Leon Mege owners - did you get a LM box?

[RxTechRN2b]

Controversial threads like this make me think, and that's always a good thing. So I've been thinking about this Leon character and what he would say if he made an appearance on this thread. Here is what I've come up with:

Leon is an artist. When he creates a piece of jewelry that bears his name, he wants the end result to look like HIS style and HIS work. When the customer commissions him but then "micromanages" every little thing (or even just one detail), the finished piece might bear little resemblance to what HE finds balanced and beautiful. In other words, he might not be very proud to put his mark on it. THAT could be the customer who does not receive an LM luxury box. I can see the customer asking Leon to build a certain style in whatever size (halo, 3-stone, solitaire, etc.), but then as an artist let the guy make it HIS way, with LM proportions and details. After all, do you desire a Leon Mege piece, or your own creation? Those who demand to have it THEIR way could also be the ones on the receiving end of a Leon temper-tantrum. As for the photos, he might not want to release them due to possible theft of his creative ideas.

As a temperamental artist myself, I can hear the one-sided stories while imagining the creative frustration in dealing with a demanding consumer. The man is a master creator of art you can wear -- trust that he will make an amazing piece for you all on his own!

 

[CrookedRock]

RX~ You make a good point. I just want to say though, that when I sat with him for those 3 hours and micromanaged every, and I mean every detail, he had no problem whatsoever. We actually had a fun doing it with him, as he did with us.
When I first contacted him I sent him a pic of a ring that I thought I wanted. He flat out told me he hated it, but it was about what I wanted not what he wanted. He told me why he didn''t like it and I was able to see what he was saying. He even offered to make it if it was what my heart desired but just gave me his heads up on it.
Even when browsing through his books with him he would point out rings that he had done and tell me that they were ugly and the reasons why he felt that way.
So I don''t necessairly think that the work that comes from him has to be his style, what I do think is that is has to be of his quality... Which no one has ever questioned.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Sorry about the double post - my blackberry malfunctioned and then I tried to edit the previous post but somehow it showed up twice in slightly different forms.

Anyway, threads like this are quite interesting, seeing the thought process evolve as people get ever closer to the heart of the matter. Keep thinking -- with an open mind!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/3/2008 10:19:31 AM
Author: CrookedRock
RX~ You make a good point. I just want to say though, that when I sat with him for those 3 hours and micromanaged every, and I mean every detail, he had no problem whatsoever. We actually had a fun doing it with him, as he did with us.
When I first contacted him I sent him a pic of a ring that I thought I wanted. He flat out told me he hated it, but it was about what I wanted not what he wanted. He told me why he didn''t like it and I was able to see what he was saying. He even offered to make it if it was what my heart desired but just gave me his heads up on it.
Even when browsing through his books with him he would point out rings that he had done and tell me that they were ugly and the reasons why he felt that way.
So I don''t necessairly think that the work that comes from him has to be his style, what I do think is that is has to be of his quality... Which no one has ever questioned.

This is what I don''t get, as I know there have been many, along with you, that wanted a say in ALL the details, yet, I get blasted for one very polite enquiry. I didn''t tell him what to do/what I wanted, I simply stated up to what mm was ok with me.

Maybe whoever raised the point about having every detail on the work order has it right. Who knows. But again, one should not be fearful of their jeweler, who is getting paid good money to make that persons vision come to life.

 

[elle_chris]

I disagree with the whole "artist temperement" thing.

If you''re an artist that creates for youserlf, by all means react to it whatever way you want. However, the moment you decide you want to sell your pieces to the public, you need to learn PR skills.

While it is your choice to say no to a potential client for various reasons, if you decide to take on the project, handle it with class.

I considered Leon for about 5 minutes for a pave wedding band. I then realized his pieces are totally not my style. Luckily, I''ll never need to concern myself with the chance of dealing with his disposition.

 

[littlelysser]

Date: 8/3/2008 2:43:54 AM
Author: TravelingGal

No, it should not. I feel badly for anyone who feel they can''t share their story without being torn or analyzed to shreds (although I can understand sometimes why that happens too).


But regardless of why Leon hasn''t chosen to tell his side, we are only hearing one side of the story, period. Potential customers should keep that in mind.


(Hm...Littlelysser, did I just take what you wrote and essentially just say the same thing backwards? You know what I mean, right?

)

I gotcha! I agree that a potential customer should be aware that they are only hearing one side of the story! And also keep in mind that a dissatisfied customer is often WAY more vocal than a happy one. Isn''t there some statistic that a person that has had a great customer service experience will tell one or two people on average whereas a person who has had a bad experience will tell 12 people.

