Price Differences vs. Quality: Leon Mege v. Taffin v. Garrard

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/21/2007 10:59:31 PM
Author: widget
Holy smokes....

....OK... I''d go to him. But I''d want him to design a mounting for my stone, and not ask that he do a simple classic pave solitaire.

Ditto ... if *this* is what he has in mind for your stone, proceed at once.

My one concern with his *designs* is that some of them almost camouflage the larger stones rather than feature them. If your goal is to "feature" the center stone ... I''d just be sure to communicate that.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/21/2007 11:16:19 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 6/21/2007 10:59:31 PM

Author: widget

Holy smokes....

....OK... I''d go to him. But I''d want him to design a mounting for my stone, and not ask that he do a simple classic pave solitaire.

Ditto ... if *this* is what he has in mind for your stone, proceed at once.


My one concern with his *designs* is that some of them almost camouflage the larger stones rather than feature them. If your goal is to ''feature'' the center stone ... I''d just be sure to communicate that.

Agreed. I really don''t think that you''ll be happy at this point UNLESS you go with Taffin. Sounds like at this point you have made up your mind and are just looking for US to reinforce that decision.

So go to Taffin!

 

[widget]

OT: Hey Deco...

What did you think of that necklace of sort of hook and eye "buttons, with the black rubber cord??? I LOVED it! (I wish I knew how to capture those pictures...)


widget

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/21/2007 11:21:38 PM
Author: widget
OT: Hey Deco...


What did you think of that necklace of sort of hook and eye ''buttons, with the black rubber cord??? I LOVED it! (I wish I knew how to capture those pictures...)



widget

I''m not Deco, but that was the coolest piece of jewelry I have seen in a long time! Loved it!

 

[Love in Bloom]

Date: 6/21/2007 11:32:58 PM
Author: neatfreak

I''m not Deco, but that was the coolest piece of jewelry I have seen in a long time! Loved it!

I agree. There was just something so original and seductive about it. Definitely a suggestive and sophisticated design!

 

[neatfreak]

For everyone''s viewing pleasure:

 

[Kaleigh]

WOW!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/21/2007 11:21:38 PM
Author: widget
OT: Hey Deco...
What did you think of that necklace of sort of hook and eye ''buttons, with the black rubber cord???

Ingenious, fabulous, amazing ... but not something I''d *wear*. These, however, I''d wear from now to the grave. I think there are big stones buried in there -- do my eyes deceive?

 

[Gypsy]

Um. I want my asscher set like this. And chrono''s... and all asschers really. I can''t express how much I love that setting. Holy smokes!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I appreciate the art quality of his jewelry, but I think one would be overpaying for a simple pave engagement ring from a designer like this. It might be worth it if you were having some unique piece created, but I just don''t see how his setting for an engagement ring is going to be twice as beautiful or twice the quality as one from Leon. But actually, I think the double price must be for the name, although most of us here had not heard of him!

But, as everyone said, if the name means that much to you, then by all means pay for it.

 

[erica k]

i LOVE de Givenchy''s fantastical pieces, they''re whimsical and sophisticated at the same time. BUT, he seems like the sort of designer you''d go to if you wanted something in that vein. it sounds like you want something much simpler, which perhaps Leon Mege could do as just as well as Taffin (and at a lower cost).

i think i understand your love of bespoke. it isn''t about how flashy the suit or ring or piece of luggage is. it''s about every little detail being inextricably tied to you and your expectations/feelings for the engagement and marriage. trust is absolutely essential to bespoke. Leon is perfectly capable of working with you to design something wonderful, but if you don''t trust him 100%, maybe you''ll both become frustrated.

my question would be: how much of your trust in de Givenchy is fueled by your love of his other designs (which are fabulous), the amount of media attention he''s received, and the possible style icon status that his firm might achieve? although these factors are very important in anyone''s decision to buy something, it seems like you''re more interested in the high quality of work and individuality that is implicit in bespoke objects. maybe your ring won''t look much different than a fine Leon Mege creation to the general observer, but a huge part of bespoke''s allure is the construction of positive memories about the highly individualized process of designing and producing a unique object. this isn''t to say that Leon''s custom pieces aren''t unique. it''s more about the feelings and thoughts associated with the object that will stick with you in the end, and if you feel Taffin can produce a truer bespoke ring, then go with that firm.

