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Mark or Leon?

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mintve

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For a simple, but unique and stunning solitaire, with whom would you choose to work?

Mark Morrell
or
Leon Mege
 
Leon
 
Leon without a doubt.
 
It depends on the size of my stone. Marks settings are a bit heavy... so if I had a small stone, I''d probably want a more delicate Leon setting. Although Mark can do ''less heavy" settings if you ask him too. I just think that sometimes the heart prongs overpower a smaller stone (I don''t know your diamond size). I would, personally, definately go with Mark if I wanted diamonds in the head, cause I think he does a lovely and pretty affordable job with that.
 
I actually love Mark''s work for simplicity...
 
I am going to get a stone btwn 1-1.25 carats.

I love the flame setting w/ the stones in the head. I also love how Mark''s platinum looks, its so smooth and fluid. I am not 100% sold on the prongs, but I have seen some of his work with more delicate prongs, so maybe he could modify

as far as leon, I love this prongs, they are amazing! He is really picky about how the settings are made and if they are able to be worn flush w/ a wb. I really want to have that, but I am not sure how willing Leon will be to do that and if it will look as artistic...

so that is were I am torn...love of the prongs and love of the fluid shiny platinum
 
Hands down, Mark. So beautiful, classic and timeless.
 
Don''t quote me but I''ve heard that Leon does not recommend his rings be worn with a wb, even the plain solitaire ones. Also, they will never sit flush with a wb.
 
Mark has my near 3 carat pear now making a ring with tapered baguette sidestones and a band. The band is a challenge because we didn''t like the first drawing of a round diamond eternity band even though it nicely went around the ring. Just didn''t care for the look with the combination of the other stones. Now trying new ideas on the computer while the ring is being made. Was thinking of the same concept but with emerald cut but square stones don''t like to curve nicely around the ring.
 
Mark. His work really speaks to me and I could totally envision having a Mark masterpiece. Leon''s work is amazing but something I admire from afar - can''t imagine owning it myself.
 
Date: 12/21/2007 1:56:40 PM
Author: Chrono
Don''t quote me but I''ve heard that Leon does not recommend his rings be worn with a wb, even the plain solitaire ones. Also, they will never sit flush with a wb.
Click to expand...
yes, chrono, that is correct. He does not recommend it. Though, I have seen some rings on PS that were made to accommodate a wb. Leon just does not seem very eager to design rings w/ the idea of a wb in mind. I can understand it though b/c I imagine he wants his art to stand on it own.

I thought about wearing a ring on each hand, but I really want my e-ring and wb to be worn together. Plus, my ring fingers are two completely different sizes.
 
Date: 12/21/2007 2:03:02 PM
Author: 95viper
Mark has my near 3 carat pear now making a ring with tapered baguette sidestones and a band. The band is a challenge because we didn''t like the first drawing of a round diamond eternity band even though it nicely went around the ring. Just didn''t care for the look with the combination of the other stones. Now trying new ideas on the computer while the ring is being made. Was thinking of the same concept but with emerald cut but square stones don''t like to curve nicely around the ring.
Click to expand...

95viper-

does he also give you options when determining the prongs to use?
 
For a simple platinum solitaire, I would go with Mark. His Flame setting makes me swoon -- liquid platinum yumminess! I love Leon''s prongs and his pave work, but his solitaires don''t speak to me the same way as Mark''s do.
 
I''d go with Mark because I could never wear just one ring, and Leon''s designs are not made to wear with a WB really.
 
that is such a tough call, but i would say mark. two different effects, but equally elegant and breathtaking work. my dream ring, if i were ever to replace my diamond, would be a 1.25-1.5ct RB in his torchiere setting (shank of the sunburst with the head of the flame) paired with a plain wband by him as well. some have said his work and prongs are more delicate in real life than they appear in pictures, but i have never seen his work with my own eyes so i cannot attest to that. if that is true, though, imagine how delicate leon''s must be!!

i have spoken with both on the phone. my dealings with leon were brief, i was just looking to purchase a band from his ''items for sale'' category. he was extremely pleasant. i have also spoken with mark about a reset and he could not have been a kinder, more pleasant person! it would have added to the joy of having a piece by him to know that it came from such a wonderful soul. have you called him yet? if not, i say give him a call (he answered the phone himself when i called and took his time with our conversation) and ask him about the prongs.

you are a lucky girl to be choosing between the two, and no matter what you decide you are going to have a gorgeous, gorgeous ring! have fun deciding!!
 
Mark!!!! without a doubt! I have 2 of Mark''s pieces!
1.gif
He would be the choice here!
 
