinum. I could be wrong-- so, see if there is some case by case at this time for WG.

Oh, and 9 years later the rings are still white.
Click to expand...


Thanks so much for the reply! Wow, still white after 9 years!! :appl: That's my kind of alloy! I wonder if it was a mix of WG and palladium? I suppose it couldn't hurt to reach out and see if he is responsive to using WG, then I could either continue to consider him or cross him off the list of possibilities. I wasn't really looking to go custom for this project, but it I'm having a difficult time locating anything closer than the petite torchiere, so I may have to go that direction...though I'll probably scrap the whole project if I have to go platinum as it's never been my alloy of choice. :?
 
ecf8503|1376164840|3500378 said:
This is the Vatche one I was thinking of - not exact, but in the same vein IMO -

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=48&id=58
Click to expand...


Ah! That was going to be my second guess. I really like Vatche and I wouldn't have to go the custom route, but I've never really liked the head on the swan. :(( I considered the Caroline for a bit, but decided that I didn't want a cathedral, so I crossed that off the list. The Locke really doesn't seem so very unique that I would have trouble finding alternatives, but that seems to be the case. :sick: Custom is looking more and more like my only option.
 
Christina, here is an old link in which KristyDarling had a Lockes repro done by James Allen. She asked them to modify the head to a four prong and unfortunately, it wasn't strong enough in the end to hold her 3.5 ct. stone securely in place. However, they have done this setting in the past so I'm sure they could adapt it back to the six prong version. It is a beautiful setting - too bad Lockes seems to have gone out of business!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-james-allen-custom-solitaire-is-here.35528/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-james-allen-custom-solitaire-is-here.35528/[/URL]
 
I would probably get an MWM variant.
 
Oooh MWM!!

The Torchiere seems like an evolution of the Lockes, to me - it's the same family, just a more advanced species :bigsmile: MM has mastered that flowing, molten metal look and I love that all his defines exhibit that same characteristic style. I've only seen a couple of examples of his workmanship IRL but it's impeccable :sun:

I really like the diamonds higher in the basket like DS suggested, too - Scorpio's recent thread is the first that comes to mind: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/[/URL]

How exciting!!! Congrats on deciding what you want to do (almost!) :bigsmile:
 
Yssie|1376248708|3500880 said:
Oooh MWM!!

The Torchiere seems like an evolution of the Lockes, to me - it's the same family, just a more advanced species :bigsmile: MM has mastered that flowing, molten metal look and I love that all his defines exhibit that same characteristic style. I've only seen a couple of examples of his workmanship IRL but it's impeccable :sun:

I really like the diamonds higher in the basket like DS suggested, too - Scorpio's recent thread is the first that comes to mind: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/[/URL]

How exciting!!! Congrats on deciding what you want to do (almost!) :bigsmile:
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree with Yssie that Mark's design is superior to Lockes. His metal work is gorgeous and I like the prongs on that GOG video.

I wish I could convince you to go with platinum, though. I think there is a reason that master jewelers such as MM, VC, SK, and LM, etc all prefer it. It doesn't wear away like gold and remains white. What is it that you don't like? And none of my platinum rings are gray, if that is what you are thinking!
 
No suggestions, just wanted to say I can see why you'd want that Locke Signature - what a beautiful design! I've always loved Mark Morrell's design as well, so that's where I'd turn for a similar setting.
 
nowicanseethemoon|1376256455|3500968 said:
mom2boys|1376255742|3500954 said:
Have you seen this version:
http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/six-prong-solitaire-with-pave-crown-basket
VC can make the prongs any way you want them and also do a plain shank instead of pave. Just another option for you to think about! :))
Click to expand...

I was just looking at that design and think it's gorgeous and very elegant.
Click to expand...

Mom2boys- Wow! Good looking out.

I agree that its very elegant!

It has the higher set diamonds.
 
Thanks MGR!! :)) I'm surprised that I haven't found more examples of the style as it doesn't seem so terribly difficult to create, but after hearing about Kristydarlings experience, perhaps that isn't true. :(sad Of course I'm not lucky enough to be setting a 3+ct stone, so maybe there is hope! =)

luvmysparklies Thanks for the link! I didn't realize that 'the flame' was so similar to the Lockes. I guess I got stuck on the torchiere and didn't explore any further with MM. Does anyone else hear 'the flame' and automatically start humming the old Cheap Trick song? :o
 
Yssie|1376248708|3500880 said:
Oooh MWM!!