the one thing i worry about in terms of the bespoke issue is that your partner is not being involved in any of this process. you''ve played the detective and spent over a year trying to make the perfect ring for her. i think it''s wonderful that you''ve focused so intently on her and the relationship via the ring. BUT, it seems that bespoke gives the most pleasure to the person for whom the object is being created, give or take the designer''s input, of course. this person would be you, even though the recipient is your future wife. if my husband were doing something similar, i would be touched by all the thought that went into it, but i would be disappointed that i missed out on the wonderful experience of bespoke. the ring would be beautiful, of course, but that special element would likely be missing from my feelings towards it.

does that make sense? the advice you''ve received here has been the best possible without anyone having a personal knowledge of Taffin (craftsmanship, service, etc.). you seem to be happiest with the idea of a bespoke ring from de Givenchy. is it worth the extra $5000? again, if my husband did something like this for me, i''d be intrigued by the IDEA of bespoke, but at the end of the day, i''d rather have a bigger stone or a more unique (not super flashy, but ''interesting'') design.

i hope for the sake of whomever you choose to design the ring that nothing goes wrong! or maybe they''re used to really demanding high-stakes commissions?

ok, it''s really late and i need to go to sleep now before the cats take over the bed. best of luck!

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 6/22/2007 12:27:11 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I appreciate the art quality of his jewelry, but I think one would be overpaying for a simple pave engagement ring from a designer like this. It might be worth it if you were having some unique piece created, but I just don''t see how his setting for an engagement ring is going to be twice as beautiful or twice the quality as one from Leon. But actually, I think the double price must be for the name, although most of us here had not heard of him!


But, as everyone said, if the name means that much to you, then by all means pay for it.

Exactly my thoughts, diamondseeker!

 

[Gypsy]

I want this. I really do.

Not with Silk though. With a white gold chain. With a blue sapphire cushion in the middle.

 

[angeline]

Date: 6/22/2007 12:37:16 AM
Author: erica k
i LOVE de Givenchy''s fantastical pieces, they''re whimsical and sophisticated at the same time. BUT, he seems like the sort of designer you''d go to if you wanted something in that vein. it sounds like you want something much simpler, which perhaps Leon Mege could do as just as well as Taffin (and at a lower cost).


i think i understand your love of bespoke. it isn''t about how flashy the suit or ring or piece of luggage is. it''s about every little detail being inextricably tied to you and your expectations/feelings for the engagement and marriage. trust is absolutely essential to bespoke. Leon is perfectly capable of working with you to design something wonderful, but if you don''t trust him 100%, maybe you''ll both become frustrated.


my question would be: how much of your trust in de Givenchy is fueled by your love of his other designs (which are fabulous), the amount of media attention he''s received, and the possible style icon status that his firm might achieve? although these factors are very important in anyone''s decision to buy something, it seems like you''re more interested in the high quality of work and individuality that is implicit in bespoke objects. maybe your ring won''t look much different than a fine Leon Mege creation to the general observer, but a huge part of bespoke''s allure is the construction of positive memories about the highly individualized process of designing and producing a unique object. this isn''t to say that Leon''s custom pieces aren''t unique. it''s more about the feelings and thoughts associated with the object that will stick with you in the end, and if you feel Taffin can produce a truer bespoke ring, then go with that firm.


the one thing i worry about in terms of the bespoke issue is that your partner is not being involved in any of this process. you''ve played the detective and spent over a year trying to make the perfect ring for her. i think it''s wonderful that you''ve focused so intently on her and the relationship via the ring. BUT, it seems that bespoke gives the most pleasure to the person for whom the object is being created, give or take the designer''s input, of course. this person would be you, even though the recipient is your future wife. if my husband were doing something similar, i would be touched by all the thought that went into it, but i would be disappointed that i missed out on the wonderful experience of bespoke. the ring would be beautiful, of course, but that special element would likely be missing from my feelings towards it.


does that make sense? the advice you''ve received here has been the best possible without anyone having a personal knowledge of Taffin (craftsmanship, service, etc.). you seem to be happiest with the idea of a bespoke ring from de Givenchy. is it worth the extra $5000? again, if my husband did something like this for me, i''d be intrigued by the IDEA of bespoke, but at the end of the day, i''d rather have a bigger stone or a more unique (not super flashy, but ''interesting'') design.


i hope for the sake of whomever you choose to design the ring that nothing goes wrong! or maybe they''re used to really demanding high-stakes commissions?


ok, it''s really late and i need to go to sleep now before the cats take over the bed. best of luck!

