Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones?

[mimi72]

My emerald cut diamond right now is sitting in the shop of Leon Mege, awaiting a setting. We are in the designing phase. I started by thinking I wanted a 5 stone or 3 stone, and Leon suggested a pair of matching emerald cuts he had. I had never really considered a 3 stone look with all emerald cuts (ie, rather than traps or something tapered to make the center stone stand out). But I think with the sides being significantly smaller than the center (height of the proposed stones is ~ 55% of the keystone's height) it wouldn't look too blocky. The photo is below - my stone is 3.77 ct E SI1, D 66.6% T 65% - despite how it looks in the photo it really has a ton of life so I sort of use its depth/table % as benchmarks. The specs on the sides are as follows:

0.69 ct
5.82x4.41x2.89
E VVS2
Depth 65.5% Table 77%

0.70 ct
5.79x4.25x3.07
E VVS2
Depth 72.2 Table 75

My question is how much to "obsess" over the quality of the sides of a ring like this. The tables are pretty big on these stones and I think would only be fair quality cuts, especially the 0.70 ct one. I'm trying hard to trust Leon's judgement, that's why I'm using him. I haven't even spoken with him about the stones yet, just got the GIA #s today. I just wonder what others think.

And...what do you think about a 3 stone like this? Any better ideas? Something simple and not too fussy yet worthy of going all the way to NYC for a Leon?

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

hmm, personally I would trust Leon's eye...

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

That sure looks appealing to me! Are you trying to convince yourself of the 3 stone vs 5 stone setting? or would you prefer something completely different?

I think it looks amazing - classic, timeless, plenty of finger coverage and flashes of white/light - but if you have to 'sell' yourself on it, is it the right thing to do?

It is definitely very appealing....

 

[yennyfire]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I think it would be gorgeous, however, if you had something else in mind, I'd explore it with Leon. Don't be shy...after all, this is a ring you'll be wearing for a lotta years!

 

[Christina...]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I can totally picture a pair of tapered baguettes! Make it a 5 stone!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Hmmm, honestly, my first impression is that I think those are too small for your large center stone.

The most beautiful Leon emerald cut ring I have ever seen is the one owned by Fran Fine (also 3 cts.). This would be my dream emerald ring aside from the classic Tiffany one that DiamondFan has. (I'd have engraving on the sides of the shank and only have pave on the top of the shank, though.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

And if you don't like Fran's design, I would say that I'd also maybe prefer traps instead of the smaller emerald cuts.

 

[acebruin]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

i would trust leon's eyes... he's a master of proportion... i would also ask for more options if you're not too happy with the first option he gave you... ask for a 5 stone layout, i would do traps + bullets or tapered baguettes... when you have several different options, you can choose which look you like the best...

 

[mimi72]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Am I trying to talk myself into it? Maybe a little. But I've talked myself into other things before that turned out fabulously! So I'm still thinking...and trusting the eye...

Diamondseeker - Fran Fine's ring is one I saved long ago as inspiration. But now I think it might just have too much going on (for me...not to say it's not gorgeous). I am not so sure I want pave, really. More into a simple polished band. I like split shanks a lot. Below is one other pic I keep coming back to - calibrated step cuts that look like they taper to carre stones. This is a Kwiat design. I'm not a huge fan of channel set stones but I think Leon could do it well, with minimal metal showing. I even wonder if it could be done prong set?

 

[tyty333]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I'd much perfer traps than emeralds. The 3 stone emerald is too much of a good thing for me. I also love Fran's ring.

 

[bigdiamondtinygal]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

If I were in your shoes, I would choose something with a cleaner, simpler look. I think those settings look best with emerald cuts - especially with bigger ones like yours. If too much is going on I think they can look too busy or even a bit gaudy. Emerald cuts are so classy and elegant...I think the setting that matches that tone is when they look best. As much as I adore french cuts or carre cuts...I think it looks a bit busy here. I think any of the settings below would be just lovely (with the second one being my favorite - with an emerald would look amazing!). The third one belongs to a PSer Lady LuLu (hope she doesn't mind me posting her beauty)!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I think the Kwiat design is gorgeous. Or you could do traps and then have those carre cuts (or whatever they are called) on the shank.

I'm really not a pave person, either, and of course, Fran's ring could be done without it.

I am seeing the post right before mine now, and I love #1 and #3 of those as well.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Plain shank with side baguettes:

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=936&Itemid=1

 

[marymm]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I very much like the Kwiat design,and also that #3 ring above.

And, for some reason, I am not loving the two side-stone emeralds pictured with your EC - maybe it's the difference in width and/or in depth between the two, but they don't seem to match each other that well or enhance/complement your EC. But maybe the photo isn't doing the stones' justice or maybe it's just how it looks on my screen... If it were me, as much as I would want to trust someone else's eye (especially a master like Leon), in the end I'm the one who'll be looking at it all the time LOL - so I'd probably ask Leon for another photo or better yet a video if I was still considering his 3-stone line-up

I'm eager to see what you decide on, and how your project progresses - ECs are so elegant.