The Torchiere seems like an evolution of the Lockes, to me - it's the same family, just a more advanced species :bigsmile: MM has mastered that flowing, molten metal look and I love that all his defines exhibit that same characteristic style. I've only seen a couple of examples of his workmanship IRL but it's impeccable :sun:

I really like the diamonds higher in the basket like DS suggested, too - Scorpio's recent thread is the first that comes to mind: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/[/URL]

How exciting!!! Congrats on deciding what you want to do (almost!) :bigsmile:
Click to expand...


I was going to email you, but I feel as though I've bothered you enough when it comes to projects! :lol: I agree that MWM's version is beautiful. I love how curvy the prongs are and the placement of the stones are perfect. I've never seen his work IRL but it does look impeccable. I think that he is only a few hours drive from here and much closer from Cs school, so it may be worth asking if I could make an appointment with him, I also wouldn't have to ship my diamond! :)) The thing is though, I wasn't really looking to go custom again right now. I'm not sure why I feel that way though, and it's quickly becoming obvious that if I want this particular design, I'm going to need to. I think part of it is that if I go custom I would really like to work with WF again which poses a couple of problems...they aren't setting outside stones...AND, I'd have to find enough elements of the Torchiere to change to make sure that it was used as inspiration only. :wink2:

I know that I want to change the prongs. MWM's prongs remind me of hearts and that's just a bit to cutesy for me. I thought that I could ask that they be separated so they appeared more like traditional double prongs, but double prongs on a six prong setting....eh, I think it's just too much, especially for my little 1.22 stone. I do sort of like the double prongs on the VC version that M2B posted. But there is something so special about LM's prong and I really love his tulip setting with the rose gold around the donut. :love:

If I could find a way to incorporate all three of these design elements into one ring without it looking as though I stole someone else's design....I think I could be a happy girl!


EDIT I forgot to mention that I would NOT want diamonds in the RG donut, but I do like the idea of adding a second metal color there.

rose_gold_donut.jpg

leon_tulip_inspiration.jpg

this_basket.jpg
 
diamondseeker2006|1376253858|3500929 said:
Yssie|1376248708|3500880 said:
Oooh MWM!!

The Torchiere seems like an evolution of the Lockes, to me - it's the same family, just a more advanced species :bigsmile: MM has mastered that flowing, molten metal look and I love that all his defines exhibit that same characteristic style. I've only seen a couple of examples of his workmanship IRL but it's impeccable :sun:

I really like the diamonds higher in the basket like DS suggested, too - Scorpio's recent thread is the first that comes to mind: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/modified-extreme-petite-torchiere-update.190836/[/URL]

How exciting!!! Congrats on deciding what you want to do (almost!) :bigsmile:
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree with Yssie that Mark's design is superior to Lockes. His metal work is gorgeous and I like the prongs on that GOG video.

I wish I could convince you to go with platinum, though. I think there is a reason that master jewelers such as MM, VC, SK, and LM, etc all prefer it. It doesn't wear away like gold and remains white. What is it that you don't like? And none of my platinum rings are gray, if that is what you are thinking!
Click to expand...


I agree, his work looks exquisite! :love: I love how swoopy the prongs are, they look so fluid. The prong tips in the video were some of the better ones that I've seen from him...not that he doesn't do great prongs, it's just that I've been living with my ugly ones and dreaming about sexy impeccable claw prongs for so long now that I can't quite let them go.

Platinum...your right, its the most practical choice, and I will most definitely have the prongs done in it. My reluctance is that I had my eternity band made in gold, and then purchased a few other stacker/spacer bands in yellow, rose and white gold and I'm not sure how I will feel about wearing them with platinum. I'm not so concerned with the plain bands, but more about my new eternity. Does WG wear well against platinum? I'm thinking that because the solitaire will have a donut that I won't necessarily need to wear a spacer anymore so the WG and plat. will sit side by side. I also haven't been able to embrace the patina yet either. I've heard many people say that they haven't had any issue after several years, and I would hope to be so lucky, but I have to re-plate my WG every 9 months or so to keep it as white as I like it, so Platinum leaves me with a big question mark.
 
mom2boys|1376255742|3500954 said:
Have you seen this version:
http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/six-prong-solitaire-with-pave-crown-basket
VC can make the prongs any way you want them and also do a plain shank instead of pave. Just another option for you to think about! :))
Click to expand...


M2B I TOTALLY missed this when I was looking for inspiration on his site!! I suppose I was only looking at plain shanks, so completely overlooked it. Thanks so much for linking it, I love the placement of the stones in the basket, it's feels cleaner to me than both the Lockes and the MWM...of course I didn't check to see what size center stone he used to get a feel for how much room I would have to work with but, it's an excellent reference! thanks so much!

nowicanseethemoon It's gorgeous right?! :love:

VRB What do you think of combining three elements I posted above? Would you still choose MM to create the ring?
 
