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

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

In response to your initial question: I would not obsess over the quality of the side stones because I think Leon has a wonderful eye (and also cares a lot about the quality/flow of his work) and would only suggest side stones that are well-cut and will work with your stone.

I would, however, obsess about the setting because you will have to live with it for a long time. Obsess away! And the most important thing is that you adore it and that staring at it lovingly distracts you for hours at a time, right? While I do trust Leon's eye entirely, his taste may not be your taste and his suggestions may not satisfy whatever ring craving you have.

I have a Leon 5-stone (pictured below) and love it. I told my fiance that I would have been happy with a 3-stone with tapered baguettes, but I really wanted a 5-stone if there was any way that Leon could squeeze all those stones on my finger. Now that I have had my ring for over six months, I think I would have always wished that there were two more stones if we had gone with my second 3-stone choice. So go with your gut!

My setting is pretty similar to Erica's (now Bright Ice's? I can't seem to locate the thread) Asscher except I requested bezel sides with milgrain because I have a sick, sick milgrain addiction. I actually think your emerald would look spectacular in a similar setting, perhaps with no bezels on the side stones.

I can't wait to see the finished product! Your emerald looks magnificent, by the way!

IMG_1356.JPG
 
I agree with littlesparkle- I don't think Leon would steer you wrong in terms of quality. Do get the setting you want...
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

LOVE your ring, LittleSparkle!!!! =)

I agree you made the right call to get the 5 stone -- if I go with traps, must get the bullets/bags to finish off the taper. I also like the bezel set sides.
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

mimi72|1329176982|3125654 said:
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?
I would have a bigger issue with the fact that theyre not the same measurement size. and to me it's extremely noticable and that would drive me insane.
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

What did you decide? I think I'm drawn to the bullet sides...bezeled! :love:
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

I much like the simple geometric Art Deco look for setting a large emerald cut ring, prongs no bezel for the center stone - small baguettes or trapezoids on each side.
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

My choices:

Deco Sapphire.jpg

1297730624_30_1_1221__2_of_4_.jpg
 
Re: Leon in progress: Obsess over the quality of side stones

Hi Mimi:

For what it's worth, I just had my EC done by Leon (much smaller - 2.75 carat) and I initially wanted to Halo it, which he ended up talking me/strongly suggesting me out of. My goal was to have a very good quality diamond and then to make it appear as big as possible :) He suggested the 5 stone,which I ended up getting with traps & Bullets..... The traps I got are much longer, tapered you can say, to give more coverage.. My point is two-fold: that while it is beautiful, I wish I had done the halo and 2). I should have been more clear of what I was really looking to achieve. He couldn't have been nicer with my semi-disappointment (which was my own fault). But after speaking to him at length upon completion of my ring, he said that I really should have done the 3 stone EC (b/c of the width & coverage) or the Halo.... So if you are looking for your ring to look even more HUGE - I think the 3 stone EC will do that.... I would not be concerned about the quality with the table/etc.of the other recommended stones.. b/c Perry/Leon really need to match the "look" of your middle stone.... I would tend to focus on more of the style you were hoping for. Do you want: a classic ring that had your middle stone be the star? A ring that first screams, "big" or perhaps something classic but different? I think Traps with your size middle stone and with a plain shank would be spectacular and also allow your middle stone to shine. I think the 3 stones look beautiful also. I will end this with the fact that you are in good hands and that Leon's expertise and quality is undeniable. Good Luck :)
 
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