Ellen''s Leon story has me thinking.....

[hairgirl95]

Hi everyone-

I didn''t want to threadjack Ellen''s WONDERFUL thread about her Leon experience. Ellen, I am so proud of your written account of your LM experience. I think you wrote it so eloquently, factually, and professionally. I don''t know if I could have been as professional as you were about that whole situation. Your ring is simply gorgeous. Your stone not only has a beautiful history and owner, but a beautiful setting as well. Reading your post and the responses kinda got me thinking about a few things. So, here goes--

I have read many different postings about problems with jewelers. Whether its the snooty sales rep at Cartier or Harry Winston, or a B&M that botched a setting or sold a stone that didn''t match the cert, or even my own jeweler that seemed incapable of setting a peg head properly

the stories abound of jeweler issues. In many of these posts, there are a majority of people who say to go to a different jeweler, don''t give them your business anymore, and move on to someone who is happy, willing, and able to go above and beyond for you.
I realize that I do not possess a fraction of the knowledge that most of you do when it comes to jewelry--you have all been so helpful to me when picking out and changing my stone/setting. So please know that this is just an observation, not a professional opinion.

Why would ANY of us use Leon Mege? Yes, his designs are stunning and gorgeous. BUT, all his gorgeous work is somehow, at least for me, tarnished and not as glorious when I read about his horrible communication. This is all encompassing in regards to his attitude, email wordings, his conceited "I pick my clients" comment, and his unwillingness to admit that he has some responsibility in this. When the ego is over-inflated and you think you are king of the world, you become your own worst enemy. When you can no longer communicate with your clients, and humble yourself enough to know that none of us are perfect and mistakes are made, and owning UP to those mistakes, you have begun to travel the path of your own professional-demise. I have never personally worked with LM. Based on what I have read here from various posters, I never would. It seems to me that I would be asking for problems and I seem to have enough problems getting my jewelry to look the way I want it too!

The Leon Mege name is not greater than his work. If he cannot give a quality piece to the best group of jewelery fanatics on the planet, us price scopers, then it makes me wonder how shoddy his other work is that we never hear about. Or the poor soul that spent their hard earned $$ on something and does not have the knowledge to know that there is a craftmanship problem with their piece. We are fortunate that there are so many jewelry intelligent people here that can help everyone out with a discerning eye.

This is just my thoughts on the whole LM situation. Once again Ellen, I really feel for you and the situation you were placed in. Its not fair to you that you have to deal with a cloud hanging over what should have been a very happy situation. Big hugs from me sweetie---

 

[Ellen]

hairgirl, first of all, thank you! I really appreciate your compliment.


Secondly, you raise an interesting question, that I don't really know if there's just one answer to. For some, I think the answer is definitely no, he's not worth it. For others, like me, he was worth the gamble. I wanted claw prongs on my setting, and it is a fact that nobody does them quite like him. Yes, I have seen a handful of rings on here by other jewelers that came close, but, I don't think I've ever seen anyone nail them quite like him. I think it comes down to, as someone else said, how badly someone wants one of his pieces. For them, it's worth it, and I do understand that.


And I will have to say, while there certainly have been some less than stellar experiences with him, I wouldn't go so far as to call his work shoddy. For the most part, he turns out stunning pieces, and there are many happy customers on here to prove it.

There will always be the occasional "incident", with any jeweler.


I'm sure Leon is not the only artiste where you have to take the good AND the bad. I'm sure they are all over, in many corners of design. It would be lovely if everyone was polite, caring, and concerned for each individual customer, but, that's really pretty unrealistic.

But as long as his unhappy customers give accurate, fair accounts of their experiences, at least those wanting his work will go in with their eyes wide open. And that was the point of my post.


Thanks again hg!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

I have to agree with HairGirl. I, like Ellen, would love to have claw prongs on my ring when we do my upgrade. BUT, no matter how badly I want those perfect little claw prongs, I can guarantee you that Leon will NOT be doing them for me. I would rather have very beautiful (but maybe not quite LM "perfect") claw prongs from somewhere like WhiteFlash, where you''re treated like a valued customer. That way, whenever I look at my ring, I won''t be reminded of the horrible experience I had in designing it with a diva who clearly thinks he''s above normal, courteous social interaction.