 

[mimi72]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Lady LuLu's ring is also one I'd saved as inspiration. But, I find that I like it better when the stones don't all blend into one another. I think that means I might not really want a 5 stone, because almost by definition the sides start out as long as the keystone, and narrow down from there. I think it's more appealing (to MY eye - again, they're all gorgeous) when the next stone/band is no more than about 2/3 the length of the main stone. Erica/Grace's (now someone else's) stunning 3.00 asscher 5 stone was an exception - love it. I think it's the narrow / steep taper of the traps on that one.

Love the classic beauty of the tapered baguette sides....it's really a classic. But...so common! I was trying to find something a bit different. Maybe in the hands of Leon it'd be worth doing because of the quality of his execution.

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions. It's really very helpful.

 

[Lotus99]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I'm not sure how the setting will be, but my fear with the diamonds posted is that the ring would turn out looking too "blocky" if it's in a simple setting. While I love ECs, when I've seen three-stone versions, they always look like three cubes of ice stuck next to each other. I'm sure that's not what the designer has in mind, but it would certainly be what I'd be worried about.

I also love the look of tapered baguettes or trillions next to an EC.

 

[motownmama]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I'm liking the Leon 3-stone layout!

 

[luv2sparkle]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I am not a fan of the three emeralds. I love all the other posted rings. For some reason the three emeralds just don't 'hit' me. I feel like they kind of steal the center stones thunder. The different shapes next to the mambo center stone really show off it's beauty. But that is just me.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I prefer traps, bullets or tapered baguettes to the traditional three stone. And if you went that route, I would totally want the best cuts possible. 0.70ct stones are large enough that nuances incut quality would matter. Leon is a master of propotion, yes, but of diamond cut? Not that I have heard.

 

[mimi72]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

ok, narrower side stones it is...what do you think about the Princess Grace ring? Which also reminds me of this Cartier setting...both have bezel set sides. The second one is some PS'er's...forgive my lack of attribution.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Magnificent and a little art decoish ...I might have to have milgrain on the bezels.

 

[Owies Nana]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

One of my clients has an authentic art deco period five stone ring (all emerald cut) that was her husband's grandmother's ring, probably 7-8ctw. The center stone is HUGE, and the other four taper down in perfect proportion across the width of her finger.

I drool over it every time I see it!

Perhaps she will let me take a picture of it to post here for ideas.

 

[bgray]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

your EC is so stunning (very close in shape to mine so I am partial to classic EC's) that I think the pair of EC's is just too much of a good thing

 

[bigsparkles]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I say 2 trapezoids all the way.... Classic, elegant,timeless....

 

[chel180]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones


^^I love this ring!

Here are just an odd photo for ideas that I pulled of google with a bezelled centre stone and large trilliants either side:

 

[swingirl]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I like the 3 ECs look, and I would trust Leon for the stones as he wouldn't put his name on a setting with poorly cut stones. I don't care for traps and I don't think they go well with step cuts but that's just me. Something about the angles bother me. However, it is a great way to get finger coverage and create a smooth transition from a large EC to the band.

 

[mimi72]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Owies Nana...YES, please please see if you can get a photo of the ring you are talking about! I'd love to see it!!

Swingirl...I agree, I'm not uber fond of traps alone, but I suppose it depends on their proportions/angles. I think I prefer a more delineated transition between the center stone and the sides.

The photo below is my stone in it's old setting. The setting was wonky to begin with and then a prong broke off and I was planning on a Leon Mege someday so that just forced the issue. It is big - especially for where I live (mid-sized midwest city/burb). Yet of course I want to wear it everyday so all along I've been thinking I shouldn't go too much blingy-er with the setting. I never thought I'd have a stone like this, and wasn't even looking for an emerald cut...this ring just came up for sale at an estate auction at the same time I was looking for an upgrade. I guess it was meant to be! I love it though and it makes me happy every time I look at it! And despite what I said about "too bling-y", it's amazing how fast one gets "used" to things...and what at first is too much just becomes a happy part of you. If that makes sense.

It is a more elongated/classic EC shape and unfortunately the corners aren't big, so although I love love Leon's double claw prongs I think there's only room for one. Haven't asked him yet but that's what I think he'll say.

This is a 10th anniversary upgrade... (although we're almost up to 12 now.. ), and I won't wear with a band. The setting is a 40th bday present to myself! Only 2 more weeks eeeek

This is a terrible photo, use it for reference for the stone's size compared with my finger (around sz 5), not the quality of the stone:

 

[yennyfire]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Chiming in again to revise my opinion. While I like the look of the 3 ECs, I love the look of the ring with the bezeled baguettes! It is gorgeous and would really let your stone be the star of the show! Your stone is so gorgeous, it deserves center stage! I think millegrained tapered bullet cuts would look awesome and lend a vintage air to the ring....

 

[Amys Bling]

Chiming in again to revise my opinion. While I like the look of the 3 ECs, I love the look of the ring with the bezeled baguettes! It is gorgeous and would really let your stone be the star of the show! Your stone is so gorgeous, it deserves center stage! I think millegrained tapered bullet cuts would look awesome and lend a vintage air to the ring....

agreed Yenny!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I think I could pull off a larger emerald cut moreso than any other shape due to their more subtle cut. And I agree that you can set it so that it is more understated than blingy.

I love the idea of either the tapered bullets or baguettes with the milgrain bezel. That is probably what I would do.