local or top name?

[mintve]

If it will cost about the same (btwn $1500-$2000) to design a custom solitaire, would you stick with a local jewler/artist
http://www.laurapowersjewelry.com/ or https://www.hajewelry.com/catalog/login.php, for instance, so you will be there in person during the desgin and creation process. but, you have less feedback on PS.

or, do you go with someone like Leon or MWM (who may be more $$, but I am not sure yet). They have good feedback and gorgeous designs, but they are not local, so you would not see the work as it progresses or have them nearby should something happen to the setting.

what would you do?

 

[~*Snow*~]

Local.

We debated this very question for a very long time... I love pave and would have loved LOVED for Leon to do it, but in the end, if you need to see the jewler about something it is so much nicer to just be able to pop in and see them. The other benifit too is that it takes less time always sending it back and forth.

While i Love my ring, i look at the pave and think "yeah it''s nice and well done" but then i see Leon''s and just drool over it. I remind myself though that things look very different in photo''s then they do in real life. Which is another reason to stay local. You may love something online, but seeing it in person, trying it on, you mind find that it''s just not "right"

Hope that helps!

 

[mirre]

I would most likely stay local, even though the rings done by Leon and MWM are beautiful, I''d like to be able to go in to see the jeweller if I needed to if that was an option.

Have you asked each jeweller if they have any custom made pieces in the store that you could look over (to see their craftsmanship not to purchase since you are wanting your own design)? Or ask them if they could email you pictures of custom pieces they have created. That may help with you decision, to see their work firsthand since you aren''t able to get as much feedback like you can here on PS with Leon or MWM.

 

[mintve]

Date: 1/3/2008 4:37:50 PM
Author: mirre
I would most likely stay local, even though the rings done by Leon and MWM are beautiful, I''d like to be able to go in to see the jeweller if I needed to if that was an option.

Have you asked each jeweller if they have any custom made pieces in the store that you could look over (to see their craftsmanship not to purchase since you are wanting your own design)? Or ask them if they could email you pictures of custom pieces they have created. That may help with you decision, to see their work firsthand since you aren''t able to get as much feedback like you can here on PS with Leon or MWM.

Yes, I am going to meet with one of the artists next week. She looked at my ideas and gave me a price range and siaid it should be doable. SHe is a bench jeweler and a desginer, so its the best of both worlds! We will see!

 

[Julyjewels]

The thing is "Brand" names selling too expensive.And lots of just a name.
Im a manufacturer and i did too many contract jobs to Tiffany,Ambar and others...
People want to buy from "brand" names because they can trust...

Like Tiffany has my own design under their name and one of my friend wanted same ring.I told him that i can do it (because i have that right) but he bought forum Tiffany because of the name.He paid more than double

So if you have a retailer you can trust go with them...

 

[sera]

I have no problem working with someone local providing they have the quality I want. It would certainly be helpful to check in on the progress of a local designer.

I''m trying to decide on a setting... I really love Leon''s work, but I am also checking local designers. If after shopping around I still put Leon as #1, then I will have to trust the long-distance communication to get the finished product I want. Another thing I heard is that he does not do sketches... sketches would be helpful (or at least reassuring) when working with someone who isn''t local. I absolutely want pave but shipping it across the states if one pops out would certainly be pain (not to mention it would be annoying having to pay for shipping {I''m not sure if he would cover shipping if a stone popped out}).

I guess what all that said is, I''ll go with whichever designer who I believe will accomplish the look/quality I want regardless of location... location is a concern but not a deal breaker.

 

[mintve]

Sera-

I knwo what you mean. Having sketches would be very reassuring in a long distance project. I too love Leon''s work and his artistry. But, what he may like, may not look nice on my hand. I have a few locals desingers with whom I will meet. I also plan on speaking with Mark Morrell.

 

[risingsun]

Date: 1/3/2008 7:07:51 PM
Author: Julyjewels
The thing is ''Brand'' names selling too expensive.And lots of just a name.
Im a manufacturer and i did too many contract jobs to Tiffany,Ambar and others...
People want to buy from ''brand'' names because they can trust...