Leon may choose the customers he thinks are "worthy" of him, but I choose the vendors who I feel are worthy of receiving my business. I already have plenty of stress in my life . . . my e-ring upgrade doesn''t need to add to it and, in fact, it should be ~ gasp ~ FUN and not stressful!!!

Ellen, again, I''m so sorry this happened to you, and I would like to commend you for the grace with which you''ve handled this situation. I don''t think I would have been nearly as calm as you were. And, again, thank you for sharing your experience with those of us who are/were considering using Leon for future projects. It''s always good to be informed!

 

[decodelighted]

I''m a creative professional & used to working with high-strung demanding divas who are excellent at what they do despite their other flaws. Personally, I''d prefer quality product & be perfectly willing to humor the whims & idiocyncracies of a talented artist.

Also, I see nothing wrong with the attitude "I pick my clients". All craftsman do whether they phrase it that way or not. Ones that are in high demand can choose what appeals to them because there is only so much time in the day. And if what appeals to Leon is people who''ll trust him with their projects & keep their big mouths zipped -- then that''s what he should have.

Customers can be such tyrants. Why in the world would anyone think their money can buy them whatever they want and automatically entitles them to perfect treatment all the time? "I spent so much $$ on blah blah blah" -- whatEVER. People make mistakes. $$$ doesn''t shield ANYONE from regular old human error. People can keep stomping out of whatever stores/vendors wronged them & having big old web temper tantrums about it but - peeps -- you''re gonna run out of places that cower to your dollars if your expectations are TOO high. And you''re gonna be hard pressed to get Diva Quality if YOU insist on being a Diva too.

This isn''t directed at *anyone* in particular. Just my feelings on a heated subject.

 

[purrfectpear]

I would use Leon for the same reason that I would eat at a highly tempermental chef''s restaurant. I''m not there for the customer service, I''m there for the end result. Many people have fabulous rings from Leon Mege. A few have had less than satisfactory experiences. I don''t think there''s any question that Leon lacks in the customer service relations department.

 

[CrookedRock]

Date: 7/25/2008 9:46:12 AM
Author: decodelighted
I''m a creative professional & used to working with high-strung demanding divas who are excellent at what they do despite their other flaws. Personally, I''d prefer quality product & be perfectly willing to humor the whims & idiocyncracies of a talented artist.


Customers can be such tyrants. Why in the world would anyone think their money can buy them whatever they want and automatically entitles them to perfect treatment all the time? ''I spent so much $$ on blah blah blah'' -- whatEVER. People make mistakes. $$$ doesn''t shield ANYONE from regular old human error. People can keep stomping out of whatever stores/vendors wronged them & having big old web temper tantrums about it but - peeps -- you''re gonna run out of places that cower to your dollars if your expectations are TOO high. And you''re gonna be hard pressed to get Diva Quality if YOU insist on being a Diva too.

This isn''t directed at *anyone* in particular. Just my feelings on a heated subject.

Deco, I too work in a creative field so I do understand demanding clients. I also understand that when I am being paid to to a job it is my responsibility to finish it to the liking of a client.
I know your post wasn''t directed at me, but I am going to respond regarding my situation, as I cannot speak for anyone else. I do think when I spend money on something (small or large amounts, I considered mine to be large), I expect to get what I paid for. If I do not receive what I paid for I do expect for it to be made right. I never demanded perfect treatment, as I knew ahead of time that I was going to the wrong guy if that''s what I expected. Human error is one thing, but my case comes down to more than that. I do expect to be treated with respect, which I was for the first half of my dealings with him.
Honestly though... If you ordered a car in white and went to pick up, only to find they accidently ordered you a blue car, would you be pleased???
I know this is a heated topic, and I don''t mean my post to be argumentitive or directly back at you, it really is more of a general thing... Just posting my thoughts.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 7/25/2008 9:46:12 AM
Author: decodelighted
I''m a creative professional & used to working with high-strung demanding divas who are excellent at what they do despite their other flaws. Personally, I''d prefer quality product & be perfectly willing to humor the whims & idiocyncracies of a talented artist.

Also, I see nothing wrong with the attitude ''I pick my clients''. All craftsman do whether they phrase it that way or not. Ones that are in high demand can choose what appeals to them because there is only so much time in the day. And if what appeals to Leon is people who''ll trust him with their projects & keep their big mouths zipped -- then that''s what he should have.