I really think that you have captured the essence here. Really well written

 

[Art Nouveau]

Fanboy:

I have never heard of Taffin or James Givenchy before I read your threads. I have gone to the links you provided and I agree he can be the next JAR. His designs are original and whimsical and fun. I would pay $10,000 for him to make a custom mounting, but I would want an original design and not just a classic solitaire with a single sided micro pave band. Is he doing something unusual with the basket, prongs, gallery? You have received a lot of good advice already, so I won''t repeat what others have said. I just want to emphasize that when you ask for custom work, especially hand fabricated projects, the end result may not be exactly the same as what is in your head, and I am telling you this from personal experience. If I were asking Taffin to make a custom design for me, I would give him a color stone and let him go wild with it. Or if I can afford it, I would just buy a piece that is already made so I know exactly what I am getting.

Widget: Love the necklace with the buttons. It''s kind of sexy. I am not sure how Neatfreak did it, but you can save the picture by doing a print screen. The button is usually on the top row of the key board on the right. After you hit"print screen", open Word and do ''edit paste''. You will see the picture of the whole page. Use the "crop" tool in the picture tool bar. Crop out everything except the picture. Right click on the picture and select copy. Open a photo editing program like Photoshop. Open a new file, then do edit paste. Save the picture as a jpeg.

AN

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/22/2007 12:37:16 AM
Author: erica k
i LOVE de Givenchy''s fantastical pieces, they''re whimsical and sophisticated at the same time. BUT, he seems like the sort of designer you''d go to if you wanted something in that vein. it sounds like you want something much simpler, which perhaps Leon Mege could do as just as well as Taffin (and at a lower cost).

it seems that bespoke gives the most pleasure to the person for whom the object is being created, give or take the designer''s input, of course. this person would be you, even though the recipient is your future wife. if my husband were doing something similar, i would be touched by all the thought that went into it, but i would be disappointed that i missed out on the wonderful experience of bespoke. the ring would be beautiful, of course, but that special element would likely be missing from my feelings towards it.

Agree with both points wholeheartedly. From what I know of Fanboy though ... HE isn''t going to feel right about the purchase unless it''s Taffin.

 

[Vix]

Beautiful summation, Erika; IMO, you''ve captured the crux of the matter.

Fanboy, perhaps your fiancee is used to you controlling various aspects of your lives together -- but again, going bespoke without her involvement makes the ring more about you than her. No matter how much you try to sell this choice as immersing yourself in what she''d want etc etc, it''s about what you want. Which is fine, I suppose, but as Erika mentioned it reduces the *receiver''s* experience of a custom ring.

I could see choosing the designer, including making financial arrangements to solidify the commitment. I could see presenting the diamond along with a proposal. I could see including Designer''s Card and informing my beloved that we had an appointment on such-and-such a day. I could see accompanying my be-diamond''d love to said jeweler and watching the reactions to Jeweler''s suggestions. I could even see weighing in with my own .02 once I had a lay of the proverbial land.

But I can''t see doing it the way you''re planning.

 

[Dogmom]

It sounds to me as if you want to go with Taffin, but are trying to justify the higher cost compared to Leon and are looking to the members of PS to give you "permission" to do so. The extra $$ averaged over the life-span of the ring is minimal. Go with what speaks to your heart.

Good luck.

 

[fanboy]

Vix, I have to say, I somewhat resent the insinuation that I am exerting undue control over my girlfriend by going through this process and picking a ring. I understand that there are varying points-of-view on the matter, but it would appear to me that your insinuation depends a lot on assumptions with regard to our relationship, finances, and purchasing habits--all things you couldn't possibly be aware of.

