Gallery pics of Leon solitaires..

[arjunajane]

Hey all,
I am currently deciding what to do for my ering upgrade.
I am looking at getting a 1.25 RB from GOG, but am unsure about the setting.
I have always loved the Vatche royal X prong, but as this will be my "forever" set (ahem..or at least ~20yrs..

), then I need it to sit flush with a wedding band.
I love the appearance of a smooth solitaire with a diamond band, so am leaning toward a Leon-style solitaire to achieve this.
Howeve, I will probably have an "inspired" made in Australia by my jeweler though - I know, the original would be better, but I''m afraid i''m not fond of platinum...

Anyway, to get to the point! If anyone can post pics of their Leon rings, especially of the gallery/underside and profile/prong pics, as I''m having trouble locating any of these. Links is cool,

many many thanks in advance!
AJ

 

[Imdanny]

Why aren''t you fond of platinum? Just curious.

 

[surfgirl]

arjuna, there''s many threads over on SMTR with what you''re looking for, but not on RT..you''ll have better luck over there chica...

 

[arjunajane]

Hey guys,
cheers surf - I''ve just spent hours looking on both Leon''s site and smtr - my eyes are falling out!
Its just I can''t seem to find many pics that show the profile, the wires etc. Its just if I am going to commission my jeweler to copy one, I need all the angles right..*sigh*..maybe I should just go to Leon? I have fallen in love with the classic solitaie, like everyone else!

Imdanny, I currently have an 18k wG ering, and white metals just don''t seem to "go" with my skintone..I will most likely have the new one made in yellow, or maybe rose again with white gold head. I also don''t love the plat prices!

 

[gwendolyn]

When you say underside, do you mean like this? (I too have done oodles of searching and found this ring here on PS, but I didn''t make a note of who owns it--sorry!!)

 

[Imdanny]

arjunajane, do you like the 18kt white gold, other than the color? Have you had to re-plate it?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/4/2008 4:19:54 AM
Author: Imdanny
arjunajane, do you like the 18kt white gold, other than the color? Have you had to re-plate it?

Hi Imdanny,
When I say I 'don't like it", I guess I mean I just prefer warmer colours..? I have darkish-olive skintone, and the cool colours just don't look perfect. I guess maybe also why I prefer the H-J colour diamonds!?
And yes, putting the white colour aside I've had nothing but great performance from my 18k ring. I've had it for about 3.5yrs and only had to have it replated for the first time about a month ago, and that was only a small sectio on the palm side. It is an 8 prong 3 stone, and I also only needed 1 prong re tipped.
But I understand these aren't the norm for WG owners, and it won't be the same jeweler who made my first ring to make this one. So those downsides of WG do turn me toward rose/yellow gold.
Is that what you were asking..?

I do admit I haven't tried on much plat, I will go out this week and see in person.

Gwen, thankyou for the pic hon! I have sent off a quote request to Leon just to see. I also asked if he ever considers working in 18k, as I saw mention of it in his "hallmarks" section.
Have you got a timeframe for your ring yet Gwen?

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/4/2008 4:36:53 AM
Author: arjunajane
Gwen, thankyou for the pic hon! I have sent off a quote request to Leon just to see. I also asked if he ever considers working in 18k, as I saw mention of it in his ''hallmarks'' section.

Have you got a timeframe for your ring yet Gwen?

No problem! Let us know what he says, ok? As for mine, it''s still a way off. J and I are moving in together and sorting out my work visa in the next couple of months as I finish grad school, so once we''ve settled in our new place with our new jobs, we''ll be able to proceed, I think. Thanks for asking!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/4/2008 4:43:07 AM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 4:36:53 AM
Author: arjunajane
Gwen, thankyou for the pic hon! I have sent off a quote request to Leon just to see. I also asked if he ever considers working in 18k, as I saw mention of it in his ''hallmarks'' section.

Have you got a timeframe for your ring yet Gwen?

No problem! Let us know what he says, ok? As for mine, it''s still a way off. J and I are moving in together and sorting out my work visa in the next couple of months as I finish grad school, so once we''ve settled in our new place with our new jobs, we''ll be able to proceed, I think. Thanks for asking!