Customers can be such tyrants. Why in the world would anyone think their money can buy them whatever they want and automatically entitles them to perfect treatment all the time? ''I spent so much $$ on blah blah blah'' -- whatEVER. People make mistakes. $$$ doesn''t shield ANYONE from regular old human error. People can keep stomping out of whatever stores/vendors wronged them & having big old web temper tantrums about it but - peeps -- you''re gonna run out of places that cower to your dollars if your expectations are TOO high. And you''re gonna be hard pressed to get Diva Quality if YOU insist on being a Diva too.

This isn''t directed at *anyone* in particular. Just my feelings on a heated subject.

Deco~

While I do understand your point of view, I have to respectfully disagree to the extent that a customer must deal with a diva attitude in order to get a high-quality product. There are many, many vendors here on PS who treat their customers like gold and provide an extremely high-quality product. Any vendor needs to realize that their customers are the people who put food on the vendor''s table and put a roof over the vendor''s head. When a vendor contracts with a customer to work on a project, the customer is the vendor''s "boss" for the duration of that project. I don''t know about you, but I would NEVER speak to my boss the way Leon speaks to his customers.

I do understand that people make mistakes, and I don''t think Leon (or anyone else for that matter) is immune from human error. Mistakes do happen. What matters is how the vendor deals with mistakes he makes . . . that he admits that he made the mistake, and does whatever he can (within reason) to make it right. From what I''ve seen here on PS, I don''t believe Leon makes a practice of rectifying his mistakes, or even admitting that he makes mistakes.

Also, his comment to Ellen that she was "micromanaging" simply because she e-mailed him to clarify a detail was completely uncalled for. That was FAR from "diva behavior" on Ellen''s part, and a lot like "diva behavior" on Leon''s part. Ellen did trust Leon to do his job, and look what happened to her aqua.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

This isn't Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh. This is a craftsman who is paid good money to make things to a customer's specification without damaging the stones they bring him. He isn't being paid to change a customer's design to satisfy his ego or to damage a customer's stones. If I bring him a design and he says it isn't doable or it's a bad idea and he explains why he thinks so, that's fine. If he accepts an order of mine and then tweaks it or damages the stone I bring in, he'll hear from me. If he wants to change something in a design I ask him to do, he'd better let me know ahead of time and give me a good reason why he wants to change it. If a craftsman is moody I can deal with it, but business is business and he'd better stick to the written agreement.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 7/25/2008 10:24:19 AM
Author: Madam Bijoux
This isn''t Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh. This is a craftsman who is paid good money to make things to a customer''s specification without damaging the stones they bring him. He isn''t being paid to change a customer''s design to satisfy his ego or to damage a customer''s stones. If I bring him a design and he says it isn''t doable or it''s a bad idea and he explains why he thinks so, that''s fine. If he accepts an order of mine and then tweaks it or damages the stone I bring in, he''ll hear from me. If he wants to change something in a design I ask him to do, he''d better let me know ahead of time and give me a good reason why he wants to change it. If a craftsman is moody I can deal with it, but business is business and he''d better stick to the written agreement.

Very well said, Madam!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/25/2008 10:24:19 AM
Author: Madam Bijoux
This isn''t Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh. This is a craftsman who is paid good money to make things to a customer''s specification without damaging the stones they bring him. He isn''t being paid to change a customer''s design to satisfy his ego or to damage a customer''s stones. If I bring him a design and he says it isn''t doable or it''s a bad idea and he explains why he thinks so, that''s fine. If he accepts an order of mine and then tweaks it or damages the stone I bring in, he''ll hear from me. If he wants to change something in a design I ask him to do, he''d better let me know ahead of time and give me a good reason why he wants to change it. If a craftsman is moody I can deal with it, but business is business and he''d better stick to the written agreement.

While I basically agree with you madam, I will add, the occasional accident will happen, even with the best of jewelers. But how they handle it is the question. Leon didn''t handle this as well as he could/should have. And if in fact there was a protective wax that could have kept my stone from being scratched, and he didn''t use it, that''s just plain irresponsible and uncaring for my heirloom.


It''s one thing to be tempermental. It''s another to be careless.

