Reset -- Who to use?

[Demelza]

No, I''m not resetting my round. I''m wanting to reset my 1.5 ct emerald cut into a very simple, delicate platinum setting with tapered baguettes on either side. I am trying to decide between Leon and Maytal.

I much prefer Maytal''s personality and would very much enjoy working with her. I''ve also heard that her work is flawless and precise. There''s also the added benefit that she''s in LA.

The downside is that she isn''t well-known for doing simple classic designs the way Leon is. In all honesty, the rings on her website just aren''t my style.

That said, is there any reason to think that she couldn''t do a fantastic job on this ring or do I just go with Leon since I love the look of his simple 3-stone designs?

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

altho I haven''t been here that long, imho Leon is the king of "simple, classic designs" and if you love the look of his work, I would go with him.

good luck!

 

[Harriet]

If it's one of Leon's existing designs that you want, I don't see why you would have to interact much with him. The only downside is that you'll have to deal with shipping.

 

[angeline]

Whew! for a moment there.... thought we might be treated to some more gorgeous pics of a new re-set..

I had a fancy-schmancy halo made by Maytal (who is an absolute sweetie) and I think that if she can execute that level of detail flawlessly then she would be pretty darn good at the simple things.

Buuuuttt, if there is something looove on Leon''s site absolutely as is, then it might be best to go with that as it is a proven quantity. You know, the proportions and overall look and feel...

I''m a lot of help I know! I''m trying to say Maytal will be as precise and as high a quality as Leon, but might have a different flavor..

Good luck deciding, it''s hard!

 

[Demelza]

Harriet and LWD -- Thanks for your replies. There is a part of me that thinks I should just go for a Leon if the "Leon look" is what I''m after.

Angeline -- There isn''t a specific Leon ring I''m wanting. I''m really wanting a replica of Tiffany''s version of this ring and would like someone who is open to discussion about the various details upon which I might not yet be decided (e.g. the shape of the shank, the type of prongs, etc.). That''s why the idea of working with Maytal is very appealing because she seems so open and approachable. I tend to think you''re right -- if she can do super detailed, fancy pave work, she can surely do a simple ring. And didn''t she work for Tiffany''s? I guess I just don''t know what her particular "flavor" will look like for this sort of ring. We just haven''t seen that many Maytal''s on PS. BTW -- your ring is beautiful and the stone is breathtaking!

 

[Kaleigh]

Contact Maytal first, see if she will be on board with your vision. Leon did a great job for my RHR, didn''t have a problem in working with him long distance. My setting was very simple too. Good luck!!!

 

[Demelza]

Any opinions on these 3 ring styles?

I''m still undecided about who to use. I think I really want to use Maytal for a lot of reasons, but I feel like I should probably use Leon simply because the designs I''m most drawn to are his.

Anyway, here is a picture of my EC in its current mounting (which I really dislike).

 

[Demelza]

Here is the Tiffany's design I thought I would have either Leon or Maytal replicate.

ETA: Hmmm, sorry it's so small.

 

[Demelza]

And here is Leon's version with a thin bezel around the baguettes (straight, not tapered). Do you guys prefer this to the more traditional tapered version?

 

[Demelza]

And here is another Leon. Since my stone is rather long, I was wondering if setting it E-W would look nice. But then I wonder if maybe I would get sick of it??

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:10:15 PM
Author: Demelza
Here is the Tiffany''s design I thought I would have either Leon or Maytal replicate.

Beautiful!! Love, love, love the simplicity.. I also have a tapered bag claw setting and have been extremely happy with it.

Did you see THIS on Leon''s site... close to the Tiffany pic ?

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:14:38 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:10:15 PM

Author: Demelza

Here is the Tiffany''s design I thought I would have either Leon or Maytal replicate.

Beautiful!! Love, love, love the simplicity.. I also have a tapered bag claw setting and have been extremely happy with it.


Did you see THIS on Leon''s site... close to the Tiffany pic ?

I remember your INCREDIBLE asscher!!!! Will we ever get to see pics of it???

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:16:55 PM
Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:14:38 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:10:15 PM

Author: Demelza

Here is the Tiffany''s design I thought I would have either Leon or Maytal replicate.

Beautiful!! Love, love, love the simplicity.. I also have a tapered bag claw setting and have been extremely happy with it.


Did you see THIS on Leon''s site... close to the Tiffany pic ?

I remember your INCREDIBLE asscher!!!! Will we ever get to see pics of it???

Aww... thanks for remembering Demelza --I''m flattered.

Can''t wait to see your new reset!!! I like the idea of EW -- but would it be too long with the bags?
I''m a sucker for the classic EC (regular set)... they are elegant and timeless. I''m sure whatever you decide it will be beautiful.

 

[mrssalvo]

dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:29:31 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:16:55 PM

Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:14:38 PM

Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:10:15 PM


Author: Demelza


Here is the Tiffany''s design I thought I would have either Leon or Maytal replicate.