I just take exception to the folks that cry foul or say that it isn''t fair when people share their story because Leon has chosen not to share his.

 

[Green with Envy]

El

You made it clear in your review that you started making specific requests about the shank width AFTER the signed work order was received by Leon, and, most importantly to leon, you made the specific requests AFTER the ring was practically finished with the stone about to be set. RIGHT??? So the point being the work was almost done and changing the shank might mean starting over again. "micro manage" should NOT have been the right word to choose... but I think there is a difference discussing ideas at the beginning of a project vs. what YOU did... started making requests when the work was near completion. You keep emphasizing that you feel jilted because you only made ONE detail request when others have worked on designs with him for hours.

There was negative connotation with the word "micro Manage" and this upset you. I get it. I am not justifying his exact language and I am so glad you called him out on this directly and let him apologize. To tell him he is turning away customers because of his rudeness or whatever might not have been as constructive as you had hoped because, like I keep saying, there are two sides and maybe he himself gets frustrated and offended by difficult clients or emotional bridezillas. (Note... I understand even problem clients should be treated with respect.)

It is also a CUSTOM, NON-REFUNDABLE job so he was saying the shank is done and if you don't like it... this is what you are getting and paying for regardless. He fell short for you by not saying this as politely as possible... but was what he said really all that rude, crass, obnoxious (I know... these are not all your words but things taken from several other posts)? It is just my opinion that emotions run high and your overall dissatisfaction has led others to be malicious.

I am not saying Lm is perfect... but the ranting sometimes crosses the line and that is why i stepped in here.

Thanks to others who see I am not trying to say anyone's story is dishonest, not really complete, or wrong to share.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

I would LOVE to hear what Mr. Mege has to say about all of this. What does he really think of the business he''s built and the consumer he needs in order to have that business? How does he feel about his actual work?

I believe he regards himself as an artist first and foremost -- after all, the logo on his website says something about "works of art you can wear."

That said, if an artist is given free reign to choose a subject, colors, etc., for an oil painting, he will produce something that is uniquely his own. Let him do that over and over, and if he is a Master Painter, his work will be instantly identified within the first few minutes of viewing it. But give that painter a subject he hates or thinks is ugly, and tell him what colors he must use, how big or small to make this or that, how broad the brushstrokes should be, etc., -- do you think he will be proud to put his name on it? He will paint using all his expertise and quality, but the finished creation won''t really be his own. It will be his quality and retain some signature style, but in reality it is someone else''s idea.

So you see, the unpredictable temper we hear about, the lack of PR skills, could be due to a love-hate relationship between an artist and his business. Mr. Mege is a Master Artist boxed in by his own business. The money is good, the fame is good, but he is forced to create pieces he doesn''t like and that he sees as downright ugly. And he has to put his name on them!

 

[Green with Envy]

RX- I appreciate your last post about considering Leon''s views because it makes a lot of sense and is well said. Thanx.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

GreenWithEnvy, you last post is most likely part of the problem as well. Can you imagine the hours of eyestrain and hunched-over back pain that goes into each piece, and then having to start all over again because customer is not happy?

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 8/3/2008 12:45:08 PM
Author: RxTechRN2b
I would LOVE to hear what Mr. Mege has to say about all of this. What does he really think of the business he''s built and the consumer he needs in order to have that business? How does he feel about his actual work?

I believe he regards himself as an artist first and foremost -- after all, the logo on his website says something about ''works of art you can wear.''

That said, if an artist is given free reign to choose a subject, colors, etc., for an oil painting, he will produce something that is uniquely his own. Let him do that over and over, and if he is a Master Painter, his work will be instantly identified within the first few minutes of viewing it. But give that painter a subject he hates or thinks is ugly, and tell him what colors he must use, how big or small to make this or that, how broad the brushstrokes should be, etc., -- do you think he will be proud to put his name on it? He will paint using all his expertise and quality, but the finished creation won''t really be his own. It will be his quality and retain some signature style, but in reality it is someone else''s idea.

So you see, the unpredictable temper we hear about, the lack of PR skills, could be due to a love-hate relationship between an artist and his business. Mr. Mege is a Master Artist boxed in by his own business. The money is good, the fame is good, but he is forced to create pieces he doesn''t like and that he sees as downright ugly. And he has to put his name on them!

But that''s the point. I don''t believe he''s forced to do anything. He always has the option to say "no", not something I''d do or want to put my name on. I''d find that acceptable instead of doing a project he hates ,with the chance of the customer receiving a bad attitude.