As a couple, we do not typically consult about gifts we intend to give to one another. From our point of view, gifts are gifts and they are meant to convey a message from the giver to the recipient. My girlfriend has always claimed to not even want a ring, and refuses to discuss its details. All I can say is that I know her pretty well by now, and while I can certainly see why you or others might misunderstand our relationship, I do not see how that is relevant to a discussion about diamonds and jewelry.

Perhaps you might not think my traditional approach tasteful; but similar objections can be made against people picking out their own gifts and women 'upgrading' diamonds. I would not raise such objections because I respect the fact that everyone has the right to arrange their own relationships. In some relationships, upgrading an engagement ring would be incredibly hurtful and materialistic; in others, it's just a matter of pulling out a wallet. Which way is 'right' depends on you and your significant other.

I suggest that you be a bit more open-minded.

 

[fanboy]

Date: 6/22/2007 3:56:34 PM
Author: Dogmom
It sounds to me as if you want to go with Taffin, but are trying to justify the higher cost compared to Leon and are looking to the members of PS to give you 'permission' to do so. The extra $$ averaged over the life-span of the ring is minimal. Go with what speaks to your heart.

Good luck.

Well, put it this way: cost aside, I seen very little if any downside with using Taffin. The only issue is whether the added value is worth the extra $5,000. If I were infinitely wealthy, I would have chosen Taffin a long time ago.

However, in reality, I've got to also worry about wedding bands, paying for the wedding, maintaining sufficient savings, etc. No matter how rich anyone is, $5,000 is still $5,000.

 

[Vix]

My girlfriend has always claimed to not even want a ring, and refuses to discuss its details.

Hmmmm...now how would your posts lead me to make assumptions about your relationship?

Look, analyze/purchase/present the ring of your dreams. Just don't expect a hanky from me if she's not as in love with it as you are.

ps Given the incredibly (some might say overloaded) symbolism of an engagement ring, I don't really consider such an object as a "gift." Given the many lively -- nay, even contentious -- conversations about upgrades that *have* occurred on PS, my viewpoint has allies and detractors. And even within those categories, many contrasting opinions swirl about to keep things hopping.

 

[surfgirl]

Vix, you said what I wanted to say but didn''t quite get out. And when I read this:

"My girlfriend has always claimed to not even want a ring, and refuses to discuss its details."

I think, "...for gods sake, just get a ring and be done with it!" If she doesn''t even care about having a ring, get something basic and already set from a lovely store and bank the rest. Or save it for a fabulous honeymoon or whatever. But after all this conversation, and all the genuine help people have tried to offer, to hear that she doesn''t even really *want* a ring??? Well, this entire convo now seems...

 

[risingsun]

While you''re thinking about the e-ring, you also need to consider having the designer make a w-ring that will work well with this e-ring. That could be costly, depending upon the design and designer. Are you quite sure that she doesn''t have a preference for an e-ring? You seem to be on very different pages in this matter. Leon has a very simple solitaire on a thin shank, which would be beautiful for someone who is not a jewelry person. Do you think this situation has become overcomplicated, given your GF''s desire and interest in an e-ring?

 

[fanboy]

Vix and Surfgirl: there is a huge difference between claiming to not want an engagement ring and not actually wanting one. A very plausible way to understand such a statement is: "I don't need an engagement ring to get married or be happy." Indeed, if my girlfriend felt that she did need an engagement ring, she certainly woudn't be the right girl for me. Thankfully, she is neither so shallow nor so materialistic.

Fortunately, I am at a station in life where I am able to do something very nice for my girlfriend and would like to show her how I feel about her. This is purely a luxury. If we needed the money for something actually important, I would never have bought this diamond to begin with. However, just because it is a luxury, and my girlfriend is not well-versed in diamonds or engagement rings, doesn't mean she deserves anything less than the best I can give her.

Under your school of thought, only women who overtly express a desire or need for an engagement ring should receive lavish rings, while more modest women should receive simple ones. Frankly, I would find it in great distaste if my girlfriend spent significant time discussing what she wants for an engagement ring. I'm sure many men would agree. Anyway, wouldn't it nice to be genuinely surprised by someone else's generosity and affection without having to ask for it?

