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Leon setting question... (setting diamond low)

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jenlev

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I will be having a setting made (solitaire) by Leon with an August Vintage Cushion. I spoke with him on the phone just a couple minutes ago (for the first time) and after I mentioned I''ll be using my great-grandmother''s platinum wedding band as my own wedding band he said that no matter how he sets the solitaire it will damage his ring (which I understand... just from "hitting" the side of the ring constantly). But I had asked if the diamond could be set a touch higher than what he normally does and he said he always sets diamonds as low as possible (why is this??) and if I want it set higher I need to give him exact measurements. HUH!? How could I do that? I basically just want it set a little higher than what his "norm" is.

Not sure what to do... but does anyone have a suggestion or know why he sets the diamonds as "low as possible"? My wedding band that I''ll be wearing is not super low so I don''t want it higher than what the diamond would be or it would look weird. He said I could send the wedding band with (I asked if he''d resize it, he said that he doesn''t do that) but that it wouldn''t really do anything.

Sorry, this was long-winded.
Jen
 
I have never worked or spoken to Leon, but have read LOTS of threads here about him. and it seems that he says and does what HE wants. You like his stuff you have it HIS way. Nobody has said that he wants to change his work to YOUR liking. His work is beautiful but he seems like a tempermental artist.

If you choose to use your band NEVER tell him. He will think you are going to ruin HIS work.

Good luck in your process and I can not wait to see you ring. As I said his work is stunning.
9.gif
 
Hey Jen, I spoke with Leon myself this morning, and he was about the same with me. I have an eternity band that I would like to have a new setting for. I got the feeling he was less than enthusiastic. He said
that my stones probably weren''t that good. I told him the stones were ideal to premium cut and he said then I probably just have a crappy setting.
32.gif
When I told him what setting I wanted for my
e-ring, I didn''t mention that I wanted to wear them together, because I knew that wouldn''t go over well. But I had got my original quote several months ago and he said the price had gone up, but not double,
but that is about all I got.


I sent him an email requesting a updated quote. I am hoping I don''t get the ''no soup for you'' email. I am holding my breath. He said I could send my ring to him and he would take a look. My eternity has .10

and he said he can''t make the band I want with stones that big. The one in his picture is at least 8 pointers. (image 818)

He had it listed at 2 stars which has been 2K per star. Not sure if that is too much money. I know I could have it made probably for half but I had my heart set on Leon. So I send the ring to him, wait at least
6 to 8 weeks for him to make the e-ring and send them both back, or I say to heck with it and have it made elsewhere. Not sure what to do either.

Do you have someone else in mind to size your ring? I don''t think there will be that much damage with no stones. I think with Leon you pretty much have to take what he gives you. The ring I am interested in
is trademarked by him, (313 Ashley), so I can''t have it made anywhere near close. I am so bummed.

He is just a real stickler about wearing rings next to each other. Forget that it is the norm for most of America at least.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 3:54:49 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
Hey Jen, I spoke with Leon myself this morning, and he was about the same with me. I have an eternity band that I would like to have a new setting for. I got the feeling he was less than enthusiastic. He said

that my stones probably weren''t that good. I told him the stones were ideal to premium cut and he said then I probably just have a crappy setting.
32.gif
When I told him what setting I wanted for my

e-ring, I didn''t mention that I wanted to wear them together, because I knew that wouldn''t go over well. But I had got my original quote several months ago and he said the price had gone up, but not double,

but that is about all I got.



I sent him an email requesting a updated quote. I am hoping I don''t get the ''no soup for you'' email. I am holding my breath. He said I could send my ring to him and he would take a look. My eternity has .10


and he said he can''t make the band I want with stones that big. The one in his picture is at least 8 pointers. (image 818)


He had it listed at 2 stars which has been 2K per star. Not sure if that is too much money. I know I could have it made probably for half but I had my heart set on Leon. So I send the ring to him, wait at least

6 to 8 weeks for him to make the e-ring and send them both back, or I say to heck with it and have it made elsewhere. Not sure what to do either.


