Settings....Leon Mege vs. ERD...what are your thoughts?

[jrico]

I''m looking to get a halo setting for an antique cushion and looking for some feedback/guidance on people''s thoughts regarding Leon''s and ERD/Mark''s settings. Please chime in if you''ve had experience with either. Hoping to make a decision within the next day or so. Thanks!

 

[CharmyPoo]

You can't really compare a hand made ring versus a cad and cast ring. If your budget allows, Leon is the one.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes, it is apples and volkswagons to compare

What is your budget for the setting? What size and shape diamond do you have?

 

[CasaBlanca]

I respect them both. My only experience is vicarious lurking through PSers purchases. But I have studied many a photo. I think you would be pleased with either choice.

However, I have noticed with Leons cushion work, there is something special I hadn't noticed with any other...perhaps Leons photos are more detailed or more magnified ...and it was only then that I noticed?

I am referring to the detail concerning the crown facets on a cushion-which may have a degree or angle that is duplicated or extended/mirrored in his design of the halo. Not sure if my clumsy attempt is expressing that right...but when he extends that angle onto the halo edge, well it just looks more fluid or complimentary then say a table flat halo - ring of stones. If you stone were brilliant ideal cut the crown facet would be less exaggerated than some fat old world style cushion cut.

Each cushion has it's own characteristics, I think that is one advantage in going custom. He becomes one with the stone...then works a plan.

I tried to find a photo to express what I am trying to write...this is one but I don't see it in this photo as clearly as I have in PSers rings....LM halo

Can any pro attempt to validate my observation with more clarity?

Let me try again...if the Crown facet is at 30% then he might extend the halo design at the same or similar degree. Unlike some designs that just use a flat 0% er...right angle for the halo.

Arggh...I am getting frustrated in attempting to communicate this thought!


EDITED: here...this one is exaggerated but for the sake of my sanity it expresses my thought... you can see how fluid the halo is when it touches the crown angle of the stone...here

 

[PumpkinPie]

If you have the budget - Leon is the master of his craft and my definite choice!

 

[jrico]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I''m looking at two stones with similar characteristics...see below. Also, I''m looking at getting a setting made that looks something similar to the link below. Thus, if you have any comments on the stones themselves and/or who would be best to work with for the setting, I''d appreciate it .Thanks.

1.
Cushion Brilliant
1.73 ct
G
VS2
TABLE - 54
DEPTH - 67
7.37 X 6.82 X 4.57
Slightly large culet

2.
Old Mine Brilliant
1.7 ct
G
VS2
TABLE - 53
DEPTH - 69.2
Large Culet

Setting

 

[onedrop]

I am not a diamond/numbers person so I won't comment on that. However, if my budget allowed I would go with Leon without hesitation for the setting. I really don't think you will be disappointed with his work. The setting example you provided has fairly intricate detail, and I think some are better than others in creating and capturing detail in settings. Go with Leon.

 

[CharmyPoo]

To evaluate the diamonds, can you please share the grading plot, photo, and ASET images?

 

[jrico]

Attached are both certs. Unfortunately, I don''t have photos or ASETs since neither vendor was able to provide (Leon/ERD). However, I did see both in person and almost are indistinguishable. I guess I''m just looking to get some advice, reassurance, etc. Thanks again!

 

[jrico]

Here is the other.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Way tooo small and can't see anything. We need at least a photo.

One note - you don't have to buy the diamond and have it set by the same person. Leon is making a ring for me from an August Vintage Cushion I purchased from Good Old Gold. I also have another cushion from ERD and Maytal Hannah made the setting for me.

Also, Verragio settings aren't too too expensive. If that is what you want, why don't you just get the original? I am pretty sure it will be cheaper than Leon.

 

[Treenbean]

I just went to meet / drop off my AVC with Leon yesterday. I have to say it was an awesome experience, he is truly just a nice person and very very very very talented. I looked at other setting (cad) and just didn''t feel like anything was "right". My Fi and I were studying Leon''s site pretty extensively and felt getting a quote wouldn''t be a bad thing. The quote was within our budget and we are very happy because I get an heirloom quality piece of jewelry and he knows it will be crafted impeccable.

I have read some controversial things about Leon but he did nothing and said nothing that offended me in any way! He was positive and had great ideas, he was in no way disingenuous. I would recommend him. I got to see/hold the paraiba tourmaline ring that he won the Spectrum award for!!!!! One look at it and you KNOW it is a thing of rarity, beauty, artistry and greatness.

Plus, he guessed my ring size just by looking at my finger, how''s that for a party trick?