Wow, what an exciting time in your life, so much happening! I will be happy to post what Leon says.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/4/2008 4:45:39 AM
Author: arjunajane
Wow, what an exciting time in your life, so much happening! I will be happy to post what Leon says.

Yeah, ''exciting'' is one word for it.

I just emailed Leon to see if he has any pictures of his classic solitaire with 1.0-1.25ct stones. If he does, I will post pics, so keep an eye out if you''re curious!

 

[arjunajane]

 

[Imdanny]

Yes, that''s what I was asking. Thanks.

 

[Imdanny]

I've had it for about 3.5yrs and only had to have it replated for the first time about a month ago, and that was only a small sectio on the palm side.

Edited to add:

http://www.utilisegold.com/jewellery_technology/colours/white/

Your experience with re-plating is the same as reported here under "rhodium plated".

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/4/2008 4:02:38 PM
Author: Imdanny
Yes, that''s what I was asking. Thanks.

Ok! umm..can I ask how come? Do you think I should get platinum.?
I admit after looking through leon''s site I''m tempted but I have to think, its going to be on my hand not on my computer!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/5/2008 6:15:31 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/4/2008 4:02:38 PM
Author: Imdanny
Yes, that''s what I was asking. Thanks.

Ok! umm..can I ask how come? Do you think I should get platinum.?
I admit after looking through leon''s site I''m tempted but I have to think, its going to be on my hand not on my computer!

True. Seriously, if white metals don''t "go" with your skin, I''d go with YG. I understand the problem, I can''t wear YG, unless it''s in the summer when I have some color, otherwise it just looks yuckers on me.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/5/2008 7:32:08 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 5/5/2008 6:15:31 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/4/2008 4:02:38 PM
Author: Imdanny
Yes, that''s what I was asking. Thanks.

Ok! umm..can I ask how come? Do you think I should get platinum.?
I admit after looking through leon''s site I''m tempted but I have to think, its going to be on my hand not on my computer!

True. Seriously, if white metals don''t ''go'' with your skin, I''d go with YG. I understand the problem, I can''t wear YG, unless it''s in the summer when I have some color, otherwise it just looks yuckers on me.

Thankyou Ellen - I thought your hands always look tanned in your pics?
I don''t know maybe I''m being silly. Here is the thread with my ering - https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-pics.81862/
and then my RG ring https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-poh-rhr-more-pics.83238/
thoughts?
I can''t afford platinum, but maybe I will regret not getting white gold for my wedding set? (more versatile etc.?)

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/5/2008 7:57:58 AM
Author: arjunajane

Thankyou Ellen - I thought your hands always look tanned in your pics?
I don''t know maybe I''m being silly. Here is the thread with my ering - https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-pics.81862/
and then my RG ring https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-poh-rhr-more-pics.83238/
thoughts?
I can''t afford platinum, but maybe I will regret not getting white gold for my wedding set? (more versatile etc.?)

They probably do, seems I''ve taken most hand pics in warmer weather.

In looking at the pics, I think the WG looks just fine on your hand, really! The RG looks ok too. But pics are hard to truly judge color.

Why do you think WG is more versatile?

 

[Sharon101]

Date: 5/3/2008 11:00:57 PM
Author:arjunajane
Hey all,
I am currently deciding what to do for my ering upgrade.
I am looking at getting a 1.25 RB from GOG, but am unsure about the setting.
I have always loved the Vatche royal X prong, but as this will be my ''forever'' set (ahem..or at least ~20yrs..

), then I need it to sit flush with a wedding band.
I love the appearance of a smooth solitaire with a diamond band, so am leaning toward a Leon-style solitaire to achieve this.
Howeve, I will probably have an ''inspired'' made in Australia by my jeweler though - I know, the original would be better, but I''m afraid i''m not fond of platinum...

Anyway, to get to the point! If anyone can post pics of their Leon rings, especially of the gallery/underside and profile/prong pics, as I''m having trouble locating any of these. Links is cool,

many many thanks in advance!
AJ

Hi, I am also from Aust and also like the combo you have mentioned. I would love to have Leon do a solitaire with diamond band. (Or get diamond band from T.!!!). I also dont love plat. and would never pay extra for it. I personally love white gold and love having it freshly rhodeum plated!!!! Infact my best ever rhodeum plating was done at our very own Holloway diamonds....and this was very pre. pricescope for me!!!!