Beautiful!! Love, love, love the simplicity.. I also have a tapered bag claw setting and have been extremely happy with it.



Did you see THIS on Leon''s site... close to the Tiffany pic ?

I remember your INCREDIBLE asscher!!!! Will we ever get to see pics of it???

Aww... thanks for remembering Demelza --I''m flattered.

Can''t wait to see your new reset!!! I like the idea of EW -- but would it be too long with the bags?

I''m a sucker for the classic EC (regular set)... they are elegant and timeless. I''m sure whatever you decide it will be beautiful.

If I set the ring E-W, I wouldn''t use baguettes. I would set it exactly like that Leon with the step-cut traps. I doubt I''ll go that route, though. I tend to get tired of designs that aren''t super classic and traditional.

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:30:28 PM
Author: mrssalvo
dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

That''s a good idea! I hadn''t thought to ask if she has some pics of more traditional ring designs. Do you know if it''s true that she used to work for Tiffany''s? If so, it would seem that she would have quite a lot of experience doing these types of settings.

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:30:28 PM
Author: mrssalvo
dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

Mrs S has a good point -- it seems all the rings on the Maytal site are very detailed.... maybe she has pics of other work that is along the lines of what you are looking for....

but imho no one does claw prongs like Leon!!

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:36:07 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:30:28 PM

Author: mrssalvo

dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

Mrs S has a good point -- it seems all the rings on the Maytal site are very detailed.... maybe she has pics of other work that is along the lines of what you are looking for....


but imho no one does claw prongs like Leon!!

If you don''t mind me asking, is your ring a Leon?

I just sent Maytal an email asking if she has pics of any simple solitaires or 3 stones.
Hopefully she''ll have a few and I''ll like them just as much as I like Leon''s portfolio.

 

[angeline]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:35:24 PM
Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:30:28 PM

Author: mrssalvo

dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

That''s a good idea! I hadn''t thought to ask if she has some pics of more traditional ring designs. Do you know if it''s true that she used to work for Tiffany''s? If so, it would seem that she would have quite a lot of experience doing these types of settings.

The rumour I heard is that she used to work for Beaudry.

I vote for Leon for a classic tapered bag with your EC. Just because you can see lots of examples of this style on his site and you like them.

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:57:33 PM
Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:36:07 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

Date: 6/8/2008 10:30:28 PM

Author: mrssalvo

dem, I think I prefer the tapered baguettes over the straight one''s with an EC stone. I think you should email Maytal and at least see. My guess is she has done simple settings too and probably doesn''t have them on her site. she might be able to email you pictures of some of the simple pieces for you to see.

Mrs S has a good point -- it seems all the rings on the Maytal site are very detailed.... maybe she has pics of other work that is along the lines of what you are looking for....


but imho no one does claw prongs like Leon!!

If you don''t mind me asking, is your ring a Leon?

I just sent Maytal an email asking if she has pics of any simple solitaires or 3 stones.
Hopefully she''ll have a few and I''ll like them just as much as I like Leon''s portfolio.

Hi Demelza,
My e-ring is not a Leon -- however, I plan on having him set my amethyst and if I go the loose route on the OEC RHR I would have him do it. I love his work.
Good Luck!

 

[Odilia]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:08:18 PM
Author: Demelza

Anyway, here is a picture of my EC in its current mounting (which I really dislike).

Personally I think it''s kind of a neat mounting, but I can see why you don''t necessarily like it for that beautiful EC. Maybe a different stone in there would be nice.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:11:07 PM
Author: Demelza
And here is Leon''s version with a thin bezel around the baguettes (straight, not tapered). Do you guys prefer this to the more traditional tapered version?

I think I prefer slightly tapered.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 6/8/2008 10:33:20 PM
Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:29:31 PM
Author: lovewhitediamonds

I''m a sucker for the classic EC (regular set)... they are elegant and timeless. I''m sure whatever you decide it will be beautiful.

If I set the ring E-W, I wouldn''t use baguettes. I would set it exactly like that Leon with the step-cut traps. I doubt I''ll go that route, though. I tend to get tired of designs that aren''t super classic and traditional.

I tend to agree with you. E-W sounds kinda neat, but I too would stick w/ something timeless and classic.

I''m sorry I don''t have any great advice about which vendor to use, not having worked with either, and you list some very good pro''s & con''s. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[swingirl]

I would choose someone who does the closest to what you know you want. There is usually a reason someone shows samples of their work. It's what they like to do or what they do best. Maytal seems a master at the fancy, detailed antique-looking pieces. Leon does simple settings and perfect pave the best. He's also very good at picking side stones.

Have you considered Mark Morrel?

Any of these vendors would produce a beautiful piece.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Maytal has worked for Tiffany and Beaudry. What you see on your site is what people have asked her to make. She told me awhile back that she can really make anything, including something as simple as a Tiffany solitaire.

