Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setting??

[device04]

Hi,

So I wouldn't argue against the reverence that LM has on these boards as his work is truly beautiful. However, I do wonder if his prices are worth it when you only want something simple.

Basically I just want a traditional 4-split prong setting for a Round Brilliant diamond ( 1ct), think Harry Winston, with a Lucida type of side profile. In speaking with another jeweller that was recommended to me, I was quoted a price that was 1/3 that of LM's. While I am certainly willing to pay for quality and craftsmanship, I do wonder if it is truly worth his added price for something like this (as opposed to micropave and halos that most people seem to get.

What do people think? Anyone with direct experience with this?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Okay, what were the two prices? Because I am betting the lower priced one is not handmade. But can you show us a picture of exactly what you mean? I think I know but I want to be sure before I show you other options.

The Lucida is an x-prong setting...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/x-prong-trellis-solitaire-engagement-ring-1197.htm

Vatche makes a beautiful one: http://dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=18&id=1

 

[device04]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Thanks for the quick response!

Basically what I'm thinking is the below. I have yet to speak with LM directly, so this could change based on his ideas and his (supposed) strong opinion. I understand the Lucida generally requires a thicker band, but I would think you could do something thinner than what is pictured here. The other jeweler said he could probably get it done to a thickness in the band of 3mm. I think what the other jeweler will probably do is try to use what can be gotten from cast, and then hand make the rest, which is of course different than wholly handmade by LM. This is just my idea of what the difference is between the two, I am not completely sure but based on the price, I would also suspect that it's not as completely handmade like LM does.

I appreciate the craftsmanship and an artist's craft in general, but am apprehensive on the cost (but do realize that this for the long haul, so what's a bit extra right?). I am open to the idea of something else out there, or that LM IS, in fact, worth the cost to people who have had similar, simple designs done by LM.

 

[device04]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Okay, what were the two prices? Because I am betting the lower priced one is not handmade. But can you show us a picture of exactly what you mean? I think I know but I want to be sure before I show you other options.

The Lucida is an x-prong setting...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/x-prong-trellis-solitaire-engagement-ring-1197.htm

Vatche makes a beautiful one: http://dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=18&id=1

I think these are nice, but I really dig the split prong look from the top (as I attached) so would really like to explore merging the two designs together. Also for the price of either those two, I would go with the cheaper custom jeweler as it is almost half those going prices.

 

[TristanC]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

I think the 'worth' would be for yourself to define? Only the objective benefits can be brought to light and in this case it is somewhat subjective. Workmanship and the quality of a handmade setting is something that is intangible for the most part.

Having said that, I think that a handmade set is most evidently beautiful when the setting is more 'complex' as the detail would look better under the hands of an artisan rather than from a cast.

If you can afford it, and you want it, and you 'see' the value of it... I think Leon, Steven K and Victor Canera are all excellent choices. I personally love the idea of a handmade piece of fine jewelry especially for a significant piece. Some people love the value of getting a near identical setting at a third of the price. No right or wrong, just preferences. Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

I hate to say it, but I don't see those two style merging well. The first one is a traditional solitaire with split prongs and a thin shank. The second is a contemporary x-prong and even 3mm is wide by today's standards for solitaires. I like both but personally prefer the traditional solitaire. I just don't see those delicate split prongs with an x-prong unless it is a very finely made piece. It is possible someone like Victor or Leon could do it, but I like to see examples of similar pieces.

Have you seen the custom work up close of the cheaper custom jeweler? Because he almost sounds too low for a platinum ring.

 

[slg47]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

I don't see why you couldn't do a split prong with the trellis style...but I would ask your jeweler first. Maybe a 2.5 mm shank width?

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

There would probably be other designers I'd choose over Leon for a solitaire. Vatche might even be willing to make some minor adjustments to their x-prong so it's close to what ou want. There is a Leon solitaire in the pre-loved forum if you are open to a gently used ring. There is also this Vatche X-prong in Pearlman's estate section , just FYI and at a great price...

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/rings/157PO1/56/

 

[Skippy123]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

There would probably be other designers I'd choose over Leon for a solitaire. Vatche might even be willing to make some minor adjustments to their x-prong so it's close to what ou want. There is a Leon solitaire in the pre-loved forum if you are open to a gently used ring. There is also this Vatche X-prong in Pearlman's estate section , just FYI and at a great price...

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/rings/157PO1/56/

that is a a great find Mrs!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Check out Blingintor's ring. Double prongs with the lucida sides. It has carre cuts for the band but it is a thick band. I think it looks beautiful.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/[/URL]

 

[JulieN]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

well, what's the price, 700 vs 2000?

 

[device04]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

well, what's the price, 700 vs 2000?

More or less. I get the argument that over the next 40-50-60 years, what's 1300, which is what I'm grappling with as well.

 

[maplefemme]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

well, what's the price, 700 vs 2000?

More or less. I get the argument that over the next 40-50-60 years, what's 1300, which is what I'm grappling with as well.

Maybe ask yourself; if you get the $700 setting will you later regret not getting the LM setting for $1,300 more? Or if you get the LM setting will you regret paying the the extra $1,300 and wish you'd gone with the less expensive model?
For me, the extra funds either way would make no difference, but looking at the setting every day I'd want to love it and know it was the best.

 

[device04]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Check out Blingintor's ring. Double prongs with the lucida sides. It has carre cuts for the band but it is a thick band. I think it looks beautiful.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/[/URL]

Wow, that's what i'm thinking of, minus the milgrain and extra diamonds. Is 2mm really considered thick? I wonder if it could be slightly thinner since there are none of the extra detailing needs that are in this one. Nevertheless, thanks so much for showing me this!

Sincerely, all you PSers have been great and it's MUCH appreciated.

 

[slg47]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Check out Blingintor's ring. Double prongs with the lucida sides. It has carre cuts for the band but it is a thick band. I think it looks beautiful.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/[/URL]

Wow, that's what i'm thinking of, minus the milgrain and extra diamonds. Is 2mm really considered thick? I wonder if it could be slightly thinner since there are none of the extra detailing needs that are in this one. Nevertheless, thanks so much for showing me this!

Sincerely, all you PSers have been great and it's MUCH appreciated.

I don't think 2 mm is considered a thick band at all. In fact I wouldn't go thinner than 2 mm.

threadjack...I just looked through Blinginator's thread. that is such a gorgeous ring!!! to the OP...if you get something like that with a plain shank then I think it would be gorgeous!

 

[device04]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

I was thinking I don't want to go much thinner, where my girlfriend has bigger hands for a lady, and would need about a size 8 ring. If too thin, I think it would look off and not as elegant.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

If she is a size 8, you can go thicker and it won't look thick at all. Blinginator's wife has small hands but that ring is very stunning.

I have never regretted spending more for something I want. I have ALWAYS regretted cheaping out because I never ended up with what I want. Then I end up paying again to go with my first choice.

 

[distracts]

Re: Is Leon Mege worth the cost for a simple solitaire setti

Check out Blingintor's ring. Double prongs with the lucida sides. It has carre cuts for the band but it is a thick band. I think it looks beautiful.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/[/URL]

I would not consider that a thick band. It looks like about 2.5mm?? I dunno, I have a 4mm band on my ring and it still looks pretty delicate. And I have tiny hands - ring size 4.5, and with my short fingers, I can juuuust barely fit a 5mm band on next to my ring without my ring edging up onto my knuckle, so I've just got about 9mm of ring space on my finger (my wedding band is 3mm). I mean, definitely don't go TOO bulky, but I don't think you're in danger of that with 3mm.

Good luck!