Like Tiffany has my own design under their name and one of my friend wanted same ring.I told him that i can do it (because i have that right) but he bought forum Tiffany because of the name.He paid more than double

So if you have a retailer you can trust go with them...

What is your design that Tiffany has used? You have just joined the forum and have a lot of strong opinions. You are making recommendations to other posters. I would like to see examples of your work that are the same quality as the branded designs are you steering people away from. Thanks.

 

[mintve]

What is your design that Tiffany has used? You have just joined the forum and have a lot of strong opinions. You are making recommendations to other posters. I would like to see examples of your work that are the same quality as the branded designs are you steering people away from. Thanks.
~Marian


DITTO!!!

 

[nolimits]

Date: 1/4/2008 11:10:16 AM
Author: mintve
Sera-


I knwo what you mean. Having sketches would be very reassuring in a long distance project. I too love Leon''s work and his artistry. But, what he may like, may not look nice on my hand. I have a few locals desingers with whom I will meet. I also plan on speaking with Mark Morrell.

I work in construction management and deal with architects on a daily basis. I would compare Leon and MWM to an architect. While full of ideas that are sometimes spectactular they are just that...THEIR ideas and normally they are very "determined" to design around what THEY feel is best despite what the client may want or what is reasonable. This doesn''t make them bad people, they are successful and win awards/respect all the time but if you want a truly custom feel where you can make more changes and be involved I would stick with a good quality local guy.

 

[mintve]

Date: 1/4/2008 2:22:32 PM
Author: nolimits

Date: 1/4/2008 11:10:16 AM
Author: mintve
Sera-


I knwo what you mean. Having sketches would be very reassuring in a long distance project. I too love Leon''s work and his artistry. But, what he may like, may not look nice on my hand. I have a few locals desingers with whom I will meet. I also plan on speaking with Mark Morrell.

I work in construction management and deal with architects on a daily basis. I would compare Leon and MWM to an architect. While full of ideas that are sometimes spectactular they are just that...THEIR ideas and normally they are very ''determined'' to design around what THEY feel is best despite what the client may want or what is reasonable. This doesn''t make them bad people, they are successful and win awards/respect all the time but if you want a truly custom feel where you can make more changes and be involved I would stick with a good quality local guy.

No Limits-

You sound like my BF. You are in the same line of work and I have heard him say that very thing! THanks for your input!

 

[sera]

Date: 1/4/2008 2:22:32 PM
Author: nolimits

Date: 1/4/2008 11:10:16 AM

Author: mintve

Sera-



I knwo what you mean. Having sketches would be very reassuring in a long distance project. I too love Leon''s work and his artistry. But, what he may like, may not look nice on my hand. I have a few locals desingers with whom I will meet. I also plan on speaking with Mark Morrell.

I work in construction management and deal with architects on a daily basis. I would compare Leon and MWM to an architect. While full of ideas that are sometimes spectactular they are just that...THEIR ideas and normally they are very ''determined'' to design around what THEY feel is best despite what the client may want or what is reasonable. This doesn''t make them bad people, they are successful and win awards/respect all the time but if you want a truly custom feel where you can make more changes and be involved I would stick with a good quality local guy.

What I have been doing is trying to find local rings with similarities in design to the particular Leon rings I''m interested in- even if it''s just certain aspects of his design, just to give me an idea.

I have found the same widths, a DNA-like band, etc. Doing this, I ruled out some things and other things determined I liked on my hand. I also consider a range of widths I would me happy with, or with a halo, a range of mm sizes would look good on my hand.

This way, if I decide to go with him, I will have an idea of what his suggestions will look like. I have a basic idea of what I want, will explain it to him, then see what he suggests... if it works, cool; if not, I have to decide if what he suggests will work for me or not.

I did fall in love with his designs because of his ideas... I love his work and if I don''t find anything I like as well at a comparable price locally, I will not be too worried about going with him. Worst case scenario: the ring is beautiful but just not "me," later down the line I put a gemstone in it and wear it as a RHR and get a new setting for my ering.