 

[decodelighted]

I didn''t say that a customer MUST deal with a diva attitude to get a good product. I said that *I* personally am willing to deal with a diva attitude to get a product I deem worthy. There are all kinds of currency. Sucking up is a currency. If I have to suck up & "suffer" through pushing my own (sizable) ego down to "pay" for part of the project ... I''d rather do that than pay $$.

For instance ... say you can buy Designer X stuff at Harry Winston for a huge markup & expect Diva Customer treatment & crumpets & soothing. OR you can buy from the curmudgeonly Artiste himself at a significantly lesser price point ... but you''ll have to endure his Ego and keep your requests minimal & your trap shut. I choose PLAN B. My ego is fine without paying to keep myself flattered & soothed & coddled.

Those who value exceptionally gracious customer service & are willing to pay $$ for it should by ALL means have it.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/25/2008 10:12:05 AM
Author: Irishgrrrl
There are many, many vendors here on PS who treat their customers like gold and provide an extremely high-quality product.

Really? A *better* product than Leon you think? Can''t say as I''ve seen lovelier custom pieces done by ANY other PS vendor. Of course I''m basing my opinion on designs & craftsmanship viewed 99% through photos & other witness accounts.

And even the most reliable, customer-savvy, workhorse vendors have snafus and communication-problems & accidents & times that they aren''t on their game.

From an aesthetic point of view -- I''d pick Leon each and every time.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 7/25/2008 10:43:59 AM
Author: decodelighted
I didn''t say that a customer MUST deal with a diva attitude to get a good product. I said that *I* personally am willing to deal with a diva attitude to get a product I deem worthy. There are all kinds of currency. Sucking up is a currency. If I have to suck up & ''suffer'' through pushing my own (sizable) ego down to ''pay'' for part of the project ... I''d rather do that than pay $$.

For instance ... say you can buy Designer X stuff at Harry Winston for a huge markup & expect Diva Customer treatment & crumpets & soothing. OR you can buy from the curmudgeonly Artiste himself at a significantly lesser price point ... but you''ll have to endure his Ego and keep your requests minimal & your trap shut. I choose PLAN B. My ego is fine without paying to keep myself flattered & soothed & coddled.

Those who value exceptionally gracious customer service & are willing to pay $$ for it should by ALL means have it.

Personally, I''m not looking for diva customer service, crumpets or soothing. What I am looking for is common courtesy, as well as a high-quality product at a fair price. When choosing where to spend my hard-earned money, I would much rather go with a vendor such as WF, ERD or GOG (to name just a few) where the staff understands how to provide high-quality products, high-quality customer service, and fair prices . . . the whole package!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 7/25/2008 10:51:39 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 7/25/2008 10:12:05 AM
Author: Irishgrrrl
There are many, many vendors here on PS who treat their customers like gold and provide an extremely high-quality product.

Really? A *better* product than Leon you think? Can''t say as I''ve seen lovelier custom pieces done by ANY other PS vendor. Of course I''m basing my opinion on designs & craftsmanship viewed 99% through photos & other witness accounts.

And even the most reliable, customer-savvy, workhorse vendors have snafus and communication-problems & accidents & times that they aren''t on their game.

From an aesthetic point of view -- I''d pick Leon each and every time.

I said "an extremely high-quality product" . . . not "a *better* product than Leon." I think "better" or "worse" is highly subjective. Some people may be very taken with Leon''s work and want him and only him to work on their project. As long as they know what they''re getting into and can deal with the possibility of a less-than-wonderful experience, that''s perfectly fine. Personally, I would prefer to go with a vendor who has a record of high-quality customer service. I realize that the potential for mistakes and/or accidents exists with ANY vendor, but Leon seems to have a track record of mistakes/accidents/misunderstandings which go completely unresolved by him, where many other PS vendors bend over backwards to make it right when they''ve screwed up. I find this to be very unfair of Leon, and undoubtedly disappointing to his customers who, again, are his bread and butter. The ego is one thing . . . the unresolved issues with work he has done are another.

 

[Harriet]

I''m posting a positive review of my interactions with Leon (El, no disrespect meant).

I took up a fair bit of his time before settling on my diamond solitaire setting. Not once did he display any impatience (and, for him, that setting is a low-ticket item). At that time, I had just begun collecting gems and brought him my starter ones. He candidly told me that I''d be better off taking them to a cheaper jeweller.