I vote for the tapered baguettes. I don''t like the extra metal on that other one. I also don''t like an EC E-W. My second choice would be side traps. Of course, for a RHR, I might prefer side traps because the tapered baguettes will make it look more like an e-ring than a three stone ring.

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/9/2008 3:05:05 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Maytal has worked for Tiffany and Beaudry. What you see on your site is what people have asked her to make. She told me awhile back that she can really make anything, including something as simple as a Tiffany solitaire.


I vote for the tapered baguettes. I don''t like the extra metal on that other one. I also don''t like an EC E-W. My second choice would be side traps. Of course, for a RHR, I might prefer side traps because the tapered baguettes will make it look more like an e-ring than a three stone ring.

Oh, I was hoping you''d chime in, DS! I know you think very highly of Maytal and you also have a Leon. Is there a reason you chose Leon to do your ring rather than Maytal? Do you think Maytal can do a simple, classic design just as well as Leon? The fact that she used to work for Tiffany''s makes me think she must be very accustomed to doing simple and classic, no? But, then again, I just love Leon''s aesthetic sense. But Maytal will be so great to work with in so many ways. But, but, but....I need to decide by tomorrow and I really am so torn.

I will actually be wearing this ring on my left hand as an alternative to my round. I don''t wear rings on my right hand because I find it annoying, so it doesn''t really matter if it looks like an engagement ring. Eventually, I''d like to get a thin baguette wedding band to wear along with the EC ering. I just love that look.

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/9/2008 3:03:34 PM
Author: swingirl
I would choose someone who does the closest to what you know you want. There is usually a reason someone shows samples of their work. It''s what they like to do or what they do best. Maytal seems a master at the fancy, detailed antique-looking pieces. Leon does simple settings and perfect pave the best. He''s also very good at picking side stones.


Have you considered Mark Morrel?


Any of these vendors would produce a beautiful piece.

You make some good points. In some ways it seems silly not to have Leon do this ring since it''s the Leon look that I''m after. That said, there are lots of reasons I''d rather work with Maytal. Ugh.

I have not considered Mark Morrell as his work just doesn''t speak to me. I can appreciate how beautiful and fluid it is, but somehow it''s not really my style even though much of it is indeed very simple and classic. I guess that''s what really concerns me -- each person has his/her own interpretation of "simple and classic" and no two versions are going to be exactly the same.

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/9/2008 2:57:40 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Date: 6/8/2008 10:33:20 PM

Author: Demelza

Date: 6/8/2008 10:29:31 PM

Author: lovewhitediamonds


I''m a sucker for the classic EC (regular set)... they are elegant and timeless. I''m sure whatever you decide it will be beautiful.

If I set the ring E-W, I wouldn''t use baguettes. I would set it exactly like that Leon with the step-cut traps. I doubt I''ll go that route, though. I tend to get tired of designs that aren''t super classic and traditional.

I tend to agree with you. E-W sounds kinda neat, but I too would stick w/ something timeless and classic.


I''m sorry I don''t have any great advice about which vendor to use, not having worked with either, and you list some very good pro''s & con''s. Good luck whatever you decide!

Thanks, OFG! I really hope you get your issues resolved soon. I''ve had some really awful custom experiences, so I can really empathize with what you''ve been through. Hang in there!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, in that case, I might just go with Leon since we know for sure he can make what you want. I have confidence that Maytal can, too, but Leon is a sure thing, pretty much. I hope to eventually get a three stone ring, and if it is plain, I''ll probably have Leon make it. If I went with an antique design, I''d probably try Maytal. But I think you would be safe with either choice. It''s just easier to choose the one who has examples already posted!

 

[Green with Envy]

HI-

That EW leon ring you posted is mine and it might help you to decide to know the reasons WHY I went with that design. First of all, it is a tanzanite and not a traditional blue stone like sapphire so i wanted to do a less traditional setting. Plus- I knew I wanted TRAP side stones and the ones that looked best when the tanzanite was set N-S were much larger and way more expensive. Tanzanite is too soft to wear daily so i did not want to spend so much money on the side stones.

Now... if I were setting a EC DIAMOND like yours... I probably would go with the tapered bagettes, or traps. Leon took pictures of several different sizes/ price options for side stones and sent these to me to choose. There might be a significant difference in cost of these different cut side stones (Traps vs bagettes) for you so regardless of who you choose to reset... I would get price quotes for sides from both.

I am doing my first project with Maytal now and do not yet have the finished product- she is making me a shared prong eternity band similar to Tiffanys style. I agree she is very easy to work with... but do not shy away from Leon if you want those delicate claw prongs and his expertise choosing well proportioned sides. Classic 3 stone rings seem to be his forte and his side stones are very well cut and well priced.

Good luck!