Do you have someone else in mind to size your ring? I don''t think there will be that much damage with no stones. I think with Leon you pretty much have to take what he gives you. The ring I am interested in

is trademarked by him, (313 Ashley), so I can''t have it made anywhere near close. I am so bummed.


He is just a real stickler about wearing rings next to each other. Forget that it is the norm for most of America at least.
Click to expand...

I don''t think he was too thrilled with me because Perry had found a diamond for me a week ago and I decided to not go with it, and instead go with the AVC that I had picked out the week prior. He (Perry) emailed me literally saying "I think you''re making a mistake". I couldn''t believe it. I was firm with him and said this was my decision and that I was looking forward to having Leon design the setting.

At some point you''d think he''d realize that there are quite a few posts regarding his "demeanor" out here in the forums. Maybe he does know, and just doesn''t care. Either way, I wasn''t too thrilled with him saying that if I wanted the stone set higher, I needed to specify exactly how high. I also wish that he would take into consideration the fact that I WILL be wearing a wedding band with the e-ring so it would be nice if he would take that into account when designing, instead of hoping that I''ll wear it on another finger. The style I like of his is r907.

It''s frustrating because his work is SO perfect... yet his personality is... well, not so much.

Jen
 
I think you should get exactly what you want- and at the prices he charges he should give it to you. If you are not going to get it and the person is so indifferent to your preferences- then find someone who won;t treat you that way. His work is beautiful but if your wedding band is going to look silly next to it- then what good is it?
 
Luv2sparkle, I''m trying to find the Ashley and having no luck. Can you link to it?

I''m also getting my ring done by Leon right now. I''m not having any problems, but I have to say that when I decided that I NEEDED one of his settings, I decided just to let go and let God, so to speak.
2.gif


I had also considered AV stones, but choose a stone from Perry because I felt I could trust their aesthetics. I''m curious, what color and carat stone did he recommend? And do you have a link to the AV that you choose?
 
Date: 4/19/2010 4:28:22 PM
Author: missydebby
I''m also getting my ring done by Leon right now. I''m not having any problems, but I have to say that when I decided that I NEEDED one of his settings, I decided just to let go and let God, so to speak.
2.gif



I had also considered AV stones, but choose a stone from Perry because I felt I could trust their aesthetics. I''m curious, what color and carat stone did he recommend? And do you have a link to the AV that you choose?
Click to expand...

The stone Perry found was nice, I''ll give him that. But it was almost $800 more than the AVC that I''m buying privately (from a wonderful pricescope member). I think I feel that I don''t want to sacrifice getting what I want just because he may push for something else. Thus far, he''s been great to work with via email. He was a bit short on the phone, but honestly, that didn''t bother me. It was more that the way he handled how I should tell him what exact height to set the stone at. I''m not a jewelry maker and I wouldn''t have a clue. In that regard, I feel I ''should'' be able to trust him in designing something. I don''t feel I''m being difficult. I''ve shown him which setting I love, and the only change to it is the height of the diamond, that''s it. In my mind that''s not a big deal but he seems to be making it one which is causing me to second guess my decision to ship the diamond to him.

I would love to know if anyone has asked Leon to set their diamond higher than what ''his'' normal is?? I know I''ve read other people saying how he does set lower than others.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 4:37:20 PM
Author: jenlev

I would love to know if anyone has asked Leon to set their diamond higher than what ''his'' normal is?? I know I''ve read other people saying how he does set lower than others.
Click to expand...
I was going to call Leon to discuss my project today and my billions of ideas that are probably not doable. I am glad I didn''t have time to make the call today :P

I requested to set my stone as long as possible. I hate my diamond banging on stuff.
 
Leon does great work. But I feel very strongly that if you want to work with him you need to just have him do what he wants. If you have special requests or want any control over the process, then choose a different vendor.