Fast forward tp this year. Yes, he made a mistake in not sending off my spinel ring to be repolished before setting. But, he expressed dismay and immediately offered to rectify his error. As for my tsavorite ring, he had to spend a lot of time engineering it (check out how the marquises connect to the shank). He didn''t charge me a penny more.

I''ve asked him whether he picks his customers (not prompted by any one of your experiences), and he replied in the negative. With respect to his ''ego,'' I''ve brought him designs (to wit, my tsavorite ring) that were done my a friend of mine. He couldn''t have been more laudatory.

Perhaps I''m an anomaly, but I''ve never been dissatisfied with his customer service (and I''m particular in the department).

 

[Ellen]

Deco, got a question. I''m not sure if I was included in the "should keep their traps shut" department,

but assuming I was, then what if I had come here and posted about how sad/mad I was that the shank wasn''t the right width? Would you not have said to me, Did you not specify what width you wanted?

Because trust me, part of the niggling in my head that prompted me to say something about it WAS all of your voices in my head.

Harriet, there''s no disrespect in posting a positive experience! There have been lots, I never denied that.

However, if you are saying that Leon told you he doesn''t "pick" his customers, then he is speaking out of both sides of his mouth, because I was looking right at his emails to me when I posted what he said.

 

[Deelight]

Yes I would and currently am, my diamond is sitting in his office as of 2 days ago waiting for her permanent home and FF is emailing him as I type even after I told him about Ellen's experience (which made me sad) he is still willing to go ahead.

Straight after my diamond left GOG she went directly to Chris at AGA for an appraisal (who is awesome, and really lovely) and then from there she was shipped to Leon as of yet I have not seen her IRL but thanks to GOG's awesome video's I am in love. I have also been assured she is gorgeous and I will love her . In someways this makes me feel a little more confident I know what condition she arrived in NY and as soon as we pick her up in NY we will get re-appraised or the least checked out by GOG to make sure she left in the same condition.

My setting is a forever setting, this is it and for me, no upgrades no changes. I want it perfect and to me one thing that no matter how many times I have changed my mind claw prongs have been a mainstay and LM to me does one of the most perfect claw prongs I have ever seen, the other jeweler I can think of does not do custom work on stones they don't sell and the diamond prices to me are insane. LM is also the only person FF actually liked the work of (with a few exceptions) but to us it seems right. I won't be dealing with LM but I have warned my boy about every last thing his temperament, the incident with CR and Ellen all the good and the bad things so I feel as if (thanks to PS) we are making an informed decision.

So far he has been quite nice I have spoken to him twice once to get a reference number (had a little chat) and to confirm the diamond was being shipped and FF has spoken to him a few times and so far all is good, he is a terrible emailer (communication wise which is something others have mentioned) and we have found that it is better to talk to him on the phone, this is not to say he won't be an arse later on but I figure we will cross that bridge when and if it comes. For us as long as the ring is perfect thats all that matters.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.


In saying all that I totally sympathise with CR and Ellen what happened is not right, and people should leave with the product they were after.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/25/2008 11:48:18 AM
Author: Deelight
Yes I would and currently am, my diamond is sitting in his office as of 2 days ago waiting for her permanent home and FF is emailing him as I type even after I told him about Ellen''s experience (which made me sad) he is still willing to go ahead.

Straight after my diamond left GOG she went directly to Chris at AGA for an appraisal (who is awesome, and really lovely) and then from there she was shipped to Leon as of yet I have not seen her IRL but thanks to GOG''s awesome video''s I am in love. I have also been assured she is gorgeous and I will love her . In someways this makes me feel a little more confident I know what condition she arrived in NY and as soon as we pick her up in NY we will get re-appraised or the least checked out by GOG to make sure she left in the same condition.

My setting is a forever setting, this is it and for me, no upgrades no changes. I want it perfect and to me one thing that no matter how many times I have changed my mind claw prongs have been a mainstay and LM to me does one of the most perfect claw prongs I have ever seen, the other jeweler I can think of does not do custom work on stones they don''t sell and the diamond prices to me are insane. LM is also the only person FF actually liked the work of (with a few exceptions) but to us it seems right. I won''t be dealing with LM but I have warned my boy about every last thing his temperament, the incident with CR and Ellen all the good and the bad things so I feel as if (thanks to PS) we are making an informed decision.