At any rate, you're not getting the point. I doesn't matter what my relationship is like. I could easily have signed on under a woman's name and just said I was looking for a ring for myself. To persist in making my relationship a factor in this discussion--as if you have any idea what you're talking about in that matter--is truly presumptious and futile. I'm sure you woudn't like it if I rejected your advice or input because of my inferences about you or your relationships. It's not just beyond the subject matter of this forum, but quite rude.

 

[InlovewithJHK]

Date: 6/22/2007 8:18:32 PM
Author: fanboy
Vix and Surfgirl: there is a huge difference between claiming to not want an engagement ring and not actually wanting one. A very plausible way to understand such a statement is: ''I don''t need an engagement ring to get married or be happy.'' Indeed, if my girlfriend felt that she did need an engagement ring, she certainly woudn''t be the right girl for me. Thankfully, she is neither so shallow nor so materialistic.

Fortunately, I am at a station in life where I am able to do something very nice for my girlfriend and would like to show her how I feel about her. This is purely a luxury. If we needed the money for something actually important, I would never have bought this diamond to begin with. However, just because it is a luxury, and my girlfriend is not well-versed in diamonds or engagement rings, doesn''t mean she deserves anything less than the best I can give her.

Under your school of thought, only women who overtly express a desire or need for an engagement ring should receive lavish rings, while more modest women should receive simple ones. Frankly, I would find it in great distaste if my girlfriend spent significant time discussing what she wants for an engagement ring. I''m sure many men would agree. Anyway, wouldn''t it nice to be genuinely surprised by someone else''s generosity and affection without having to ask for it?

At any rate, you''re not getting the point. I doesn''t matter what my relationship is like. I could easily have signed on under a woman''s name and just said I was looking for a ring for myself. To persist in making my relationship a factor in this discussion--as if you have any idea what you''re talking about in that matter--is truly presumptious and futile. I''m sure you woudn''t like it if I rejected your advice or input because of my inferences about you or your relationships. It''s not just beyond the subject matter of this forum, but quite rude.

I''ve been reading your threads on and off and I agree with you here. I''m sure your girlfriend knows your personality by now and your level of attention to detail and appreciates it, or else she wouldn''t be with you. You are making a decision that is important to you and you want opinions from us. I get that and I think it is appropriate. Good luck looking for your ring and I''m sure you''ll knock her socks off!

 

[surfgirl]

Date: 6/22/2007 8:18:32 PM
Author: fanboy
Vix and Surfgirl: there is a huge difference between claiming to not want an engagement ring and not actually wanting one. A very plausible way to understand such a statement is: 'I don't need an engagement ring to get married or be happy.' Indeed, if my girlfriend felt that she did need an engagement ring, she certainly woudn't be the right girl for me. Thankfully, she is neither so shallow nor so materialistic.


Fortunately, I am at a station in life where I am able to do something very nice for my girlfriend and would like to show her how I feel about her. This is purely a luxury. If we needed the money for something actually important, I would never have bought this diamond to begin with. However, just because it is a luxury, and my girlfriend is not well-versed in diamonds or engagement rings, doesn't mean she deserves anything less than the best I can give her.


Under your school of thought, only women who overtly express a desire or need for an engagement ring should receive lavish rings, while more modest women should receive simple ones. Frankly, I would find it in great distaste if my girlfriend spent significant time discussing what she wants for an engagement ring. I'm sure many men would agree. Anyway, wouldn't it nice to be genuinely surprised by someone else's generosity and affection without having to ask for it?


At any rate, you're not getting the point. I doesn't matter what my relationship is like. I could easily have signed on under a woman's name and just said I was looking for a ring for myself. To persist in making my relationship a factor in this discussion--as if you have any idea what you're talking about in that matter--is truly presumptious and futile. I'm sure you woudn't like it if I rejected your advice or input because of my inferences about you or your relationships. It's not just beyond the subject matter of this forum, but quite rude.