A large portion of the rings he makes are e-rings. Purchasing an e-ring is an exciting time in a persons life due to what it stands for (not even mentioning cost). Why dull the experience by the chance (rather large from various posts here) that his temperement may show because he dislikes the piece or thinks he''s being micro-managed. This isn''t just about the box, which someone pointed out he himself makes a huge deal about. It''s more about, if you take on the job, do it without giving your customer a headache.
At least that''s how i see it.
As a customer, I''m not expeting to be wined and dined-he''s not a luxury store. At the same time, I''m not expecting an attitude either.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/3/2008 12:31:47 PM
Author: Green with Envy
El

You made it clear in your review that you started making specific requests about the shank width AFTER the signed work order was received by Leon, and, most importantly to leon, you made the specific requests AFTER the ring was practically finished with the stone about to be set. RIGHT??? So the point being the work was almost done and changing the shank might mean starting over again. 'micro manage' should NOT have been the right word to choose... but I think there is a difference discussing ideas at the beginning of a project vs. what YOU did... started making requests when the work was near completion. You keep emphasizing that you feel jilted because you only made ONE detail request when others have worked on designs with him for hours.

There was negative connotation with the word 'micro Manage' and this upset you. I get it. I am not justifying his exact language and I am so glad you called him out on this directly and let him apologize. To tell him he is turning away customers because of his rudeness or whatever might not have been as constructive as you had hoped because, like I keep saying, there are two sides and maybe he himself gets frustrated and offended by difficult clients or emotional bridezillas.

It is also a CUSTOM, NON-REFUNDABLE job so he was saying the shank is done and if you don't like it... this is what you are getting and paying for regardless. He fell short for you by not saying this as politely as possible... but was what he said really all that rude, crass, obnoxious (I know... these are not all your words but things taken from several other posts)? It is just my opinion that emotions run high and your overall dissatisfaction has led others to be malicious.

I am not saying Lm is perfect... but the ranting sometimes crosses the line and that is why i stepped in here.

First, that should be request, as in singular, although that particular word isn't entirely correct either. Secondly, no, you're not right. (and you did not go reread my thread thoroughly as I suggested

). I made the "enquiry/comment" eight days into a six week quote. I thought there was a great probablity the ring might not have been started yet, and even asked the advisement of others who have worked with Leon about saying something. They said I should.

It was only in his response that I found out the ring was as far along as it was. And I didn't say another word.

I told him I didn't want an ultra thin shank on the phone, he said ok, and noted thicker. As I said before, while the probability of him making it "too thick" was slim to none, wouldn't I look silly if I got the ring and was unhappy, because I let this detail go. I can just imagine the comments I would get on here for that. Yes, maybe I SHOULD have pinned him down on a specific width while discussing it (though I wonder what remark THAT would have brought), so fine, blame that on me. Frankly, I was trying to NOT ruffle his feathers, and didn't say anything at the time. So flog me, I said something a week later.

Yeah, I do think what he said was rude, and so do a lot of other people Green. It is, what it is. I'M not doing anything to sully what people think of Leon and cause them to be "malicious" (though I hardly call the expressed opinions that), LEON is. Get over it and quit defending him. Dang, do you get bonuses for that??

Now, I am DONE with you.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Elle, I based my little metaphore on CR's experience. When CrookedRock met with LM to design her ring, she says he flipped through a book of his creations and pointed out one's he thought were ugly, and why. He also told her that even if he considered her suggestion flat out ugly, he would make it for her if that's what she had her heart set on.

 

[LostSapphire]

OH dear.

FWIW, I don't understand how someone with such an innate sense of aesthetic can let his art leave the shop in "disrespectful-to-the-piece" packaging. (or worse yet, scratches. but that's another thread).

If only LM would get himself a "handler". He could then put all of his artistic energies into creating these drool-worthy pieces.

And the business side of things that seem to sometimes ruffle his feathers, gets dealt with by someone who loves the customer service side.



LS

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 8/3/2008 12:13:51 PM
Author: littlelysser

Date: 8/3/2008 2:43:54 AM
Author: TravelingGal

No, it should not. I feel badly for anyone who feel they can''t share their story without being torn or analyzed to shreds (although I can understand sometimes why that happens too).


But regardless of why Leon hasn''t chosen to tell his side, we are only hearing one side of the story, period. Potential customers should keep that in mind.


(Hm...Littlelysser, did I just take what you wrote and essentially just say the same thing backwards? You know what I mean, right?

)

I gotcha! I agree that a potential customer should be aware that they are only hearing one side of the story! And also keep in mind that a dissatisfied customer is often WAY more vocal than a happy one. Isn''t there some statistic that a person that has had a great customer service experience will tell one or two people on average whereas a person who has had a bad experience will tell 12 people.

