Newbie - Leon Mege Appointment?

[newbie08]

Hello all.

I am new to pricescope and this is my first post! I have searched and searched the forum to find an answer already posted to not waste everyone''s time, but I can''t find a specific answer...

I just received a quote I had requested from Leon on one of his simple classic solitaire settings. I live in NYC and would like to see the solitaire setting I''m working from before moving forward (just to see it in person since I''m in the area). On his website he seems to suggest you can''t meet with him unless you are dropping off a stone. Is that the case or have NYC locals met with him to see pieces before starting a project?

Obviously I could call Leon directly and ask for an appt., but I am still working up the courage to do so. I know, I know - so lame that I''m so intimidated by him and his amazing work but I just need all of the information before I feel comfortable calling and asking!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[CrookedRock]

Do you have a stone yet? He does prefer to talk with people once they have a stone. But there is no reason to be nervous. Remember that you are paying him. Not the other way around. He should not hesitate to let you come and see a solitaire if he has one to show.

 

[newbie08]

Thanks for your help. No, I don''t have the stone yet. I wanted to pick out the setting but yet still be "surprised" by the proposal, so my boyfriend and I are attempting to finalize a setting that I love (I''ve been floundering for 6+ months) while my boyfriend researches and purchases the stone so that then he can go ahead with what I love without me specifically knowing exactly when it''s being made - if that makes any sense...

The moral is, I must call Leon and see what is possible! haha.

Thanks again.

 

[CrookedRock]

Call and tell him you aren''t allowed to know about the stone but you think it is between such and such size so you would like to see his solitaire to be sure that it''s what you want.
He''s really not scary... unless

LOL

 

[newbie08]

Haha - I did include in the quote the rough estimate of the size my bf is looking at but I think you''ve given me the boost to finally make "the call!" Thanks!!

 

[CrookedRock]

Not a problem... Just don''t tell him I told ya to call! LOL

 

[robh505]

Actually, as far as I know, he doesn''t have stock settings that you can go in and look at. I think you basically have to go off of the pictures. If you wanted to use him I think you need to get the loose diamond, print out a bunch of picutres of settings & styles that you like, and then go in and meet with him to desgin your ring.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/18/2008 2:20:02 PM
Author: CrookedRock
Not a problem... Just don''t tell him I told ya to call! LOL

 

[stone_seeker]

Ughhh...i dont get why so many people are intimidated by Leon or any person for that matter that you are paying to perform a service.

I''ve seen many similar threads. I think this is being further perpetuated by these types of threads. People worried that he wont work with small stones or a certain metal, etc. I dont get it. Why would you want to work with someone you are scared of? If he doesnt fulfill his end or does something you dont agree with with your jewelry will you be too scared to say something? These are your hard earned dollars at work and Leon, for all his fine craftsmanship, is one of about a dozen or so between 47-50th street who can produce AMAZING jewelry including solitaires and micropave. Some of which might be even better. And frankly, from what I''ve read about his "bedside manner", Leon is the last place I would take my most valuable stones. I dont reward that kind of behavior with $10K of my money.

So please dont be afraid to work with someone or find someone you feel comfortable bossing around since you are paying them! Because, in the end, if the piece doesnt come out the way you want, you might be too timid to say something and then be forced to live with a piece you arent 100% satisfied with.

 

[clop]

Hi newbie08!

By all means, call and make an appointment, and ask if he has settings for you to look at in person. From my understanding, I thought they don''t keep them in stock, but I''d definitely ask.

You don''t need to work up the courage to call. I''ve spoken with him numerous times, and emailed. He was been really nice, polite, and actually quite cordial; basically everything you would expect from a professional.

My purchases haven''t been astronomical, quite the contrary - a pave band, and a platinum band so far. I had read some posts prior to my contacting him, and I was pleasantly surprised by his friendly demeanor.

 

[:)]

I wouldn't make an appointment without a stone in hand to discuss (not committing to a sale, but to have your merchandise in hand for him to look at while you talk). Not for fear of him, but because a big part of what he does is provide an artist's eye for what can be done with your stone - he doesn't stock settings to just go in and try on like a retailer. Examples of what I am referring to are things like determining if a stone looks better with double or single claw prongs, choosing proportions of side stones, etc. Some things you can certainly say you would prefer but IMO if you use someone like Leon, one of the ultimate reasons you are using him is for his expert eyes. If you don't agree c/ what he recommends after meeting with him stone in hand, then you can look elsewhere.

 

[newbie08]

Thanks all for your help. I did call and it is true, you cannot see stock pieces (or at least not stock solitaire pieces). He was however extremely nice and polite!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/19/2008 11:20:05 AM
Author: newbie08
Thanks all for your help. I did call and it is true, you cannot see stock pieces (or at least not stock solitaire pieces). He was however extremely nice and polite!

Thanks for the update; I was reading your thread last night, this will be great for others who might have the same question!