I'm sort of smiling reading this because I too could say "you're not getting the point" of what most of us are saying. Do I NEED an ering? Of course not. Did I want one, sure, most women do. Did I pontificate the details of what I wanted? Of course not. I dont know anyone here that would. Did I have a specific dollar point in mind that I wanted to spend. Of course not, that was entirely up to my FI. Did he want to be the one who decides what I wear on my hand for the rest of my life? Nope. But that's not good or bad, that's just how he is. He wanted me to choose something that made my heart sing because he wanted it to be perfect - for me - and therefore, my opinion was key. That's not to say that every guy out there who wants to "surprise" his lady with a ring she knows nothing about is wrong. But at this point, it seems like you just like to say the word BESPOKE an awful lot and let's be honest, we've all given you our thoughts, opinions, etc. and there is nothing left to add. You keep beating a dead horse. Just go get your Taffin ring already. And when it's finished, please do come back and post photos so we can all see what this ring looks like in the end.

Goodnight, Good Luck, and enjoy your Station!

 

[hikerchick]

Well, I for one, think it is pretty wonderful that you want to get your girlfriend the best, most perfect ring that you feel you can. I also suspect you know her tastes and likes and dislikes. I also told my boyfriend that "I don''t need a ring" and that marrying him is all I really wanted. This doesn''t mean that I didn''t want or love the ring any less. I get what you are saying. This has little to do with your relationship and more to do with your tastes. Every relationship is different and it is not our place to judge yours and I understand why you are insulted by the insinuations. My BF let me be "in charge" of the ring choosing because he isn''t into the research aspect as much as I am, so we choose it together because that was right for us. I am sure she will love it, whichever you choose. I have never seen either designers work in person and we will never be able to afford this level of luxuries so I cannot help you with your decision BUT I think it is sweet that you want so much to give her something "perfect". Good Luck and please post pictures when you get the ring finished.

 

[NewUser]

While not all women feel this way, I think it is fair to say that most women would want some say in what a ring that they were going to wear every day of their lives looks like. Jewelry is very personal. My advice is that you put the diamond in a temporary setting and propose to her letting her know that you want her to be happy with the ring and then go through this process of a having a custom piece made together.

With regard to Taffin, I liked some of his pieces but some not so much. I really don't like the piece that looks like you are opening buttons on a blouse. It is a clever idea, but not my cup of tea. Someone else did like it. I didn't like his halo piece at all, either, too busy. But that is just me.

While it is possible that you know your FF well enough to know for sure what she would like and what she wouldn't, you may be surprised. She may like what you pick for her and not love it when if you had only had her input, you could have given her the ring of her dreams. You may end up picking the ring that is perfect for you but not perfect for her even though you think you know her well enough to pick out the ring that is perfect for her.

If my DH had done what you are doing, he would have picked out a ring that I would have liked. However, he would not have been able to pick one out that I loved because until I educated myself about all the wonderful designs out there, I would have not been able to let him know what it was that I loved. I need to look and look and look and examine this one and that one and yet another one and see them on MY fingers, not anyone else's fingers, and then I would know what it is that I loved. I think you are depriving her of all that fun and possibily depriving yourself of seeing the joy in her eyes when she finds the perfect ring for her. You may never see that because the one you pick for her may not be the one she would have picked for herself to wear on her hand every day of her life. Of course, she won't love you any less if the ring is not perfect for her but it seems like you are looking for the perfect ring for her and I don't see how that is possible without her input. She may say it is perfect for her not to hurt your feelings or you may really pick out the perfect ring for her all by yoursef. I just think you maximize the odds of getting it right if you get her input.

It could be a wonderful experience for both of you to go through the custom ring process together.

 

[NewUser]

Date: 6/21/2007 11:35:38 PM
Author: neatfreak
For everyone''s viewing pleasure:

How are you able to capture the pictures from that site?

 

[widget]

Date: 6/22/2007 9:52:05 PM
Author: NewUser

Date: 6/21/2007 11:35:38 PM
Author: neatfreak
For everyone''s viewing pleasure:

How are you able to capture the pictures from that site?

hi, NU...Art Nouveau answered that question at the bottom of her post above:

you can save the picture by doing a print screen. The button is usually on the top row of the key board on the right. After you hit"print screen", open Word and do ''edit paste''. You will see the picture of the whole page. Use the "crop" tool in the picture tool bar. Crop out everything except the picture. Right click on the picture and select copy. Open a photo editing program like Photoshop. Open a new file, then do edit paste. Save the picture as a jpeg.


AN: Well....I still can''t do it. I did get to capture a page on my Word, and was terribly excited.

Then I bogged down. Still working on it!