I just take exception to the folks that cry foul or say that it isn''t fair when people share their story because Leon has chosen not to share his.

I gotcha too!

People should always share their LM stories, regardless of whether he shares his side or not. My only point was that if people are making decisions based on the customer''s story posted here, they have done so without hearing his side (obviously which is his choice not to air them here). That''s all...just a simple truth with no motives of foul or whinging.

 

[Green with Envy]

E- "get over it?" Good point.

However I am shocked you would even try to tease me about getting paid to defend him because that is not the case and you KNOW shilling is against the PS rules.

(accusations of wrong doing = defamation of character = slander... did you really need to go there?)

I read that as you would love to get me kicked off PS for going against the mainstream and taking a view point other than your own.

I never meant to insult you, just being devil''s advocate.

(ha ha. thought some might see the humor in my jest with siding with the Dark side.)

 

[Harriet]

Re: Box
I'd like to repeat what I stated earlier. The special boxes are reserved for his stock pieces. Whether or not one receives them has nothing to do with one's relationship with Leon.

Re: Leon's not reading PS
It's his prerogative. Do I think that's prudent from a business perspective? No. Unfortunately, that leaves us with only a poster's side of the story, which may or may not be accurate.

Re: Leon taking on work that he deems ugly
The man's got to feed his family.

For the record, even after 4 pieces and no disagreement, I have not received one of those special boxes. My rings are still in their cheap ones because I don't own a jewellery box!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:49:24 PM
Author: Harriet
Re: Box
I''d like to repeat what I stated earlier. The special boxes are reserved for his stock pieces. Whether or not one receives them has nothing to do with one''s relationship with Leon.

Re: Leon''s not reading PS
It''s his prerogative. Do I think that''s prudent from a business perspective? No. Unfortunately, that leaves us with only a poster''s side of the story, which may or may not be accurate.

Re: Leon taking on work that he deems ugly
The man''s got to feed his family.

For the record, even after 4 pieces and no disagreement, I have not received one of those special boxes. My rings are still in their cheap ones because I don''t own a jewellery box!

LOL, this cracked me up. I suppose it''s all high and mighty to have artistic pride and all, but now that I have my own kid, I''d sure do whatever it took to keep that mouth fed!

 

[Elegant]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:49:24 PM
Author: Harriet
Re: Box
I'd like to repeat what I stated earlier. The special boxes are reserved for his stock pieces. Whether or not one receives them has nothing to do with one's relationship with Leon.

Re: Leon's not reading PS
It's his prerogative. Do I think that's prudent from a business perspective? No. Unfortunately, that leaves us with only a poster's side of the story, which may or may not be accurate.

Re: Leon taking on work that he deems ugly
The man's got to feed his family.

For the record, even after 4 pieces and no disagreement, I have not received one of those special boxes. My rings are still in their cheap ones because I don't own a jewellery box!

You do now!

Are you going to throw the cheapies out?

 

[Bliss]

Well, I certainly do see both sides of the argument. There is no questioning Leon''s work.

But I think this thread and others have been EXTREMELY helpful to consumers, which is what PS is all about. It certainly saved me from going to him for a custom e-ring. And I''m not even particular! But had I risked getting yelled at, I know I would have been very hurt and looked upon my e-ring for a while with bad memories. I always treat others with respect and there is NO excuse for yelling at anyone. I don''t care what the reason is, you can always be respectful. We are human being with feelings and dignity. Sheesh.

Now, others... will risk it due to his design capabilities and work. He makes beautiful jewelry and at a very reasonable price. Lots of consumers will accept the risk and go for it. And that means more sparklies for us to admire! So it''s pretty fair, in my opinion, to state both sides. Just because he doesn''t post here doesn''t mean he isn''t free to do so. He is choosing not to respond for his own reasons and I can respect that. However, other vendors have responded and rectified situations & etc. It shows good faith.

 

[CKinNYC]

Re: Box
I''d like to repeat what I stated earlier. The special boxes are reserved for his stock pieces. Whether or not one receives them has nothing to do with one''s relationship with Leon.
Hallelujah Harriet, thank you!

You have basically answered the question I set out to answer when I started this thread. Job done.

In fact, I had no idea that this thread would mushroom as it has, but obviously Leon is a subject who inspires many of us, in many ways. I agree that it''s a shame when threads here get personal, aggressive and attacking - either to fellow Pricescopers, Leon Mege or anyone else.

IMHO, the bottom line is - if you want Leon''s style, and choose to work with him, knowing/stating clearly what you want, you will likely get a truly stunning piece of jewelry. You won''t get a beautiful box. But I would take - and have taken - the stunning jewelry over the box any day.

