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Leon v. Whiteflash

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waitingimpatiently

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 2, 2007
Messages
36
Hi all, my SO and I are debating about getting a setting from Whiteflash or from Leon. The setting I have in mind is this one:

https://leonmege.com/index.php/portfolio/engagement/modern-solitaire-ring-round-diamond-uniform-shank-detail

Whiteflash makes a similar setting:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/etoile-du-couer-solitaire-engagement-ring-1563.htm

If claw prongs were added to the Whiteflash setting, it might be identical to the Leon ring. Maybe I've been ruined by Pricescope or maybe Leon's site just has better photography?

I have my heart set on the Leon solitaire but am I just being stubborn? Will I even notice a difference if my SO goes with the Whiteflash version? He prefers to use Whiteflash as he has a diamond at Whiteflash that he has been eyeing.

Any thoughts anyone might have would be much appreciated!
 
Hm....I don't know. If the price is the same, I'd probably go with the Leon one....You can almost see the difference in workmanship between the two (or maybe it's just me)....up to you.
 
I am a big WF fan, but I see several differences between the 2 settings, beyond prong styles... if your heart is set on LM, I would go with that - it is a gorgeous solitaire setting, and I think the sleek design and finish nuances are what make that particular ring design so stunning.

eta: Your BF can have WF send the diamond direct to LM for setting... it really isn't a logistical problem. However, I'd guess LM's is at least several hundred dollars more expensive than the WF setting - are you sure your BF's preference for WF isn't related to budgetary concerns? If so, maybe you could contribute the dollar difference?
 
Just wanted to add that Leon sets his diamonds on the low side--make sure you are okay with this if you do end up choosing his bench to do the work.
 
There are some people who have had some significant problems with LM recently, and I would go to Steven Kirsch instead as he used to work there and can make that kind of ring. I also agree that LM sets the stones way too low. I had one myself and can honestly say that it made the stone look smaller set so low.

He doesn't show that exact ring on his site, but he can make it. He makes beautiful prongs. I'd ask him to set the stone at medium height and not ultra-low.

http://www.stevenkirsch.com/
 
waitingimpatiently|1388272576|3582143 said:
Thanks so much for your input. I agree there are more differences than just the prongs. What about this one? Exact copy?

http://briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/Grace-18K-White-Gold-5414W18

ETA: I have used Whiteflash before and have been very satisfied with the final product.
Click to expand...

I do love the BGD Grace setting... but no, not an exact copy - LM's has a donut and BGD does not, and I think the LM shank width is slightly slimmer than BGD's (maybe 1.8mm? as compared to BGD's 2mm width). Still, I think the Grace would totally please you, plus I am sure BGD would try to accommodate you if you really prefer a slightly slimmer width and a donut.
 
Thanks so much for all the replies. Diamondseeker, that advice is particularly valuable since you experienced owning a Leon firsthand.

Mary, I had noticed the lack of a donut on the BGD Grace. I suppose no one but me would see that.
 
waitingimpatiently|1388278704|3582197 said:
Thanks so much for all the replies. Diamondseeker, that advice is particularly valuable since you experienced owning a Leon firsthand.

Mary, I had noticed the lack of a donut on the BGD Grace. I suppose no one but me would see that.
Click to expand...

The BGD grace is a classic and just gorgeous! I'd probably choose the LM or the BGD since I feel the workmanship is similar. As far as the donut hole, the reason it's so small on the BGD one is to allow the wedding band to sit flush. If you like a bigger donut hole I'm sure BGD would make it that way for you.
 
I think Steven will be able to make the closest setting to your inspiration setting. I wouldn't buy a diamond at WF and then send it to BG to set the stone. But I would send it to Steven since his primary business is making settings.
 
I don't think the rings look alike at all. I like the Leon much better.
 
Agree with DS2006, check out recent feedback on LM, if you do go that route, you have at least been informed, no surprises.
 
Why not have WhiteFlash build it (or at least get a sense for how much they'd charge if they custom built it). Relative to other settings, it's probably among the most simple in design, and I don't doubt that WF would be able to do a fine job if they took on the project.
BTW, it's my very favorite solitaire.
 
Leon's version seems to be much more refined to my eye. Especially with such a subtle design I would choose for the best craftsman. I would ask Steven Kirsch to do the job like DS was already suggesting.
 