So far he has been quite nice I have spoken to him twice once to get a reference number (had a little chat) and to confirm the diamond was being shipped and FF has spoken to him a few times and so far all is good, he is a terrible emailer (communication wise which is something others have mentioned) and we have found that it is better to talk to him on the phone, this is not to say he won''t be an arse later on but I figure we will cross that bridge when and if it comes. For us as long as the ring is perfect thats all that matters.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.


I saying all that I totally sympathise with CR and Ellen what happened is not right, and people should leave with the product they were after.

Good deal.

And honestly, I wish you nothing but the best experience, and the most gorgeous ring!

 

[Deelight]

Date: 7/25/2008 11:58:57 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/25/2008 11:48:18 AM

Author: Deelight

Yes I would and currently am, my diamond is sitting in his office as of 2 days ago waiting for her permanent home and FF is emailing him as I type even after I told him about Ellen''s experience (which made me sad) he is still willing to go ahead.


Straight after my diamond left GOG she went directly to Chris at AGA for an appraisal (who is awesome, and really lovely) and then from there she was shipped to Leon as of yet I have not seen her IRL but thanks to GOG''s awesome video''s I am in love. I have also been assured she is gorgeous and I will love her . In someways this makes me feel a little more confident I know what condition she arrived in NY and as soon as we pick her up in NY we will get re-appraised or the least checked out by GOG to make sure she left in the same condition.


My setting is a forever setting, this is it and for me, no upgrades no changes. I want it perfect and to me one thing that no matter how many times I have changed my mind claw prongs have been a mainstay and LM to me does one of the most perfect claw prongs I have ever seen, the other jeweler I can think of does not do custom work on stones they don''t sell and the diamond prices to me are insane. LM is also the only person FF actually liked the work of (with a few exceptions) but to us it seems right. I won''t be dealing with LM but I have warned my boy about every last thing his temperament, the incident with CR and Ellen all the good and the bad things so I feel as if (thanks to PS) we are making an informed decision.


So far he has been quite nice I have spoken to him twice once to get a reference number (had a little chat) and to confirm the diamond was being shipped and FF has spoken to him a few times and so far all is good, he is a terrible emailer (communication wise which is something others have mentioned) and we have found that it is better to talk to him on the phone, this is not to say he won''t be an arse later on but I figure we will cross that bridge when and if it comes. For us as long as the ring is perfect thats all that matters.


Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.



I saying all that I totally sympathise with CR and Ellen what happened is not right, and people should leave with the product they were after.

Good deal.

And honestly, I wish you nothing but the best experience, and the most gorgeous ring!

Thanks Ellen I know you would not wish me or anyone any less, your a sweetie and a gem

, I just wish your experience was perfect.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/25/2008 11:36:58 AM
Author: Ellen
Deco, got a question. I''m not sure if I was included in the ''should keep their traps shut'' department,

but assuming I was, then what if I had come here and posted about how sad/mad I was that the shank wasn''t the right width? Would you not have said to me, Did you not specify what width you wanted?

Because trust me, part of the niggling in my head that prompted me to say something about it WAS all of your voices in my head.

HA! Ellen, I adore you & your trap. I can''t recall exactly how it went down in your case re: the shank. But my *general* feeling is that folks should ask for whatever they want & vendors can either take the job or not. And if you''re going in with both eyes open about a possibly tempermental artist then ya should be prepared for a bit of a battle when it comes to getting what you want vs. what the artist feels is necessary (or aesthetically pleasing to their eye). Personally, if I felt very strongly about what I wanted yet wanted a fussy artist to do it -- I''d stand up for what I wanted & deal with the struggle. Struggle sometimes produces the best work!

ANYONE here on Pricescope should know by now what you''re likely to get with Leon. Many *still* think it''s worth it. And sometimes things go perfectly smoothly & folks gel. Reviews like yours, Ellen, help with that & keep expectations realistic.