I am also going to 23rd Street Jewelers and Maytal Hannah (if we can stop playing phone tag lol) because they are both local.

I am also continuing to look at stock pieces of Simon G and some others.

This has been a VERY long process for me, but I''m very close to a decision.

At some point when you have your options narrowed down, something will just feel like the right way to go.

 

[iheartscience]

I would definitely go with a top name, personally, especially if it was the same price as a local person. The top names are almost always top names for a reason, in my opinion. I have two great local jewelers I go to and I really don''t think either one of them could turn out something as high quality and well-designed as a MWM or a Leon.

With a solitaire I doubt you''d have much upkeep, and if you just needed a polish you could take it to a good local jeweler. For sizing or some sort of problem you can easily ship it back to the person who made it. Certified mail isn''t that expensive and is very reliable.

 

[Julyjewels]

Date: 1/4/2008 12:43:15 PM
Author: mintve
What is your design that Tiffany has used? You have just joined the forum and have a lot of strong opinions. You are making recommendations to other posters. I would like to see examples of your work that are the same quality as the branded designs are you steering people away from. Thanks.

~Marian



DITTO!!!

First off all i did NOT suggest my designs.I did NOT say there is no difference between brand names and locals.

Brand names sells expensive because of their names.Tiffany is famous with diamond quality.Not with manufacturing.They dont do manufacturing they work with local manufacturers.

Lets say you have your own design you can to Tiffany and you can sell them.But they DON''T use your name.Not diamonds but ring etc.

I can not tell or show my Tiffany designs because of the my contract.I cant sell or produce for public that designs.

But i don''t understand why you guys attacking me?

One forum member asked about local or top name and i said my opinion with my reason.

I didn''t suggest my designs better than anyone or they can buy from me.

Im NOT here for business.

 

[Julyjewels]

Date: 1/4/2008 3:52:12 PM
Author: thing2of2
I would definitely go with a top name, personally, especially if it was the same price as a local person. The top names are almost always top names for a reason, in my opinion. I have two great local jewelers I go to and I really don''t think either one of them could turn out something as high quality and well-designed as a MWM or a Leon.


With a solitaire I doubt you''d have much upkeep, and if you just needed a polish you could take it to a good local jeweler. For sizing or some sort of problem you can easily ship it back to the person who made it. Certified mail isn''t that expensive and is very reliable.

Yes i agree if the price is same or close i would do same thing.

 

[mrssalvo]

I would have to see examples of the local person''s work and feel VERY confident. I live in a city where there just isn''t any well known custom folks so personally I''d feel more comfortable with someone like Leon Mege who not only has an amazing reputation here, but i''ve seen his work in person and would very easily purchase a custom setting from him. I do however like supporting local businesses if possible, I just wish there were more here that had what I was looking for.

 

[sera]

Date: 1/4/2008 3:54:20 PM
Author: Julyjewels

Date: 1/4/2008 12:43:15 PM

Author: mintve

What is your design that Tiffany has used? You have just joined the forum and have a lot of strong opinions. You are making recommendations to other posters. I would like to see examples of your work that are the same quality as the branded designs are you steering people away from. Thanks.


~Marian




DITTO!!!

First off all i did NOT suggest my designs.I did NOT say there is no difference between brand names and locals.


Brand names sells expensive because of their names.Tiffany is famous with diamond quality.Not with manufacturing.They dont do manufacturing they work with local manufacturers.


Lets say you have your own design you can to Tiffany and you can sell them.But they DON''T use your name.Not diamonds but ring etc.


I can not tell or show my Tiffany designs because of the my contract.I cant sell or produce for public that designs.


But i don''t understand why you guys attacking me?


One forum member asked about local or top name and i said my opinion with my reason.


I didn''t suggest my designs better than anyone or they can buy from me.


Im NOT here for business.

I don''t think they meant that you were suggesting anyone buy your design.

I think they were curious which Tiffany design you claim is your design.