Wow. This is a tough call. Leon's classic solitaire is stunning. It somehow manages to be delicate and substantial at the same time. Amazing. And then you have Mark. His work is so fluid and truly beautiful in how he works with the metal.

I think that for me... if I were looking for simple and stunning, it would be Leon. But simple, stunning and unique? Mark.
 
Both do EXCELLENT work, so either way you would have a top quality piece. They both have different styles, so it''s a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer Leon''s and would go with him (and most likely will go with him when I finally decide on a setting very soon).
 
Just wanted to say that you pose an excellent question; I constantly go back and forth about them myself (in the small, flickering hope that we''ll be able to afford either one of their settings when it comes time to purchase).
 
Date: 12/21/2007 2:25:24 PM
Author: mintve

Date: 12/21/2007 2:03:02 PM
Author: 95viper
Mark has my near 3 carat pear now making a ring with tapered baguette sidestones and a band. The band is a challenge because we didn''t like the first drawing of a round diamond eternity band even though it nicely went around the ring. Just didn''t care for the look with the combination of the other stones. Now trying new ideas on the computer while the ring is being made. Was thinking of the same concept but with emerald cut but square stones don''t like to curve nicely around the ring.
Click to expand...

95viper-

does he also give you options when determining the prongs to use?
Click to expand...
He will do whatever you want as long as it is secure and safe for the integrity of the mount. I originally was thinking about dual prongs but we liked the single prong look better.
 
mintve, I just received a .97 (6.42mm) diamond in a size 5.25 Flame setting back from Mark. My fiance loves it and it is better than I would have imagined. Here's why:

I, too, was worried that the heart prongs might overpower the diamond. Not a chance. you can't even notice they're hearts without a loupe or without very close inspection if they're pointed out to you. The sides of the prongs don't make the ring appear "heavy" or "metally" at all. And the .01 six hidden diamonds are truly hidden. They are really only for you, as they won't be noticed by others unless you show them, they're so small . That's what I wanted. The shank is a knife edge (Mark prefers "parallel edge") which is not as "knifey" as the Tiffany solitaire; I much prefer Mark's more subtle take. The shank is about 2.7mm wide. Finally, the 90/10 mix and his finish and polish help create a real heirloom piece, imho. He really does very refined work and you can certainly tell it is when you're holding it in your hand. And in real life, the Flame is far more delicate than his pictures would suggest.

The pics of Mark's Flame on his site is of a 1 carat diamond (too many jewelers show their pieces with only very large diamonds so you don't get a sense of proportions). But, his close-ups are so big that you really lose a sense of the fine and subtle details of the ring. you think everything will appear bigger than it really is. I'd love if Mark created a pdf of his rings based on actual size that people could download, as it would really be helpful.

I suggest you download the ImageZoom extension for Firefox and then reduce his thumbnail nail shots (which allow right-click) until you can measure the diamond to about 6.5mm with a ruler. This will give you a more accurate picture of the actual size of the ring and the subtlely of his features and fine detailing.

By the way, Mark also made a plain knife edge/parallel edge wedding band that is identical to the shank of the Flame for us. It is simple, beautiful and a great match for the ring. He sent us an option of a slight indent in the wedding band to ensure it sat flush, but my partner doesn't like that. Mark warned that a band without that indent couldn't sit exactly flush with the ring but, frankly, when she has both rings on, they are so close that they would look flush from a normal distance. But, if you want exactly flush, Mark can accommodate - I'm glad I just went for the straight, plain band, though.

By the way, I haven't uploaded hand shots yet, but if you look at my posts, you'll see one in Show Me The Rings that has all the pics he sent me of my Flame, plus shots with the wedding band on page two of that same thread.

Let us know what you decide.

Quash
 
Like a previous poster said, both Leon''s work and Mark''s work is gorgeous. It just comes down to personal preference.....Leon''s work is a little more delicate, IMHO, so I know he would be my choice. But, really, its all about what you like, and what look you want to achieve.

Good luck!!!
 
Date: 12/22/2007 10:45:25 AM
Author: Quash
mintve, I just received a .97 (6.42mm) diamond in a size 5.25 Flame setting back from Mark. My fiance loves it and it is better than I would have imagined. Here''s why:

I, too, was worried that the heart prongs might overpower the diamond. Not a chance. you can''t even notice they''re hearts without a loupe or without very close inspection if they''re pointed out to you. The sides of the prongs don''t make the ring appear ''heavy'' or ''metally'' at all. And the .01 six hidden diamonds are truly hidden. They are really only for you, as they won''t be noticed by others unless you show them, they''re so small . That''s what I wanted. The shank is a knife edge (Mark prefers ''parallel edge'') which is not as ''knifey'' as the Tiffany solitaire; I much prefer Mark''s more subtle take. The shank is about 2.7mm wide. Finally, the 90/10 mix and his finish and polish help create a real heirloom piece, imho. He really does very refined work and you can certainly tell it is when you''re holding it in your hand. And in real life, the Flame is far more delicate than his pictures would suggest.

