questions on setter in nyc or philly

[md74]

So, yesterday I managed to drop my pear solitaire on a marble floor . It was already a bit loose, and now it''s really loose (to the point I don''t think I should wear it).

I have put off getting another reset done, but this is now pushing me to do it. This will be the 3rd handmade, platinum setting for the stone in 4 years (terrible). The first setting (done by the place my husband got the stone) was faulty and collapsed on itself. The second setting, done by a jeweler who does settings for some of the biggies on 5th avenue, I don''t really think was ever completely right. I kept having the stone come loose, and once they tightened it and left prongs with air space underneath. The last time I had it tightened, they told me my wedding ring was wearing away the prongs and the next time I needed to have it tightened I should just have it reset.

So here I am, and I just want to get a really good quality solitaire setting that I will be happy with aesthetically, and that will also keep my stone secure. I might like to do something a little interesting, but fairly classic - not chunky modern.

It makes me nervous to leave my stone with someone, although I know that is what I will need to do. The second setting they didn''t make me leave it, although it was handmade. They just had me bring it in a couple times, but that could be why the setting didn''t seem quite right. I am really sentimental, and never plan on changing the stone (I promised my husband I would never upgrade). It is insured, of course, but I would really hate to have to replace it, so I want to be sure I can trust whoever I leave it with to take good care of it.

I''d really appreciate any recommendations in New York or Philly.

Thanks, everybody!

 

[Harriet]

In NY, I'd recommend Leon Mege: www.artofplatinum.com I've done a couple of projects with him and have been happy. He will have you leave your stone, though.

 

[Bliss]

I echo Leon but wanted to add EngagementRingsDirect.com. Ask for Mark - he''s the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Leon doesn''t recommend wearing wedding bands next to his settings. I would make sure to have someone look at your wedding band and let you know how much damage it''s causing.

 

[sarah95]

In Philly, I highly recommend Govberg jewelers. They set my diamond and did a great job.

 

[md74]

Thanks everybody for the recommendations.

Harriet, I had been thinking of Leon, and have admired your rings in the past. Do you think Leon would be open to doing a solitaire for my pear with possibly something unique going on with it, but just platinum? Yeah, I know I would have to leave the stone with him, but I am thinking, given my experience, that that is what is needed at this point (to ensure a proper setting for my individual stone). I just wanted to get a recommendation of someone I can really trust to leave my stone with them. Sounds like you have trusted him over and over, so he must be good.

Gypsy, I had heard that Leon does not like people to wear the pave rings next to each other, and certainly I would understand that with pave, but I will only be getting a solitaire,and my wedding ring is plain (I wear a diamond band on the other hand). I let the other people know that I planned on wearing the rings next to each other when I had them do the setting (the 2nd one). They didn''t say a word against it at the time, so I thought it was a little odd that they didn''t seem to warn against it, and yet were telling me to get a new setting after less than two years because of the rings rubbing (the way they did the other I now realize made them rub right on the prongs, instead of the band). I do plan on working with whomever I go with to ensure that everything will work, but thanks for the warning.

I will look into all of these, and if anyone else has recommendations, I''ll take those, too!

Thanks!

 

[Miss Fortune]

Date: 1/24/2009 7:15:09 PM
Author: Harriet
In NY, I''d recommend Leon Mege: www.artofplatinum.com I''ve done a couple of projects with him and have been happy. He will have you leave your stone, though.

ditto ditto ditto. get a leon!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

When I ordered my solitaire setting, I told Leon I''d be wearing a specific wedding band with it, and they fit together perfectly. Things may be different with a pear, but I would think that it can be done. You really need some pictures to give him an idea of what you want, though. Calling him with no ideas probably will result in some frustration on your part.

 

[Bex215]

I''m in Philly and I have been working with Henri David at his store, Halloween, on my engagement ring. A friend of mine is having him re-set her solitaire e-ring too.
If you''re looking for something gorgeous and unique, it is definitely worth a visit. He does amazing custom work in addition to having a phenomenal "showroom" of pieces. His store is a little hidden (no signs, its in an old rowhome) so it can be hard to miss, and he doesn''t have an official website. He''s at 1329 Pine St. The store alone is magnificent and he''s SO easy to work with-definitely knows his stuff.
I know everyone here adores Leon and he does do great work, but I thought I''d throw in my small, local suggestion.
Good luck with your search!

 

[Harriet]

Date: 1/25/2009 12:26:11 AM
Author: md74
Thanks everybody for the recommendations.

Harriet, I had been thinking of Leon, and have admired your rings in the past. Do you think Leon would be open to doing a solitaire for my pear with possibly something unique going on with it, but just platinum? Yeah, I know I would have to leave the stone with him, but I am thinking, given my experience, that that is what is needed at this point (to ensure a proper setting for my individual stone). I just wanted to get a recommendation of someone I can really trust to leave my stone with them. Sounds like you have trusted him over and over, so he must be good.

Gypsy, I had heard that Leon does not like people to wear the pave rings next to each other, and certainly I would understand that with pave, but I will only be getting a solitaire,and my wedding ring is plain (I wear a diamond band on the other hand). I let the other people know that I planned on wearing the rings next to each other when I had them do the setting (the 2nd one). They didn''t say a word against it at the time, so I thought it was a little odd that they didn''t seem to warn against it, and yet were telling me to get a new setting after less than two years because of the rings rubbing (the way they did the other I now realize made them rub right on the prongs, instead of the band). I do plan on working with whomever I go with to ensure that everything will work, but thanks for the warning.

I will look into all of these, and if anyone else has recommendations, I''ll take those, too!

Thanks!

Hi,
Thanks. I don''t see why not. I''ve found Leon to be receptive to new ideas. However, as Diamondseeker says, you might want to have a general idea in mind before contacting him. As for the wedding band issue, I wear a micropave one with my solitaire and he''s resigned himself to it (he tsk tsk-ed for a while).

 

[md74]

Thanks, everybody! I appreciate the info and recommendations. I thought I would ask about Philly too because my in laws are there, so I could get it done there as well.

Thanks for advice on having a photo for Leon. Guess I should start looking around regardless. I want to stay pretty classic, just maybe something a little different going on with the prongs or something without sacrificing whatever support my pear needs.

I appreciate everybody''s input.

 

[Harriet]

I doubt you need an actual photo. A number of parameters will do.