Micro Pave Ring - Which to get?

[alloamie]

Aloha!
I have been lurking for a loong time, actually since I started looking for my ER 4 years ago! I''ve now been married for 3 years and have been lurking for my sister''s ER and now for a micro-pave band for myself.

I LOVE Leon Mege''s Band 201 - platinum, 1.4mm. I got a price quote from him and it is a very reasonable quote - much less than B&M stores I''ve been visiting around town in Honolulu.
He said the ring will take 1-2 weeks.

I also found this band on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110249706202
The seller has been very good w/ email communication. He said the band will take 5-days to make, is hand-made, diamonds are hand-set and it will be custom-made to my ring size (4 3/. It is 1.8mm width.
There is a 7-day return policy and I can purchase it with no payments/interest for 4-months if I pay by paypal credit card...

The price difference between the 2 rings is about $500.00. Either one will be a splurge for me - so I''m trying to weigh the pros & cons of each.

The LM will have no return policy, I"m not sure how much his shipping cost will be, and also worried about some of the mixed reviews I''ve seen on this forum.
Purchasing a luxury item on eBay also makes me nervous.
I''d really appreciate any input!

Oh another question - will the mm width difference be very big? I love the super-thin look of the LM, will the 1.4 vs 1.8, be very noticeable?
Thanks

 

[CDNinNYC]

Hi alloamie and welcome!

Can I ask if you''ll be wearing the band with your ER or on its own? I don''t think the 1.4mm will not be substantial enough on it''s own.

If you''re planning on wearing it with your ER, how wide is its shank?

 

[alloamie]

I was planning on stacking it with my 2.5mm platinum wedding band.
I may triple-stack with my ER which is 2.5mm stuller solstice solitaire.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would not use an ebay seller. I''d get Leon to make it or Maytal Hannah.

http://www.maytalhannah.com/

 

[EricaR]

I''d take a Leon over pretty much anything else any day of the week!

 

[arjunajane]

I have to say the ebay one looks quite nice, but who really knows.
If you can afford the LM just go that way, no brainer.

 

[Deelight]

Leon hands down no brainer for me

 

[beau13]

I have purchased from that E-bay vendor before (mountings), his prices AMAZING, and the quality is there!! The gold is heavy, well made, and you can't beat the prices!! I was going to buy this band(if you do, make him an offer, he usually accepts) but then found my 5 stone band on E-bay. He ships quickly, and processes returns quickly as well. Good luck!

 

[beau13]

Date: 11/9/2008 7:42:16 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I would not use an ebay seller. I''d get Leon to make it or Maytal Hannah.

http://www.maytalhannah.com/

Sorry, I have to disagree..I assure you ,..YOU will be happy with that ring..and it''s almost silly to spend so much more $$ on a very similar ring. I think some PS''ers know I have found some incredible jewelry on E-bay, never had a problem (you''re protected as a buyer with paypal, and E-bay). Pswinn (this particular seller) is VERY honest, great to deal with, and like I said, save a few hundred (maybe thousands) to have a ring that looks as though it was custom made (it was, just not by Leon or Maytal) which is why their rings are "marked up"..just a name!! You will feel so much better in the end, with the gorgeous band on your hand, and the extra $$ in your pocket. Afterall, you can return it without a problem..does Leon offer returns?

 

[ficklefaye]

Date: 11/12/2008 7:03:04 AM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/9/2008 7:42:16 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

I would not use an ebay seller. I''d get Leon to make it or Maytal Hannah.


http://www.maytalhannah.com/

Sorry, I have to disagree..I assure you ,..YOU will be happy with that ring..and it''s almost silly to spend so much more $$ on a very similar ring. I think some PS''ers know I have found some incredible jewelry on E-bay, never had a problem (you''re protected as a buyer with paypal, and E-bay). Pswinn (this particular seller) is VERY honest, great to deal with, and like I said, save a few hundred (maybe thousands) to have a ring that looks as though it was custom made (it was, just not by Leon or Maytal) which is why their rings are ''marked up''..just a name!! You will feel so much better in the end, with the gorgeous band on your hand, and the extra $$ in your pocket. Afterall, you can return it without a problem..does Leon offer returns?

sorry to hijack this thread, but i just had to thank beau13 for this post. i have personally never been into labels (clothes, shoes, etc.), but when it came to my engagement ring (reset, was not ps educated first time around), i thought why not splurge on a name brand since i will have it the rest of my life, but alas, times are tough and i can only afford to spend so much, i have found a similar more reasonably priced setting and i am more than happy to be saving the money

alloamie, it really is up to you, but love the ring, not the name

 

[purrfectpear]

I don''t know about the quality of the eBay seller on the rest of their stock, but THAT ring is bent. Look at the pictures carefully. It''s not an optical illusion. You can confirm the out-of-round by looking at the pics where the ring should be flat on the horizontal surface. It''s not. See the light under the ring where it''s not flat against the table?

Personally that''s a turn off for me.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 11/19/2008 1:34:07 PM
Author: purrfectpear
I don''t know about the quality of the eBay seller on the rest of their stock, but THAT ring is bent. Look at the pictures carefully. It''s not an optical illusion. You can confirm the out-of-round by looking at the pics where the ring should be flat on the horizontal surface. It''s not. See the light under the ring where it''s not flat against the table?