 

[risingsun]

I've gotten to a place in my life where I'm not willing to deal with someone else's inappropriate behavior. That includes artists, designers, chefs, and my own clients. I don't have the willingness or patience to stroke egos. I have changed doctors, gardeners, etc., and discharged clients because of a lack of respect, a condescending attitude, and not taking responsibility for their actions. I'm am so sorry that Ellen and CR had to deal with Leon's behavior. You deserved better. Thanks to you both for posting about your experiences.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/25/2008 12:14:29 PM
Author: decodelighted

HA! Ellen, I adore you & your trap. I can't recall exactly how it went down in your case re: the shank. But my *general* feeling is that folks should ask for whatever they want & vendors can either take the job or not. And if you're going in with both eyes open about a possibly tempermental artist then ya should be prepared for a bit of a battle when it comes to getting what you want vs. what the artist feels is necessary (or aesthetically pleasing to their eye). Personally, if I felt very strongly about what I wanted yet wanted a fussy artist to do it -- I'd stand up for what I wanted & deal with the struggle. Struggle sometimes produces the best work!

ANYONE here on Pricescope should know by now what you're likely to get with Leon. Many *still* think it's worth it. And sometimes things go perfectly smoothly & folks gel. Reviews like yours, Ellen, help with that & keep expectations realistic.

lol Thanks.

The deal was, we agreed on a simple solitaire type setting. I wanted no basket, he wasn't too keen, but said he needed to see the stone first. I told him to do whatever was best, with a thicker shank. We agreed on claw prongs, so that was a non issue. That's it, he pretty much had carte blanche. So with one enquirey about what actual width he had in mind, I got the micro-managing comment. I know he's tempermental, and I can see him not wanting a lot of questions/comments. But that kind of comment, for one inquiry is a bit much, even for him, imo. Of course it was moot, as the ring was already in production.


And Irishgrrrl, I failed to say thank you!!


ETA Marion, thank you!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 7/25/2008 1:47:23 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/25/2008 12:14:29 PM
Author: decodelighted

HA! Ellen, I adore you & your trap. I can''t recall exactly how it went down in your case re: the shank. But my *general* feeling is that folks should ask for whatever they want & vendors can either take the job or not. And if you''re going in with both eyes open about a possibly tempermental artist then ya should be prepared for a bit of a battle when it comes to getting what you want vs. what the artist feels is necessary (or aesthetically pleasing to their eye). Personally, if I felt very strongly about what I wanted yet wanted a fussy artist to do it -- I''d stand up for what I wanted & deal with the struggle. Struggle sometimes produces the best work!

ANYONE here on Pricescope should know by now what you''re likely to get with Leon. Many *still* think it''s worth it. And sometimes things go perfectly smoothly & folks gel. Reviews like yours, Ellen, help with that & keep expectations realistic.

lol Thanks.

The deal was, we agreed on a simple solitaire type setting. I wanted no basket, he wasn''t too keen, but said he needed to see the stone first. I told him to do whatever was best, with a thicker shank. We agreed on claw prongs, so that was a non issue. That''s it, he pretty much had carte blanche. So with one enquirey about what actual width he had in mind, I got the micro-managing comment. I know he''s tempermental, and I can see him not wanting a lot of questions/comments. But that kind of comment, for one inquiry is a bit much, even for him, imo. Of course it was moot, as the ring was already in production.


And Irishgrrrl, I failed to say thank you!!


ETA Marion, thank you!

No problem, Ellen!

And I think Marian said it best: "I''ve gotten to a place in my life where I''m not willing to deal with someone else''s inappropriate behavior." My sentiments exactly! I think we all have better ways to spend our time than tip-toeing around someone''s ego, when WE are paying HIM to perform a service for us.

Again, Ellen, sorry you had to go through this. Please know that your ring is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS in spite of it all. I know this doesn''t make it right, but I would honestly have never noticed the damage to the stone if you hadn''t pointed it out.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/25/2008 1:47:23 PM
Author: Ellen
So with one enquirey about what actual width he had in mind, I got the micro-managing comment. I know he''s tempermental, and I can see him not wanting a lot of questions/comments. But that kind of comment, for one inquiry is a bit much, even for him, imo. Of course it was moot, as the ring was already in production.

I guess that comment bothered you quite a bit. I fear I would have been oblivious to any perceived insult & pressed for an answer anyway -- or maybe even joked about the ridiculousness of one question being "micromanaging". What bothers one person is *mild* for another ... as I''m sure we can tell on countless threads around here.