Wow, my head is spinning. Thank you all for the very, very helpful responses. I love the Leon solitaire. However, I want my BF to have the least stressful buying experience possible and I want a finished product that I can wear proudly for years to come.
 
CharmyPoo|1388293512|3582339 said:
I don't think the rings look alike at all. I like the Leon much better.
Click to expand...
Agree. They are completely different in the details of the band, head and prongs. Get what you live as the cost of a platinum solitaire won't vary too much. I like the LM.
 
waitingimpatiently|1388336512|3582496 said:
Wow, my head is spinning. Thank you all for the very, very helpful responses. I love the Leon solitaire. However, I want my BF to have the least stressful buying experience possible and I want a finished product that I can wear proudly for years to come.
Click to expand...

I have had rings made by LM, WhiteFlash, and BGD as well as other jewelry pieces by other vendors. Whiteflash and BGD can give you exactly what you want. If you need to tweak the design it will be trouble free. LM is a gamble. You could get lucky or not. He is also a photgraphy buff and his pictures are beautifully done. His pieces are not always perfect either--there are many stories of poor fabrication. Just be fully armed with a written contract with pics attached and measurements of everything if you go with LM. He is not customer service oriented and his ethics are questionable in my experience. There are others with similar experiences. I have never used Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera but I understand they are top quality on par with LM.
 
Hi Waitingimpatiently, I strongly disagree with the criticism of Leon Mege. I had a ring made last Spring and could not be happier with it or the process. From beginning (choosing my diamond with Perry Chen) to receiving it 6 weeks later I was treated with care and respect and it goes without saying that the ring is perfect. I certainly will return to Leon for another piece when the time comes.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-omb-with-french-cuts.189914/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-omb-with-french-cuts.189914/[/URL]
 
Thanks again, everyone. You have all been beyond helpful and I'm so very appreciative. The Pricescope community is the best!

ETA Pixgirl, your ring is to die for!
 
Do folks on PS tend to agree that WF wouldn't be able to make a custom piece almost identical to the OP's wishes? I don't have any expertise in this field, but the setting that the OP wants seems incredibly simple (no pave, no intricate metalwork).

I would guess that WF is more than capable of custom building that exact ring to a nearly identical standard (aesthetically and structurally) as LM, as long as the OP is specific about what s/he wants (particularly the donut and tapered, gently sloping, claw prongs). Pave and intricate metalwork require advanced techniques where--I agree--one would be better served to send to someone like LM, VC, SK, etc if one has the money to spend. This setting (on the face of it) has neither. I could be wrong. If you disagree, please be specific.

Frankly, my feeling is that if WF can't do this kind of setting at a high level, it doesn't speak well for their fabrication team. I would think that they can do it, just as well, and at a better price. I'm a bit miffed that others don't feel the same.
 
teobdl|1388505761|3583777 said:
Do folks on PS tend to agree that WF wouldn't be able to make a custom piece almost identical to the OP's wishes? I don't have any expertise in this field, but the setting that the OP wants seems incredibly simple (no pave, no intricate metalwork).

I would guess that WF is more than capable of custom building that exact ring to a nearly identical standard (aesthetically and structurally) as LM, as long as the OP is specific about what s/he wants (particularly the donut and tapered, gently sloping, claw prongs). Pave and intricate metalwork require advanced techniques where--I agree--one would be better served to send to someone like LM, VC, SK, etc if one has the money to spend. This setting (on the face of it) has neither. I could be wrong. If you disagree, please be specific.

Frankly, my feeling is that if WF can't do this kind of setting at a high level, it doesn't speak well for their fabrication team. I would think that they can do it, just as well, and at a better price. I'm a bit miffed that others don't feel the same.
Click to expand...

I am glad you asked this question. I am no expert and I am especially intrigued when it comes to high-end solitaires because to my untrained eye, I don't know how to distinguish a hand-forged from plenty of the ones listed on WF, James Allen, etc. So I hope someone answers this question.
 
braga123|1388509779|3583826 said:
teobdl|1388505761|3583777 said:
Do folks on PS tend to agree that WF wouldn't be able to make a custom piece almost identical to the OP's wishes? I don't have any expertise in this field, but the setting that the OP wants seems incredibly simple (no pave, no intricate metalwork).