Anyway....back to business......I personally think its fruitless to get the LM copied as he is a master. Even a tiny thing that involves a millionth of a mm, or the way a prong is artfully poised, will make a big difference in someone elses hand. I think it could be worth getting him to make it. Either that or get one here thats not going to be compared to his!!!!

I already have a rb that I could use for this project. It is a 1.4 I think??? And it is my original er. I would feel safer knowing a fellow ozze was also doing the same!!!

 

[arjunajane]

Ellen, I guess with the versatility question its just that the white metals are so much more popular of late. Ultimately I would like my set to be a plain solitaire with a diamond band, and don''t want to have a re set again anytime soon. I guess DS2006''s set is my dream one. It just seems all the nice diamond bands and of course leon''s work is platinum/white gold. Oh well, back to drawing board!


Sharon, thankyou for your input. To be honest i agree with you about the whole leon thing and not copying his work. But thing is, I''m just not sure if it would work communicating long distance with someone who is notoriously "artistically free" and a bit difficult..? Plus of course i''m pretty sure he will say no to my request of working in gold rather than plat.
I''m not a control freak, but I would like to have *some* input in the design of my solitaire. I don''t think I''m easygoing enough to let someone run free with my money!
Plus, you could probably count the number of people who have heard of LM in Aust on one hand! So hopefully mine won''t be compared - except of course on PS!

have you decided whether you will work with him or not.?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/5/2008 10:18:28 AM
Author: arjunajane
Ellen, I guess with the versatility question its just that the white metals are so much more popular of late. Ultimately I would like my set to be a plain solitaire with a diamond band, and don't want to have a re set again anytime soon. I guess DS2006's set is my dream one. It just seems all the nice diamond bands and of course leon's work is platinum/white gold. Oh well, back to drawing board!

Well I say, just get what you truly want and can afford. When I got married, YG was all you saw, but as I said, it doesn't like me. So I got WG, and never thought a thing about it. But I am just not into trends personally, I have always worn what I like, no matter if others do or not.

Luckily my taste is on the conservative side, and not outrageous.

Secondly, in real life, most people (if not all) will have no clue whether your ring is WG or Plat.

 

[Sharon101]

Date: 5/5/2008 10:18:28 AM
Author: arjunajane
Ellen, I guess with the versatility question its just that the white metals are so much more popular of late. Ultimately I would like my set to be a plain solitaire with a diamond band, and don''t want to have a re set again anytime soon. I guess DS2006''s set is my dream one. It just seems all the nice diamond bands and of course leon''s work is platinum/white gold. Oh well, back to drawing board!


Sharon, thankyou for your input. To be honest i agree with you about the whole leon thing and not copying his work. But thing is, I''m just not sure if it would work communicating long distance with someone who is notoriously ''artistically free'' and a bit difficult..? Plus of course i''m pretty sure he will say no to my request of working in gold rather than plat.
I''m not a control freak, but I would like to have *some* input in the design of my solitaire. I don''t think I''m easygoing enough to let someone run free with my money!
Plus, you could probably count the number of people who have heard of LM in Aust on one hand! So hopefully mine won''t be compared - except of course on PS!

have you decided whether you will work with him or not.?

Ha, have to laugh about the amount of people here comparing to his work!!!! You are right about that...reality check!!!!! But seriously, I meant more for you to be comparing. I only have limited experience in getting things coppied but it almost never works out for me!!!! And thats from paint color to furniture, dresses to haircuts !!!! I am so over how everything has to be misunderstood and miscommunicated...ahhhhh!!!!!

eg. Lately I was getting a ring made up and thec jeweller thought I wanted the diamond set as high as possible!!!!! It was in the sky!!! Nevermind that it was actually written.....low as possible....and never mind that it was repeated by me 100 times like I was crazy!!!!!

Anyway.....I am at the point where Im thinking maybe my mishaps have been because I dont go to the absolute best!!! And I thought that LM might be fool proof??? Meaning he cant do a bad job????