Just curious.... for fun really ... have you seen FLIPPING OUT on Bravo. That guy is a HOOT. Some people think he''s a jerk but I take most of his comments as totally dry, dark humor. But there are many folks he could never work for or with.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/25/2008 1:57:07 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 7/25/2008 1:47:23 PM
Author: Ellen
So with one enquirey about what actual width he had in mind, I got the micro-managing comment. I know he's tempermental, and I can see him not wanting a lot of questions/comments. But that kind of comment, for one inquiry is a bit much, even for him, imo. Of course it was moot, as the ring was already in production.

I guess that comment bothered you quite a bit. I fear I would have been oblivious to any perceived insult & pressed for an answer anyway -- or maybe even joked about the ridiculousness of one question being 'micromanaging'. What bothers one person is *mild* for another ... as I'm sure we can tell on countless threads around here.

Just curious.... for fun really ... have you seen FLIPPING OUT on Bravo. That guy is a HOOT. Some people think he's a jerk but I take most of his comments as totally dry, dark humor. But there are many folks he could never work for or with.

Yeah, it did, because of the sheer rediculousness of it. I think if we all had to write down what "micro-managing" means to us, it wouldn't come close to my scenario. But, I could be wrong.

And yes, I've seen that show. I do see some of what he says as humorous. He doesn't shock me like he might some though, as I used to work for somebody like that.

 

[Maisie]

I have often looked at Leon''s website and wondered whether I should buy from him. I think everyone here knows how much I change my mind and I honestly think I am the type who needs my hand held at every step. I feel that Leon would think I was a nightmare to work with, and I would probably think the same about him.

If, on the other hand, I wanted to just send him a stone and say ''Make me a lovely ring, here is my budget'' then I think he would be fine to work with. I just doubt I would ever be able to do that.

I need to use a company with excellent customer service, no matter what the customer is like. I have found that with WF and will continue to buy from them... well, unless they give up on me!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Maisie, I agree! I think, now that I''ve worked with WhiteFlash on my studs, I''m ruined forever when it comes to customer service! I don''t think any other company will ever be able to measure up to WF, at least for me. I have NEVER found such amazing customer service at any other company, EVER! WF ROCKS!!!

 

[TravelingGal]

I agree with Deco and Purrfect pair.

Reading what I have about Leon here has set the bar and my expectations. If I wanted the product, I''d deal with it. I can "suck" as well the next person.

I probably have the type of personality that would be fine to work with him. When WF were setting my e-ring, they showed a pic before setting with the stone east-west. I was like, oh, cool. Then when they set it, they set it north south, and I was like, oh, cool.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/25/2008 3:38:15 PM
Author: TravelingGal
When WF were setting my e-ring, they showed a pic before setting with the stone east-west. I was like, oh, cool. Then when they set it, they set it north south, and I was like, oh, cool.

HILARIOUS. Meeeeee toooo. Well sort of. When I did my re-do I wanted my *slightly* rectangular asscher set East/West. But the designer stated his case for the other way & totally changed my mind. In that particular case, though I thought I had superior aesthetic judgment & knew exactly what I wanted, turns out I didn''t. NOT saying the artist always knows better. Just in this case, I agreed. If he''d then set it "wrong" accidentally I def would have kicked him in his basket. J/K!!!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 7/25/2008 3:54:14 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 7/25/2008 3:38:15 PM
Author: TravelingGal
When WF were setting my e-ring, they showed a pic before setting with the stone east-west. I was like, oh, cool. Then when they set it, they set it north south, and I was like, oh, cool.

HILARIOUS. Meeeeee toooo. Well sort of. When I did my re-do I wanted my *slightly* rectangular asscher set East/West. But the designer stated his case for the other way & totally changed my mind. In that particular case, though I thought I had superior aesthetic judgment & knew exactly what I wanted, turns out I didn''t. NOT saying the artist always knows better. Just in this case, I agreed. If he''d then set it ''wrong'' accidentally I def would have kicked him in his basket. J/K!!!

Deco, don''t know if you remember, but YOU were the one who pointed out the E/W thing in the WF photos and tried to explain to me the difference between "flow" and "pop". In the end, I was forced to admit you were right....so I''m out a few teeth now.

Love your set btw...always have, e/w, n/s, starset, or whatever!