By the way, if your wedding band is thick enough to block the bottom of the diamond when it is set low, then it is probably also thicker/higher off the finger than the shank of a leon solitaire as well. I think even if he sits the stone higher, by whatever specification you give him, then your wb would still not "match" the e-ring. Something to consider.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 2:56:17 PM
Author:jenlev
I will be having a setting made (solitaire) by Leon with an August Vintage Cushion. I spoke with him on the phone just a couple minutes ago (for the first time) and after I mentioned I''ll be using my great-grandmother''s platinum wedding band as my own wedding band he said that no matter how he sets the solitaire it will damage his ring (which I understand... just from ''hitting'' the side of the ring constantly). But I had asked if the diamond could be set a touch higher than what he normally does and he said he always sets diamonds as low as possible (why is this??) and if I want it set higher I need to give him exact measurements. HUH!? How could I do that? I basically just want it set a little higher than what his ''norm'' is.


Not sure what to do... but does anyone have a suggestion or know why he sets the diamonds as ''low as possible''? My wedding band that I''ll be wearing is not super low so I don''t want it higher than what the diamond would be or it would look weird. He said I could send the wedding band with (I asked if he''d resize it, he said that he doesn''t do that) but that it wouldn''t really do anything.


Sorry, this was long-winded.

Jen
Click to expand...

I had a ring recently made by Leon. I asked him this exact question and he indicated (please note that I''m paraphrasing from memory) that it is the traditional way to set a diamond and it is most aesthetically pleasing (those were NOT his words, but it was the gist that I got out of it.) The top of my diamond sits about 6-6.5mm from my finger, and the bottom appears to be nearly on my finger, if that is any help to you. Also, I told him that I planned to wear a plain platinum WB with my ER, and he told me to make sure that it was rounded.
HTH!
 
Date: 4/19/2010 3:54:49 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
Hey Jen, I spoke with Leon myself this morning, and he was about the same with me. I have an eternity band that I would like to have a new setting for. I got the feeling he was less than enthusiastic. He said that my stones probably weren''t that good. I told him the stones were ideal to premium cut and he said then I probably just have a crappy setting.
32.gif
When I told him what setting I wanted for my e-ring, I didn''t mention that I wanted to wear them together, because I knew that wouldn''t go over well. But I had got my original quote several months ago and he said the price had gone up, but not double,but that is about all I got.

I sent him an email requesting a updated quote. I am hoping I don''t get the ''no soup for you'' email. I am holding my breath. He said I could send my ring to him and he would take a look. My eternity has .10 and he said he can''t make the band I want with stones that big. The one in his picture is at least 8 pointers. (image 818)

He had it listed at 2 stars which has been 2K per star. Not sure if that is too much money. I know I could have it made probably for half but I had my heart set on Leon. So I send the ring to him, wait at least

6 to 8 weeks for him to make the e-ring and send them both back, or I say to heck with it and have it made elsewhere. Not sure what to do either.

Do you have someone else in mind to size your ring? I don''t think there will be that much damage with no stones. I think with Leon you pretty much have to take what he gives you. The ring I am interested in is trademarked by him, (313 Ashley), so I can''t have it made anywhere near close. I am so bummed.

He is just a real stickler about wearing rings next to each other. Forget that it is the norm for most of America at least.
Click to expand...

luv2sparkle, I had Leon reset an eternity ring for me. He had the same reaction to my request (diamonds might not be good quality; original setting was crappy, etc...) Luckily for me, I live quite close to his office and was able to walk over my ring for him to look at. He was very pleasant in person, acknowledged the diamonds were of good quality and made a couple of suggestions for the setting. I was open to what he had in mind; my only request was that the ring was comfortable to wear and low on the finger.

If you''re open to suggestions on other settings that work with your diamonds'' size (mine are .16), he might come up with something you''ll love.

FWIW, here''s a link to my reset. Please excuse the poor quality photos; my camera was on it''s last legs. Leon eternity reset
 
That reset is perfection.

