Leon Mege vs. Victor Canera

[diamondgirl5k]

Hello,

I was wondering if you could give me your opinion as to which jeweler you would rather have make a setting? I have been wanting a three stone with pear side stones for some time for my 5ct diamond, and have always loved Leon's work, but have been extremely hesitant to work with him due to my experience with him when asking for quotes. I asked him a few years back for a quote and he was very helpful, but I never pulled the trigger, and have since recently asked for a quote and was given a quote 2k higher than previously and was pushed to purchase a new center strone from him when I specifically stated I would be using my own stone. Victor Canera has a beautiful 3 stone setting as well. So my question is which would you choose? Would you pay a premium for Leon?

Thanks!!!

 

[Acinom]

In terms of quality you cannot go wrong with either. I have worked with Leon once and Victor has just finished a fourth ring for me.

While Iove the soft and romantic flow of Leon's work, I do not like their customer service. Also, the pricing is very very high and keep rising steeply. They can be rather pushy about buying a center stone. I have the same experience with my Paraiba ring. When I asked a quote for a ring with french cut sides they kept pushing to buy a stone from them while I really wanted to use my beloved OEC.

Victor's work is equally stunning! In some designs (like pave and halo designs) his work also has a soft flow. In three stones or the french cut ring his work is a bit more geometric and art deco compared to Leon's work. Victor is a guy with integrity and great customer service.

It's a matter of aestethics and taste. If you really prefer Leon's work and want to pay a premium, you can go for it. Personally I would recommend Victor.

You could also ask a quote from Brilliantly Engaged. Their work is top notch and reasonably priced. They have a handforged bench as well as a CAD/CAST team. I am not sure I have seen many 3-stones from them though, so you would have to check that first.
Many PSers (including myself) love the work of David Klass. It's worth checking out!

 

[Mayk]

My choice would also be Victor. I've not worked with Leon but I've called a couple of times for estimates on settings. When Perry was there it was much easier to communicate. I would also say based on things I've read I'm a bit intimidated by Leon and I wouldn't be comfortable talking directly to him. I've talked to Victor and exchanged extensive emails. He's complete two projects for me easily, no fuss, on time and very easy to work with and talk to about what you are looking for and he has a great way of explaining who you should expect. Glowing review from me... He just finished a reset of my Emerald Cut and it's perfect.

 

[diamondgirl5k]

Thank you both for your opinions. It's appreciated! I am going to reach out to Victor and Brilliantly Engaged and see how that goes.

 

[egemnoel]

In Leon's defence he is brilliant at what he does and I never had any issues. I am now on my 4th project with Leon and he has delivered every time.

Just an example of what your after http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-stone-setting-ring-by-leon-mege-pear-side-stones#.Vc5evDZRFaQ

 

[nyquestioner]

When you look closely at Leon's and Victor's three-stones, you can see that they are quite stylistically different. If you are looking for a setting for a five carat stone, I wouldn't choose based on the (relatively small, in the scheme of things) price difference, but rather whichever style speaks to you more. I don't think there's a right answer; it's a personal choice.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Victor, 100%, and I have worked with both. High quality with integrity. Show him what you like about the other maker's setting. (I don't think BE/ERD is in the same league for that setting.)

 

[tweeter8177]

Have you considered steven kirsch? He does a very nice 3 stone with pears. See my avatar. His v-tips are seamless and the ring is super comfortable! In talking to BE, they talked to me about the benefits of hand forged for 3 stone settings which would put their quote closer in line with the other designers you are considering (I am guessing). Just thought I would mention that.

Also have you looked at a 3 stone with a 5ct in person? It will be a lot of finger coverage! Still a very beautiful ring but the pears may not fit comfortably on your finger. I tried on one with a 5 ct center and 2 cts of pears (1 ct each). It was gorgeous but the pears poked into my adjacent fingers (although the setting wasn't nearly as well done as SK). I am attaching a picture for you. If is a horrible picture but gives you an idea. My finger size is 5 1/2 or so.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Tweeter's ring is gorgeous, and I agree that you'd have to have smaller pears to make that setting work with a 5 ct center! Definitely not 1 ct each sides!