It is not attacking to ask someone to back up what they say. If you can''t back it up, maybe it''s best not to post such details referring to a "top name."

 

[mirre]

I could be all wrong but I don''t see why you couldn''t say "I designed the Tiffany style "x" ring for Tiffany" or whatever the case is.

I wouldn''t want to do business with someone or let them use my designs if I wasn''t able to tell people "Oh yeah, I designed this for such-in-such"

Maybe I''m wrong but it just doesn''t seem like they could keep you from telling about it.

 

[Julyjewels]

Date: 1/4/2008 4:35:58 PM
Author: mirre
I could be all wrong but I don''t see why you couldn''t say ''I designed the Tiffany style ''x'' ring for Tiffany'' or whatever the case is.


I wouldn''t want to do business with someone or let them use my designs if I wasn''t able to tell people ''Oh yeah, I designed this for such-in-such''


Maybe I''m wrong but it just doesn''t seem like they could keep you from telling about it.

I can not say it.

I dont sell anyone that designs.Its in my contract.

But in this topic point is different.Its not the julyjewels design used by tiffany or not?

Lets say that i was lying.What makes the difference?

Everybody know that Tiffany is famous with their diamonds and they work with locals.They dont manufacture rings and stuff.

But Michael Beaudry,Michael B,Single Stone(Ari is my cousin) they do manufacturing and I was doing diamond setting for them.But they designs their own stuff.

I was trying to say is Top names sells usually expensive not always for their quality but Names.

I hope nobody sue me but like M.Beaudry''s labor is bad for example even the couture.Michael B. is one of the best artist in my opion.Leon''s jobs are flawless.(matter of fact coming weeks i''ll go to Ny to meet him maybe i can do business with him)

I will put one of my designs.I cant tell you who is using this but im sure you guys will recognize.

 

[Julyjewels]

From the top.I hope im not braking any rules

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 1/4/2008 5:20:59 PM
Author: Julyjewels




Everybody know that Tiffany is famous with their diamonds and they work with locals.They dont manufacture rings and stuff.

actually, I''m pretty sure i''ve seen nicrez a Gemologist on here say that Tiffany does manufacture their rings and I''ve never heard of them working with locals. I just got a bracelet and have to wait 2 weeks for sizing b/c it had to go to NY. It''s my understanding that pretty much everything is run out of NY. it was rumored for some time that vatche made the lucida setting but has since been disproven.


i would understand if tiffany requested the designers of their settings to remain nameless b/c it becomes a tiffany design. I think i''d heard ritani used to work for tiffany, but could be wrong. i do agree with the list of designers you named being high quality though

 

[Julyjewels]

Date: 1/4/2008 5:38:33 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 1/4/2008 5:20:59 PM

Author: Julyjewels





Everybody know that Tiffany is famous with their diamonds and they work with locals.They dont manufacture rings and stuff.

actually, I''m pretty sure i''ve seen nicrez a Gemologist on here say that Tiffany does manufacture their rings and I''ve never heard of them working with locals. I just got a bracelet and have to wait 2 weeks for sizing b/c it had to go to NY. It''s my understanding that pretty much everything is run out of NY. it was rumored for some time that vatche made the lucida setting but has since been disproven.



i would understand if tiffany requested the designers of their settings to remain nameless b/c it becomes a tiffany design. I think i''d heard ritani used to work for tiffany, but could be wrong. i do agree with the list of designers you named being high quality though

Of course Tiffany doesnt want.Because they are Brand name and they dont want people know this.

Im not sure Vatche but most probably thats true.Ritani(I work with him too

diamond setting)he used to work with Tiffany too.His name is Harout company name comes from his ex wife Rita and his daughter Ani.Nowadays he''s working with Asia.(cheap labor)When he was a only diamond setter he start to design he met one big diamond dealer and they liked his designs and put money in his company.Boom!

When i start to design micro pave only Bez Ambar was doing micro pave.I used work for them and 4 years ago i started my own line.But i still work with Michael B,Beaudry.Not designing but Diamond setting.