I would guess that WF is more than capable of custom building that exact ring to a nearly identical standard (aesthetically and structurally) as LM, as long as the OP is specific about what s/he wants (particularly the donut and tapered, gently sloping, claw prongs). Pave and intricate metalwork require advanced techniques where--I agree--one would be better served to send to someone like LM, VC, SK, etc if one has the money to spend. This setting (on the face of it) has neither. I could be wrong. If you disagree, please be specific.

Frankly, my feeling is that if WF can't do this kind of setting at a high level, it doesn't speak well for their fabrication team. I would think that they can do it, just as well, and at a better price. I'm a bit miffed that others don't feel the same.
Click to expand...

I am glad you asked this question. I am no expert and I am especially intrigued when it comes to high-end solitaires because to my untrained eye, I don't know how to distinguish a hand-forged from plenty of the ones listed on WF, James Allen, etc. So I hope someone answers this question.
Click to expand...

It is the difference between hand-forged and cast. You won't get the delicate claw prongs on a cast piece. I have a Vatche solitaire that I love much more than the hand-forged ring that was made by Leon for me earlier. So really, as usual, it depends on the particular ring and what you like best. If you want a hand-forged ring like was posted in the original picture, I would use Steven or Victor in the US. If you want a cast setting, WF carries some nice ones (Legato Sleek Line is beautiful) and also they carry the Vatche U-113 that several of us here have.
 
I was endorsing the BGD setting because it is so very close to the LM setting, and is a stock offering - so only minor tweaks would be made to an existing design.

WF at present doesn't have a stock setting that closely resembles the LM setting, so much more customizing would be required.

To my mind, between the two, a project involving an established design with minor tweaks would take less time, be less costly, and have a greater likelihood of success. No knock against WF - but if you can find almost exactly what you want already at BGD, a vendor also highly regarded, why would you take the chance and expense that a WF custom setting likely would entail? (I am assuming a custom setting would be more expensive than tweaking an existing setting, but of course in the specifics there may not be a significant cost difference.)
 
marymm|1388512330|3583864 said:
I was endorsing the BGD setting because it is so very close to the LM setting, and is a stock offering - so only minor tweaks would be made to an existing design.

WF at present doesn't have a stock setting that closely resembles the LM setting, so much more customizing would be required.

To my mind, between the two, a project involving an established design with minor tweaks would take less time, be less costly, and have a greater likelihood of success. No knock against WF - but if you can find almost exactly what you want already at BGD, a vendor also highly regarded, why would you take the chance and expense that a WF custom setting likely would entail? (I am assuming a custom setting would be more expensive than tweaking an existing setting, but of course in the specifics there may not be a significant cost difference.)
Click to expand...

Because Marymm has now articulated it much better than I could have, I will reveal that that is the direction that I now think I'm heading. I like the idea of VC or SK but I wonder if I will get results that are all that different than what I might get with a slightly tweaked BGD Grace setting. My BF has been a complete doll about this process and is willing to do whatever I want. Having said that, I would still like to make the process as easy on him as possible. The only thing I'm afraid of is making the "easy" process difficult by getting the BGD Grace and then deciding I want the SK or VC crafted setting! :shock:
 
They do not look the same to me at all, sorry. I think if you ask for tweaks, you risk it not being the same. Having said that, perhaps you like the BG as it is and then that woukd be fine. I personally think if you want l the delicate look, you shoukd get a hand forged piece.
 
Waiting Impatiently: I do not think that the settings you posted at the beginning are particularly delicate. In fact they are both elegantly solid and simple. I think that these are precisely the settings you can go with cast and be very pleased with. In fact most people might not be able to discern a difference between a handmade and cast version of either one of these rings. I have had rings handmade and in more than one instance there were asymmetries and slight imperfections because they were handmade. I have also had cast pieces that are very fine--beautifully finished. I had a handmade ring many years ago that was lopsided and had many issues-eventually the setting cracked. Handmade is NOT inherently better. It can be preferred in very elaborate and highly decorated settings where supreme delicacy keeps the ring from looking clunky and rough.
 
My only warning is that the BG Grace sits very low, and you'll be limited to a very low wedding band to wear with it. I know someone here who had that ring and it was a problem finding a diamond band that would work well with it. And if you are going to have to have BG alter the design to have a doughnut base and sit the stone a little higher, you may as well have Steven K make it.
 
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