As long as you use the platinum that VC, LM, SK, or MM use, you are fine. I might have my rings polished every five years or something. Even if you have them polished every 2 years, that would be better than replating every 9 months. But if all your other rings are gold, then I can see going with white gold and possibly a platinum head, depending on the style of your ring.

I probably would not use MM because I think that ring is best made in platinum and I do not think he will make the prongs the way you want. You need to use VC, SK, or LM if the tiny claw prongs are essential.

I really, really think you need to go to some stores that carry major designer brand settings (if you haven't already) to see if there are any stock settings that you like. You'll still have the issue of getting the prongs done like you want, but I think there are many solitaires out there in wg that could work for you...Scott Kay, Ritani, etc., etc.
 
diamondseeker2006|1376325051|3501423 said:
As long as you use the platinum that VC, LM, SK, or MM use, you are fine. I might have my rings polished every five years or something. Even if you have them polished every 2 years, that would be better than replating every 9 months. But if all your other rings are gold, then I can see going with white gold and possibly a platinum head, depending on the style of your ring.

I probably would not use MM because I think that ring is best made in platinum and I do not think he will make the prongs the way you want. You need to use VC, SK, or LM if the tiny claw prongs are essential.

I really, really think you need to go to some stores that carry major designer brand settings (if you haven't already) to see if there are any stock settings that you like. You'll still have the issue of getting the prongs done like you want, but I think there are many solitaires out there in wg that could work for you...Scott Kay, Ritani, etc., etc.
Click to expand...


re-plating is a real PITA! :wink2: I'm guessing by the above bolded, that you don't think that I should consider this design in any other alloy? I don't mind considering platinum, and there is obviously a reason that it's most artisans alloy of choice, it may even be that it's necessary for this particular design. I think that I remember reading that Lockes only offered it in Plat. and it appears as though that may be the case with Mark as well. I'll have to dig up the thread referencing all the different alloys side by side to get a visual of what plat will look like side by side with WG...better yet, I'll just go try some bands on and see for myself. I

Ideally I would find a stock setting with great quality. I haven't looked at Scott Kay yet, I'll check him out. I did browse Ritani and the closest that I found was a Caroline replica. The Vatche version was on my short list for a while but I then decided that I didn't want a cathedral so I scratched it. I adore the U113 and think that I could be equally happy with it, but I also crave a unique touch that makes it just a bit different from everyone elses kwim? I haven't checked out Tacori yet either, though if I have to pay those prices to go stock, I will likely reconsider custom with VC or SK...I'm not sure that I would want to start a project with LM...but never say never right? ;))
 
I feel that way about Tacori, too. I do like some of their designs a lot. BUT, at those prices, I can go custom. However, if I found one that had everything I wanted, I'd probably buy it. I really need to go look at some in person myself, but I just haven't had the time or energy to tackle that project!
 
Christina...|1376324806|3501417 said:
VRB What do you think of combining three elements I posted above? Would you still choose MM to create the ring?
Click to expand...

Christina: I hear you on the heart-shaped prongs - I wouldn't care for that either. I think that's less likely to be a problem IRL than in the extreme close-ups, but I'd want to just remove the possibility too.

I think 3-ring composite would be great! Actually, I think the first LM ring is itself near perfection. I guess your preference would be to have the accent diamonds in the upper tier of lattices? I like that idea, but I'd want the accent stones just a tiny bit smaller, relative to the lattice work, than is shown in the VC photo.
 
diamondseeker2006|1376330828|3501493 said:
I feel that way about Tacori, too. I do like some of their designs a lot. BUT, at those prices, I can go custom. However, if I found one that had everything I wanted, I'd probably buy it. I really need to go look at some in person myself, but I just haven't had the time or energy to tackle that project!
Click to expand...

I can totally relate to this! My mind has been occupied by much more pressing matters this summer, but DH thought that this might be just the project to help take my mind off all the other stuff, and well...bling is such an excellent distraction! :P I made an appointment to view some pieces tomorrow at Springers. They carry some really great lines like Tacori, Jabel, Kwait, Danhov etc, so maybe I'll get lucky and find something. I took a quick peak at their website and nothing grabbed at me, but fingers crossed.

It sounds as though you've decided to take a breather from finding the perfect setting for you new beauty? Sometimes I think that the perfect setting appears when we decide to stop looking. I hope that happens for you, but until then it looks fabulous right where it is! :love:
 
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