See, that''s just the reason I wanted to go with Leon... because every single item I''ve seen of his is just so right. But then again, I''m a bit of a risk taker. (Moved to Holland with my Dutch husband.... worst language in the world.)I''m both nervous but also thrilled by letting Leon loose on my ring and budget considerations.

I think all the advice given thus far is spot on. Jenlev, I think it''s important for you to consider the integrity of both rings. I mean, you can have them made right "for" each other, but is it possible that wearing them on different hands might let them both be their own "selves"? I understand wanting to wear both together, don''t get me wrong. Just wondering.

Charmy, what ideas have you now had?!? Do tell! Plus let us know if you get a "no soup for you" response.
 
Just so you know, I talked to Leon on Friday about a bead set eternity band, and he was nice until I asked him how it would look with my engagement diamond. He told me his rings should only be warn alone. The whole reason I am doing a bead set is because I know the shared prongs can damage the e-ring! While I am doing my wedding band with him, that statement made me think twice about doing my e-ring with him. What good is working with someone when they can't help you design the set the way your are going to wear it?

But, plenty of people on here have an ering and/or wedding band from Leon and they look great.

As for how high he sets his stones, Leon kind of likes things done his way I guess, but I think DiamondSeeker2006 had her diamond raised a little so it would go with the Legacy band. Maybe she can comment if she sees this.

ETA: The fact that he does not seem open to the buyers preferences is another reason why I am leaning towards a different vendor for my e-ring. I have a 1.15 ct stone on a size 6 finger, while that is not small, I don't want it looking smaller. I am worried lowering it might do that and that Leon would lower it despite my preferences.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 7:04:12 PM
Author: LtlFirecracker
Just so you know, I talked to Leon on Friday about a bead set eternity band, and he was nice until I asked him how it would look with my engagement diamond. He told me his rings should only be warn alone. The whole reason I am doing a bead set is because I know the shared prongs can damage the e-ring! While I am doing my wedding band with him, that statement made me think twice about doing my e-ring with him. What good is working with someone when they can''t help you design the set the way your are going to wear it?

But, plenty of people on here have an ering and/or wedding band from Leon and they look great.

As for how high he sets his stones, Leon kind of likes things done his way I guess, but I think DiamondSeeker2006 had her diamond raised a little so it would go with the Legacy band. Maybe she can comment if she sees this.

ETA: The fact that he does not seem open to the buyers preferences is another reason why I am leaning towards a different vendor for my e-ring. I have a 1.15 ct stone on a size 6 finger, while that is not small, I don''t want it looking smaller. I am worried lowering it might do that and that Leon would lower it despite my preferences.
Click to expand...
Higher settings DO make the diamond look bigger. I noticed this distinctly when I got my new head on my solitiare, the diamond is about 1mm highe than before and looks larger.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 5:34:14 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Leon does great work. But I feel very strongly that if you want to work with him you need to just have him do what he wants. If you have special requests or want any control over the process, then choose a different vendor.


By the way, if your wedding band is thick enough to block the bottom of the diamond when it is set low, then it is probably also thicker/higher off the finger than the shank of a leon solitaire as well. I think even if he sits the stone higher, by whatever specification you give him, then your wb would still not ''match'' the e-ring. Something to consider.
Click to expand...

I think dreamer has two really good points here.. ditto both of them!
 
Well, I did get an email from him today, and I didn''t get "no soup for you" as I kind of expected! Whew! I really started to panic when I thought I might not be able to have him make this ring for me!

The quote was 500. more than the original, but it was a year ago. I have had the worst time deciding whether to halo or not.

cdn-your reset is great. How did you feel about the cost? I really like the style I picked (image 818) but I am not sure if it is worth double the price.

I think I am going to get the Ashley and see how it looks next to my 10pt. eternity band. The stones may be too large anyway, since the shank is 2mm, and the eternity now is 3.1. I had better go just one
step at a time.