FWIW, I looked up your jeweller and he looks fantastic. I would be surprised if you didnt get a fab ring there. But I wouldnt get them to copy a LM. I would see what they have done in the past and choose from what they do best!!!! Please keep us up to date.

Im a bit guttless to send my diamond to America to be set. However I might yet get there!!!!!!

 

[CrookedRock]

Hey Arjunajane! Aren''t you just the lil project gal! First your right hand ring, now an upgrade... Lucky gal!!! WHat a fun project though, I just love the look of the solitaire with a diamond band, so pretty and timeless.

I just wanted to coment that I am pretty sure that Leon will work with yelow gold. I think I saw a few, not many, pieces done in yellow gold in his book. I think the reason why the pieces you see on his site are all platinum is bc his labor cost is high and many people probably wouldn''t want to pay so much for a yellow gold ring. That being said, if it''s what you want and a Leon solitaire is the style you are aiming for, then it may be worth it. I have yet to see a sloitaire that strikes me like Leon''s solitaire''s do... But like you said, no one will know the difference between his and something else other than you and the rest of us diamond obsessed PS''ers! LOL

And as far as him being artistically free and a bit difficult I have to disagree. You want something that he has done over and over again, he''s perfected his own design so there is no reason for him to get artistic with his solitaire, it is what it is. So if you did choose to work with him, I don''t think that should worry you.

 

[arjunajane]

Thankyou for your reply Sharon, you make a good point. Thst sucks that your jeweler didn''t listen to you and set the diamond high - I''d be totally

ha ha

Crooked, thankyou for the info. I hear what you''re saying about the plat and labour - I''m starting to think he''s probably out of budget, but we''ll see.
May I askl, seeing as you''ve had direct experience with him, is it possible to have a wedding band sit with his classic solitaire? I''m guessing no, due to that ring of metal below the culet?

TIA!

 

[Harriet]

Here are Leon''s professional pictures of my solitaire: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-re-set.68776/

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/5/2008 11:59:55 PM
Author: Harriet
Here are Leon''s professional pictures of my solitaire: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-re-set.68776/

thankyou harriet - although of course I''ve already studied your ing, its amazing!
may I ask do you have a wedding band that sits flush? Does that ring of metal under the culet prevent you from wearing one?

tia!

 

[arjunajane]

okaayy...so got my quote back from Leon. and he is waaayy outta my price range (surprise surprise!).
What I found interesting though was the quote was the Same Price for 18k gold as it would be for plat..huh?

Oh well, I guess that goes to show how much the labour costs are..

okay all, so it looks my custom job here at home is on the books. Have to admit I''m slightly relieved, as not sure if I''m up to the task of creating my "permanent set" so loooong distance!

 

[Ellen]

Aw, well look at it this way, everything works for a reason. I really do believe that.

And you will have the peace of mind and enjoyment of seeing it develop first hand!

 

[gwendolyn]

Aww, I''m sorry you''re disappointed, m''dear! Do you have any jewelers in mind in Aus? Are you going to go for a similar look to the Leon, do you think?

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/6/2008 12:35:23 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/5/2008 11:59:55 PM
Author: Harriet
Here are Leon''s professional pictures of my solitaire: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-re-set.68776/

thankyou harriet - although of course I''ve already studied your ing, its amazing!
may I ask do you have a wedding band that sits flush? Does that ring of metal under the culet prevent you from wearing one?

tia!

Thank you. No wedding band yet. But, the doughnut does prevent a straight band from sitting flush.

 

[arjunajane]

Thanks Gals!
I have emailed him back for a quote just on a plain solitaire, which is actually pretty reasonable and certainly do-able.
I have started a poll on the topic if you''d like to look

Ellen, being involved in the process is definately something that appeals to me alot. It will offer peace of mind, you''re right.

Gwen, the jeweler is called Rohan Milne of Rohan''s Jewelery in Leederville, Perth. They are Very nice people who are passionate about fine jewelery. Rohan is young, but extremely talented - he was making jewelery for the Pope and PM of Rome! Here is a link, but I admit the site isn''t the best.. http://www.rohanjewellery.com/

Hariett, thankyou for replying. Have you thought about what to do for your WB, or not so much yet?TY!