Custom Leon setting jitters - would love some input on my design

[roxana]

For my 20th anniversary (would you believe I was married at birth? ok not true but very young I am upgrading my setting. My diamond is a 1ct D/IF with sentimental value so did not want to upgrade the stone. After all the photos and posts here, I have decided to go with Leon Mege. I sent him my ring this morning but I am really really nervous. I haven''t done anything like this before so would greatly appreciate your opinions on my design. I am thinking of a "double halo" Adrianna along the lines of the halo on this setting:

What do you think??

Thanks!

 

[KaeKae]

I don''t have any experience with LM to share, but that ring is just beautiful. I LOVE the pink in the middle of the shank, love the double halo, too.

 

[tyty333]

You said you were doing something along those lines...what are you changing? It is a very pretty setting!

 

[kenny]

What a beautiful setting!

I have read that the clients who just trust him and leave him alone get along with him well.

Questioning, doubting or bothering him for updates or pics leads to trouble.

 

[swingirl]

The setting you have picked is right up his alley. It should be gorgeous. Personally I don''t like a double halo as the center stone gets lost. Single halo would be enough for me. Also decide and specify whether or not you want an air line.

 

[AprilBaby]

I love the double halo. That will be STUNNING when you are done! Congrats on 20 years!

 

[arjunajane]

I suggest Not sending him a photo from another designer - from what I''ve garnered he doesn''t care for that.
Instead, just say "modify the Adrianna like ......"

I do admit I''m with swingirl on the double halo, but if you love the look than go for it.

Congrats on 20 and an upcoming beautiful ring!

 

[Kaleigh]

Congrats on your 20th. I have worked with Leon, never had a problem. I''d follow up with a phone call once he gets your ring, just to talk over your parameters... I can''t wait to see it once it''s done. I adore this setting.

 

[roxana]

Thank you for your replies! I love this setting too but I think the double halo and the 3 bands is a bit much and do overpower the center diamond. I would be changing the shank to one band instead of 3. I am on the fence whether to make it rose gold/white diamonds or just stay platinum/white. If I keep it all platinum I think would be more classic. Also no air gap as in the picture. I don''t quite understand what''s the benefit of doing an air gap with a halo?

 

[risingsun]

Date: 11/8/2009 11:38:09 AM
Author: roxana
Thank you for your replies! I love this setting too but I think the double halo and the 3 bands is a bit much and do overpower the center diamond. I would be changing the shank to one band instead of 3. I am on the fence whether to make it rose gold/white diamonds or just stay platinum/white. If I keep it all platinum I think would be more classic. Also no air gap as in the picture. I don't quite understand what's the benefit of doing an air gap with a halo?

I would stay with the all platinum look. It's a classic. There is no particular benefit of having an airline. It is a design feature. Some like it and some not. There was a issue recently in which Leon made a ring [for a PS member] with an airline. She didn't want an airline, but Leon was difficult about it because she didn't state "no airline" on the work order. Just be clear on what you want and what you don't.

ETA: If this were my ring, I would use one of these bands and one halo. Hmmmm, it would look much like the ring that I have

 

[roxana]

Well it turns out my diamond is not it''s way to Leon. My husband was supposed to mail it out Saturday but he decided that he really wasn''t comfortable with the ordering process. As he put it I''m not just mailing a $20K ring to some guy in NYC without something substantive in writing. He said the quote was meaningless legally speaking. I guess I am a little more laid back especially given the ring is insured but still I see his point. So I emailed Leon to let him know and ask if he would consider doing something semi-custom in that I could provide specs on the stone, he could do the setting, and then I could have the stone set locally. But I haven''t heard back which I take it means no.

So I guess I will need to look at other options. I did find out that Simon G will customize his settings so I can get it with diamonds going 3/4 around the bands. He could even do it with just the one band but everyone who has seen the setting in person has said it looks gorgeous and recommended I stay with the 3 bands and the rose gold/pink diamond in the middle. If I do 3 bands with diamonds 3/4 of the way around will the side diamonds be uncomfortable?

I am also looking at a custom Whiteflash setting since I had a very positive experience working with them on my diamond studs. But I can they really do really well crafted custom designs?

There also a few local jewelers that do custom work that I am going to talk to as well but sales tax alone in my area is almost 10% not to mention the cost of labor so probably not the best option.

 

[kenny]

Date: 11/9/2009 3:10:20 PM
Author: roxana
So I emailed Leon to let him know and ask if he would consider doing something semi-custom in that I could provide specs on the stone, he could do the setting, and then I could have the stone set locally.
But I haven't heard back which I take it means no.

You dared to tell Mr. Mege you don't trust him to set your diamond?

 

[asforhim]

LOL!!!! Love it Kenny.....

I would suggest you reconsider Leon. He does tremedous work. I have had three separate jobs completed by him over the years, all of which I mailed my diamonds to him. He''s the best I''ve found. HIs work is better than my Harry Winston halo. Also, he does many custom jobs with many more rare and expensive diamonds than the one you own.

The thing you need to be careful about is shipping. Make sure it''s registered mail and not FedEx/UPS as they don''t cover jewelry over $1000.

 

[roxana]

I know I know

But if there''s one thing you learn after 20 years of marriage there are some fights not worth fighting. This is definitely one of them. I am going to go with a custom Simon G setting.