Harry Winston or HW replica?

[kikidoe]

My boyfriend and I are searching for the engagement ring and we both like the HW micropave ring. However, I''m a little hesitate to pay 3x the amount on the purchase for a similar diamond and ring from ERD or Leon. I''ve seen those pictures on PS. They are simply gorgeous! And I have to say I REALLY REALLY like them. The only thing for me is that I feel getting a ring from ERD or Leon which replicates the HW setting no matter how perfect it looks is still not a real HW. Just like I''ll never use a fake LV bag no matter how well it is made. I feel the same way about the ring. Am I the only one that feel this way? Am I crazy?

On a separate issue, my boyfriend just can''t see the prettiness of a diamond without seeing the whole ring. That''s why he prefers getting it from HW since he coud see the whole thing. Also, he''s big into customer services. He feels a lot more comfortable buying it from a brand name for a peace of mind.

Dear PSers, could you share with me your thoughts?

 

[JulieN]

Imitations are looked down upon because they are mooching someone else's work and reputations, often with lesser quality. Leon Mege is an artist and a skilled craftsman in his own right, and if Leon never did a HW-style setting again, people would still would swoon over his rings.

 

[iota15]

You're not crazy. If it's a mind issue for you, and you can afford the HW, then I say get it.

However, if it were me, and I am looking for something HW-like (cushion, tapered baguettes, double prong claws), I'd get a Leon. While what I'm looking for is similar to the HW and many other similar settings that inspired it, I don't think of a Leon as a "Harry Winston-replica". It is a Leon - and in my personal opinion, it's a handmade platinum piece of art deserving of standing for its own beauty and performance.

I also like that I can make my ring unique to me if it's custom. I haven't decided on the particulars but I know if I so choose, no other woman on this planet will have what I have. You can't say that about an HW or even a Tiffany Novo or Legacy. Think of it like an Hermes bag, bespoked to your liking. Why settle for an LV that everyone else is carrying.

The HW setting in your avatar - I assume that's the one you're getting, is by no means unique to HW. HW makes a very nice version of what you are seeking but so do many other design houses (Tacori, Verragio, etc. etc.), as does Leon. It's definitely not like this Tiffany bud ring, which at least you can say is Definitely unique to this house: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jean-schlumberger-bud-ring.138555/

I guess what's I'm trying to say - think about what you want from your E-ring - delicate pave halo, intricate undercarriage (which can easily be customized), HW name. If the name is important to you, there's no need to dismiss it - just accept it and find your dream ring within your budget. Good luck!

Anyways, I hope I'm not being too blunt - these are just my lunch-hour thoughts.

 

[asforhim]

I didn''t even know about Leon until after I purchased my HW micropave. I discovered him shortly after the purchase when I was looking for a wedding band. Since HW charges nearly 8k for the band, I went ahead and had Leon make me one for a 6th the price. The work is as good as HW, although I will say that the HW has slightly less metal than Leons. My budget was pretty large so I ended up getting the size I wanted. But if you are restricted by budget then going with a larger stone and Leon might be a good choice. If you do go with the HW... CONGRATS! You will LOVE it!!

 

[wsblue430]

Asforhim...what a drop dead gorgeous ring you have there!

 

[asforhim]

I just noticed Leon has a HW halo replica for sale on his site (micropave.com). 2.07ct, G color stone for what I would guess is half of what HW charges (but of course HW doesn''t use G stones).

 

[kikidoe]

JulieN - I haven''t seen Leon''s work in person. From the pictures, his work looks fabulous. I wish I could have a chance to do a side by side comparison of HW''s and Leon''s.

iota15 - Thanks for your kind words. I was afraid that PSers would think I''m crazy as I know how much people here love Leon''s work. And I got your point of uniqueness. I''ve actually forwarded your words to my bf and we''ll discuss again tonight.

asforhim - What else can I say! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your ring! My bf does give me a large budget to pick up my dream ring. However, the practical side of me feels a ripoff by paying 3x amount on a similar thing. By the way, may I ask you how much discount you finally got after negotiation? The HW sales assistance mentioned that the price is negotiable "a little" on a case by case basis.

 

[asforhim]

Only got 10% discount but that was before the recession... so maybe you could get a little more.

 

[CharmyPoo]

If the HW is what you want and you have the budget for it, go for the HW! There is nothing like having the original if the original is the best. Harry Winston has beautiful settings and some very quality diamonds - I urge you to just look at the different cushions and make sure you pick a good one.

If this is Tiffany or even Cartier, I may have a different view. I believe the quality can be exceeded elsewhere.

 

[iota15]

Glad to help.

I'm sure you've seen diamondband's Leon cushion halo but here's a link anyways: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-leon-mege-3-carat-cushion-halo.139071/page-3

It has a few enlarged photos of the pave work and halo.