Personally that''s a turn off for me.

Yup, the ring appears bent to me too.

 

[beau13]

Date: 11/19/2008 12:02:07 AM
Author: ficklefaye

Date: 11/12/2008 7:03:04 AM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/9/2008 7:42:16 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

I would not use an ebay seller. I'd get Leon to make it or Maytal Hannah.


http://www.maytalhannah.com/

Sorry, I have to disagree..I assure you ,..YOU will be happy with that ring..and it's almost silly to spend so much more $$ on a very similar ring. I think some PS'ers know I have found some incredible jewelry on E-bay, never had a problem (you're protected as a buyer with paypal, and E-bay). Pswinn (this particular seller) is VERY honest, great to deal with, and like I said, save a few hundred (maybe thousands) to have a ring that looks as though it was custom made (it was, just not by Leon or Maytal) which is why their rings are 'marked up'..just a name!! You will feel so much better in the end, with the gorgeous band on your hand, and the extra $$ in your pocket. Afterall, you can return it without a problem..does Leon offer returns?

sorry to hijack this thread, but i just had to thank beau13 for this post. i have personally never been into labels (clothes, shoes, etc.), but when it came to my engagement ring (reset, was not ps educated first time around), i thought why not splurge on a name brand since i will have it the rest of my life, but alas, times are tough and i can only afford to spend so much, i have found a similar more reasonably priced setting and i am more than happy to be saving the money

alloamie, it really is up to you, but love the ring, not the name

Ahhh..thanks Fickle. I do enjoy some brand name items..however, I find I get most compliments on clothing/jewelry that are NOT brand name. It doesn't matter what the label says, it's how you pull it off, or how well you wear it! My 5 stone band is just as beautiful as ones I've seen on this site made by "such & such"..and the only difference between mine, and those..is the pricetag! (which must piss some people off, although they'd never admit it..lol) It makes me feel REAL good knowing I saved a ton of cash for the exact same look!! Same applies for my solitaire! I can sleep better knowing I saved thousands on my jewelry purchases, (and still get people oohing & awing my rings) & can still afford to sink the $ 5000 I saved,into my kid's education fund! It only matters how you feel about your ring..and it's highly unlikely that someone will approach you and say "is that a Tiffany" If they do..they are likely one of those people who try to keep up with the "Jones'", and spend more than they can afford to get the "look". I have friends that can barely make ends meet, but they wouldn't dare consider trading in the Mercedes for a Toyota, or their LV handbag for a Guess handbag! I guess they feel more successful, or more powerful with the "labels" or as I call them "status symbols" (that's all they are!) I have always remembered my dad telling me "clothes don't make the man"!! Boy was he right!!
I'm sure the setting you found is fabulous..and I'm happy it makes you feel good for having the ring of your dreams PLUS extra cash for something else!

I'd love to see pics of your new purchase!

 

[Maisie]

I would buy the Leon because I am a label type of gal

Seriously though, I would be reluctant to buy from Ebay purely because you just never know what you will get. I know Beau says she has dealt with this seller but I still wouldn''t want to spend that much money on there.

As for the mixed reviews on Leon.. I think that has more to do with his customer service than his pieces?

 

[beau13]

Date: 11/19/2008 2:45:31 PM
Author: Maisie
I would buy the Leon because I am a label type of gal

Seriously though, I would be reluctant to buy from Ebay purely because you just never know what you will get. I know Beau says she has dealt with this seller but I still wouldn''t want to spend that much money on there.

As for the mixed reviews on Leon.. I think that has more to do with his customer service than his pieces?

You can always return the item if unsatisfied!

 

[Maisie]

Date: 11/19/2008 2:51:55 PM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/19/2008 2:45:31 PM
Author: Maisie
I would buy the Leon because I am a label type of gal

Seriously though, I would be reluctant to buy from Ebay purely because you just never know what you will get. I know Beau says she has dealt with this seller but I still wouldn''t want to spend that much money on there.

As for the mixed reviews on Leon.. I think that has more to do with his customer service than his pieces?

You can always return the item if unsatisfied!

Thats true but for me it would be a bit of a hassle... I would be pretty sure that a ring from Leon would be perfect first time

 

[beau13]

Date: 11/19/2008 2:55:00 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 11/19/2008 2:51:55 PM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/19/2008 2:45:31 PM
Author: Maisie
I would buy the Leon because I am a label type of gal

Seriously though, I would be reluctant to buy from Ebay purely because you just never know what you will get. I know Beau says she has dealt with this seller but I still wouldn't want to spend that much money on there.

As for the mixed reviews on Leon.. I think that has more to do with his customer service than his pieces?

You can always return the item if unsatisfied!

Thats true but for me it would be a bit of a hassle... I would be pretty sure that a ring from Leon would be perfect first time

Nothing is perfect, but it had better be darn close... considering the 100- 200% markup you pay for one of his creations!!