The pics of Mark''s Flame on his site is of a 1 carat diamond (too many jewelers show their pieces with only very large diamonds so you don''t get a sense of proportions). But, his close-ups are so big that you really lose a sense of the fine and subtle details of the ring. you think everything will appear bigger than it really is. I''d love if Mark created a pdf of his rings based on actual size that people could download, as it would really be helpful.

I suggest you download the ImageZoom extension for Firefox and then reduce his thumbnail nail shots (which allow right-click) until you can measure the diamond to about 6.5mm with a ruler. This will give you a more accurate picture of the actual size of the ring and the subtlely of his features and fine detailing.

By the way, Mark also made a plain knife edge/parallel edge wedding band that is identical to the shank of the Flame for us. It is simple, beautiful and a great match for the ring. He sent us an option of a slight indent in the wedding band to ensure it sat flush, but my partner doesn''t like that. Mark warned that a band without that indent couldn''t sit exactly flush with the ring but, frankly, when she has both rings on, they are so close that they would look flush from a normal distance. But, if you want exactly flush, Mark can accommodate - I''m glad I just went for the straight, plain band, though.

By the way, I haven''t uploaded hand shots yet, but if you look at my posts, you''ll see one in Show Me The Rings that has all the pics he sent me of my Flame, plus shots with the wedding band on page two of that same thread.

Let us know what you decide.

Quash
Click to expand...
what a great post Quash, thank you!! very informative, the very kinds of things one would want to know who hasn''t has the pleasure of seeing one of his pieces in person!
 
Date: 12/22/2007 10:45:25 AM
Author: Quash

Finally, the 90/10 mix and his finish and polish help create a real heirloom piece, imho.
Click to expand...

I have never found anyone else who uses this mix, but when I did research here on PS found that 900 platinum. Everyone else seems to do 950 platinum, which yes is purer, but also softer and less resistant to scratching. Sometimes a little more alloy can be better.
 
I have never found anyone else who uses this mix, but when I did research here on PS found that 900 platinum. Everyone else seems to do 950 platinum, which yes is purer, but also softer and less resistant to scratching. Sometimes a little more alloy can be better.
Click to expand...

You''ll find that 90/10 is a common mix for custom bench jewelers. 950 blends can be softer or harder and either less resistant to scratching or more resistant. It depends on the blend.

95Plat/5 Iridium has a Vickers hardness of 80 - soft and scratch prone. People often recommend to not get this mix.
90Plat/10 Iridium - 110 Vickers hardness. custom jewelers often use this blend.
95Plat/5 Ruthenium - 135 Vickers hardness. Most resistant to scratching. Higher end manufactured pieces.
95Plat/5 Cobalt - 135 Vickers. Magnetic and creates blue tinge on Plat. Manufactured and used less frequently. Recommend to avoid.

Here is what Mark thinks about the different blends.
 
Thanks for all your excellent input! I will contact Mark after the holidays. Its really good to know that his settings are more delicate that they appear in the enlarged photos and that he will work with various types of prongs!

Quash- thanks for your detailed info too!! Its great!
 
I think it''s really a personal preference. I love almost all of Leon''s work and if I were to do a custom piece it would be made by him without a doubt. While MM''s work is beautiful, it just doesn''t speak to me the way Leon''s does. I guess I mean that I only find myself dizzy and drunk while looking at the Art of Platinum site. Do what works for you! I can''t wait to see what you pick out!
 
Date: 12/22/2007 11:29:49 PM
Author: Miranda
I think it''s really a personal preference. I love almost all of Leon''s work and if I were to do a custom piece it would be made by him without a doubt. While MM''s work is beautiful, it just doesn''t speak to me the way Leon''s does. I guess I mean that I only find myself dizzy and drunk while looking at the Art of Platinum site. Do what works for you! I can''t wait to see what you pick out!
Click to expand...
I hear you Miranda, I drool when I am on Leon''s site. Its so hard...I need TWO e-rings ...one mark and one leon :)
 
I say Mark 100% (although I have never dealt with Leon I cant say anthing good nor bad for him) - We just got our Torchiere recently and it is perfect. He was able to accommodate my request for the suprise diamonds as well as just being one of the most friendly people I have ever worked with. He was a real gentleman during the process and delivered a stunning ring. Go ahead and see my post here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-mark-morrell-torchiere.73381/
 
offset-

your ring is gorgeous!
 
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