Here is a photo of the Ashley basket. It is on page 3 of his solitaires. It has a brown 4ct oval. It is 3 sided paved with double claw prongs.

ashleybaby.jpg
 
So so pretty. His work is really one of a kind.
 
Not sure why he likes the diamond set so low, but my advice on this is to not compromise if you want it set a little higher.


I thought I wanted my diamond set low, low, low at first, but after wearing it for a few weeks I really did not like the look. I don''t think it''s something you can ''get used to'' if you know you don''t like it, if that makes sense.



threadjack - lovemybling, I love your tagline - so true!!
 
I remember a poster in the past had a Leon, three stone, tapered baguette sides and she requested that the height on the e-ring be raised to accomodate her wedding band. That poster did not like the result. I recall the shoulders of the side stones needed to be lifted and created a gap. Does anyone else recall this thread?

Leon''s probably asking you how many milimeters high would you like the e-ring. How high is your wedding band? Whatever it is, it''s likely going to be higher than Leon''s donut base and will rub against the swoopy prongs. Decide if that''s okay with you and maybe just go for it (and let Leon do what he does best).
 
The real problem is with anyone using the term "normal". This is very subjective and really opens up the possibility to what you perceive as "normal" or "high" is not what someone else perceives as the same. I totally understand Leon not wanting to proceed with a custom ring when a design feature is based on "normal". He is not being difficult, he is looking for clear direction.

When I had Leon make my ring I sent him my wedding band. If you want him to match something that you already have it''s only fair you either give him the ring or measure it yourself and give him some guidance. "Normal" or "higher than normal" isn''t enough information. You are asking him to read your mind.
 
WOW, it seems like everyone talked to Leon today! He was really nice when I talked to me, even when I asked for the matching band.
I talked to him in the morning about the settings, I''m considering either 313 Ashley or r864 and asked his opinion on the setting he would choose for the stone I sent to him.
He gave me compliments on how beautiful my diamond is and how I made a fantastic purchase, which made me feel good. He told me 313 Ashley has traditional look and r864 has more modern look, and suggested other setting he thinks would look spectacular with my stone.... He said both settings I liked will be beautiful, but the setting he has in mind will be one of a kind gorgeous ring no one has...... Anyway he is supposed to send me a pic for the setting and a quote for me to consider, I''m quite curious to see what he sends.....
 
Date: 4/19/2010 7:44:46 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
Well, I did get an email from him today, and I didn''t get ''no soup for you'' as I kind of expected! Whew! I really started to panic when I thought I might not be able to have him make this ring for me!
Click to expand...

People really have fears that Leon might refuse to do their rings? I think it is sad that his reputation is one of a fussy kind that people "feel" this way
7.gif

It kind of take away all the thrill and excitement of it all. So much money is put into something like an "ering" and I think that a little "say" or communicating your wants should be allowed, even welcomed.
 
Hey Ame-got any new pics of your gorgeous sparkler? Can''t wait to see her naked! It is kind of sad to think he would say no, but it has happened before! I know he doesn''t like anyone to wear wedding bands
with his rings, so it is a real possibility that he wouldn''t want to do it.


Wintotty-was he totally game to make a matching band for both selections? Did he ask you if you planned on wearing them together?


It wasn''t that he wasn''t nice, he was. I was probably just nervous. Since I am on the west coast I had to call him at 6 am, and I didn''t have too much coffee on board yet. It was like, jump out of bed, call Leon.
Probably not a good combo!
 
Date: 4/19/2010 10:36:10 PM
Author: luv2sparkle
Hey Ame-got any new pics of your gorgeous sparkler? Can''t wait to see her naked! It is kind of sad to think he would say no, but it has happened before! I know he doesn''t like anyone to wear wedding bands

with his rings, so it is a real possibility that he wouldn''t want to do it.



Wintotty-was he totally game to make a matching band for both selections? Did he ask you if you planned on wearing them together?