 

[beau13]

I forgot to say welcome to PS Fickle..(I see you are relatively new here). Hope you learn alot. It''s so great to see "real" people joining the forum.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 11/19/2008 3:09:06 PM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/19/2008 2:55:00 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 11/19/2008 2:51:55 PM
Author: beau13

Date: 11/19/2008 2:45:31 PM
Author: Maisie
I would buy the Leon because I am a label type of gal

Seriously though, I would be reluctant to buy from Ebay purely because you just never know what you will get. I know Beau says she has dealt with this seller but I still wouldn''t want to spend that much money on there.

As for the mixed reviews on Leon.. I think that has more to do with his customer service than his pieces?

You can always return the item if unsatisfied!

Thats true but for me it would be a bit of a hassle... I would be pretty sure that a ring from Leon would be perfect first time

Nothing is perfect, but it had better be darn close... considering the 100- 200% markup you pay for one of his creations!!

Sure, there is a mark up. I guess its down to the individual to choose whether its worth it to them. Everybody has different priorities.

I''m real too Beau.. go on poke me!

 

[mrssalvo]

I wouldn''t buy jewelry on ebay unless you can really afford to lose the $. honestly, that''s my motto with anything I buy on ebay and I do buy things on there. You can read countless stories on here of folks who have not been as lucky as beau with ebay/paypal returns and lost a lot of money. Do a search on ebay and you''ll find them easily enough. There have been a few that have gotten great ebay deals I''m just not convinced this is one of them.

Honestly, Leon''s pricing is not marked up at all like many other big name designer rings are. Most even find his quotes less than they expect. I don''t know what maytal''s pricing is but her work seems lovely. You might also look at beverley K or Ritani rings. they are very well made and aren''t marked up as high but you are guaranteed quality which is something that is important to me.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Have you ever tried on a band that is 1.5 mm thick. It is pretty thin. If you have, than great. If not you really should before you buy something that is non-refundable. Tiffany''s has a micropave band that is pretty thin (metro band). I love LM''s stuff, so I would go for that. But I can''t say anything about the e-bay vendor because I just don''t know enough about e-bay.

 

[suchende]

If I were you I''d make an offer on the Erica Grace OEC band ... http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_and_reproduction_rings

(gotta scroll down, sorry)

 

[alloamie]

Thanks for all of the responses!
I ditched the micro-pave route and ordered a shared-prong eternity band from Signed Pieces. I''m anxiously waiting for it!
I was hesitant to make such a large purchase on eBay and would have LOVED to have the LM ring, but was reluctant since there are no returns.
Hopefully the facets band will quench my desire for an eternity band so i can stop obsessing! haha

 

[Harriet]

I hope it works out for you too!

 

[Harriet]

Date: 11/12/2008 7:03:04 AM
Author: beau13
Sorry, I have to disagree..I assure you ,..YOU will be happy with that ring..and it''s almost silly to spend so much more $$ on a very similar ring. I think some PS''ers know I have found some incredible jewelry on E-bay, never had a problem (you''re protected as a buyer with paypal, and E-bay). Pswinn (this particular seller) is VERY honest, great to deal with, and like I said, save a few hundred (maybe thousands) to have a ring that looks as though it was custom made (it was, just not by Leon or Maytal) which is why their rings are ''marked up''..just a name!! You will feel so much better in the end, with the gorgeous band on your hand, and the extra $$ in your pocket. Afterall, you can return it without a problem..does Leon offer returns?

I''m disagreeing in turn. I have had no experience with Maytal, but am confident that Leon''s rings are not "marked up" for the quality you receive. also, as much as I''m a fan of his, is he really a "name?" I''ve had many jewellers in New York ask me who made my rings. None knew of Leon. As for ebay vendors, all I can say is that one gets what one pays for.

 

[kcoursolle]

This is a no brainer for me, I''d take the leon!!! ;

 

[Tuckins1]

Oooohh... Yeah. That ring is definitely bent... Pretty though!

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 11/19/2008 3:12:19 PM
Author: beau13
I forgot to say welcome to PS Fickle..(I see you are relatively new here). Hope you learn alot. It's so great to see 'real' people joining the forum.

'Real' people? I feel slightly offended at this. Do you assume, beau13, that absolutely EVERYONE on PS needs a name brand, or that those who do like brands are somehow less than those like you who don't? Because that's how it sounds to me.

To the OP, I think if you're comfortable making the purchase from an eBay seller, then go for it! Buying from eBay is riskier than buying from an established jeweler, but also considerably less expensive. Everyone's priorities when it comes to jewelry are different, so weigh it out and go with the choice that works best for you. But no matter where you buy your ring, you must post pics for us.

 

[rainydaze]

Date: 11/19/2008 3:12:19 PM
Author: beau13
I forgot to say welcome to PS Fickle..(I see you are relatively new here). Hope you learn alot. It''s so great to see ''real'' people joining the forum.





"I''m not high maintenance..I only appear that way!" Beau

by ''real'' people, do you mean those who put on appearances?

 

[Harriet]

Gwen, Rainydaze,
Count me in.
P.S. I don;t have the nerve to refer to my jewellery as "incredible." Perhaps that makes me "unreal?"

In any case, Fickle has chosen her band. Here's to hoping she's happy with it.