 

[Rhea]

Date: 8/3/2008 8:49:24 PM
Author: Harriet
Re: Box

I''d like to repeat what I stated earlier. The special boxes are reserved for his stock pieces. Whether or not one receives them has nothing to do with one''s relationship with Leon.


Re: Leon''s not reading PS

It''s his prerogative. Do I think that''s prudent from a business perspective? No. Unfortunately, that leaves us with only a poster''s side of the story, which may or may not be accurate.


Re: Leon taking on work that he deems ugly

The man''s got to feed his family.


For the record, even after 4 pieces and no disagreement, I have not received one of those special boxes. My rings are still in their cheap ones because I don''t own a jewellery box!

You what?! The horror! Do you keep the pretties in boxes stacked on a dresser or what?

 

[Harriet]

Er, in the nightstand.

 

[Imdanny]

How about he should have a standard box with his name on it and give it to everyone. Period. It's not rocket science.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 8/4/2008 11:22:06 PM
Author: Imdanny
How about he should have a standard box with his name on it and give it to everyone. Period. It's not rocket science.

my guess would be b/c most of his jewelry goes to jewelry stores who will put the ring in their own box. why waste his money on packaging that the jewelry store will toss? I can see the logic in why only the stock pieces get the Leon boxes.

(of course, i could be wrong and maybe his pieces go to the jewelers he works for in baggies

)

 

[Jelly]

Well, it''s good to know that if, and I mean IF I could ever afford a Leon piece, then to only expect a baggie or cheapie box. Knowing that this is standard, I would love my piece just the same. His work is incredible and I can only dream! *sigh*

 

[divergrrl]

Date: 8/2/2008 1:54:05 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 8/2/2008 1:42:07 PM

Author: Harriet

Maybe he''ll give me one as a wedding pressie.

LOL Harriet.


I was thinking, screw getting a ring made from him...I''m going to find a way to get that box. That will be far more amazing than any of his work on here and will probably start an entire new ''Show me the Box!'' forum!

You slay me!! LOL...

 

[Anna0499]

VERY OT: I''m not a Leon expert, Leon lover, or Leon hater but I think it''s funny how some PSers seem to give LM some sort of immunity from bad reviews and want to tell other PSers what they are allowed to say/shouldn''t say/can say/etc. about him. No other jewelry store, designer, etc. enjoys this type of immunity and protection on PS...I find that odd... Thank goodness for all of the honest reviews because NOW PSers actually know what they are possibly getting into with LM and what (not) to expect.

 

[vslover]

Date: 8/5/2008 3:59:18 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
VERY OT: I''m not a Leon expert, Leon lover, or Leon hater but I think it''s funny how some PSers seem to give LM some sort of immunity from bad reviews and want to tell other PSers what they are allowed to say/shouldn''t say/can say/etc. about him. No other jewelry store, designer, etc. enjoys this type of immunity and protection on PS...I find that odd... Thank goodness for all of the honest reviews because NOW PSers actually know what they are possibly getting into with LM and what (not) to expect.

I have seen lots of posters get flamed/slammed because they gave a negative report on an experience with Whiteflash as well. I don''t understand it, personally...all those companies are out to make a buck...none of us should feel an inherent loyalty to any of them.

 

[Anna0499]

Date: 8/5/2008 4:04:51 PM
Author: vslover

Date: 8/5/2008 3:59:18 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
VERY OT: I''m not a Leon expert, Leon lover, or Leon hater but I think it''s funny how some PSers seem to give LM some sort of immunity from bad reviews and want to tell other PSers what they are allowed to say/shouldn''t say/can say/etc. about him. No other jewelry store, designer, etc. enjoys this type of immunity and protection on PS...I find that odd... Thank goodness for all of the honest reviews because NOW PSers actually know what they are possibly getting into with LM and what (not) to expect.

I have seen lots of posters get flamed/slammed because they gave a negative report on an experience with Whiteflash as well. I don''t understand it, personally...all those companies are out to make a buck...none of us should feel an inherent loyalty to any of them.

Okay, last threadjack post...I haven''t seen the WF debates but I believe it. It kind of seems, to someone who hasn''t used any of these people/companies, that certain people/companies are in a separate category where anything negative said about them is immediately refuted with fury. I don''t see the same type of defensiveness when someone knocks a "maul" or B&M store, although I bet the majority of PSers have pieces from "maul" or B&M stores rather than custom pieces (just assuming though). I like hearing reviews of all types of ANY store as long as they are honest. Just a funny dynamic here at PS.