It wasn''t that he wasn''t nice, he was. I was probably just nervous. Since I am on the west coast I had to call him at 6 am, and I didn''t have too much coffee on board yet. It was like, jump out of bed, call Leon.

Probably not a good combo!
Click to expand...

Same issue, it was 7 am for me and I was up late the night before. I was also woken up at 5 am by a patient (I have the on call phone this week). Plus I was nervous. He was fine until I asked him if the 2.2 mm size would look good with my sized stone. I only asked him that because he told me the quote was for 2.2 mm and that if I wanted a thicker band he would re quote me.

But I remember hanging up, smiling, and thinking, they are not all that inaccurate about his demeanor on PS.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 8:46:56 PM
Author: swingirl
The real problem is with anyone using the term ''normal''. This is very subjective and really opens up the possibility to what you perceive as ''normal'' or ''high'' is not what someone else perceives as the same. I totally understand Leon not wanting to proceed with a custom ring when a design feature is based on ''normal''. He is not being difficult, he is looking for clear direction.

When I had Leon make my ring I sent him my wedding band. If you want him to match something that you already have it''s only fair you either give him the ring or measure it yourself and give him some guidance. ''Normal'' or ''higher than normal'' isn''t enough information. You are asking him to read your mind.
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I agree. I think he is just covering his butt.
 
All reasons I don''t deal with him.
If I hire someone to do a custom job, then it is by MY instruction that it should be done. Suggestions and ideas are welcome but I do not want to feel that I have no say and for someone to say your diamonds may not be good or your setting probably isn''t good quality without even seeing it really irks me. No Leon for me.
 
Date: 4/19/2010 5:34:14 PM
Author: dreamer_d
By the way, if your wedding band is thick enough to block the bottom of the diamond when it is set low, then it is probably also thicker/higher off the finger than the shank of a leon solitaire as well. I think even if he sits the stone higher, by whatever specification you give him, then your wb would still not ''match'' the e-ring. Something to consider.
Click to expand...

I actually told Leon on the phone I don''t want them to "match" up or anything. The wb I have is antique and it has a lot of *meaning* behind it (great-grandmother''s wedding band) so it''s very important for me to wear it. The width of the band is a little under 2mm. I actually prefer the look that the band does not match with the e-ring. But given the design of the WB and how it''s raised at the top (I''ve included a [blurry] picture), I think I''ll send it with to be safe.
9.gif





I''ve never attached photos before... hoping this one worked. I have one more to include that shows the "height" of the wb and will show why I''m concerned about the height of the e-ring.

Jen

jenlev1.jpg
 
Ahhh the photo worked
21.gif


Okay here''s the other one.

jenlev2.jpg
 
Date: 4/19/2010 8:46:56 PM
Author: swingirl
The real problem is with anyone using the term ''normal''. This is very subjective and really opens up the possibility to what you perceive as ''normal'' or ''high'' is not what someone else perceives as the same. I totally understand Leon not wanting to proceed with a custom ring when a design feature is based on ''normal''. He is not being difficult, he is looking for clear direction.


When I had Leon make my ring I sent him my wedding band. If you want him to match something that you already have it''s only fair you either give him the ring or measure it yourself and give him some guidance. ''Normal'' or ''higher than normal'' isn''t enough information. You are asking him to read your mind.
Click to expand...

I agree on using common terms to describe what is wanted. I should''ve been more clear in my post that I definitely did not use any terms like "normal" when talking to him; as I know that''s subjective. I told him I would send him my wedding band to which he replied "that''s fine, but I don''t know what I''d do with it"
23.gif


We''ll see. I''ll shoot him an email today just saying "great talking with you yesterday... just to clarify"... and see what he says :)
 
luv2sparkle,

I just asked him to give me quotes for matching bands for both styles, and he said he will. That was the end of conversation, he never asked me if I''m wearing them both together or not. He said he has to check(for one particular style he has in mind) if he has enough stone to make the matching band or not.
 
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