Should I get a Leon..?

[katebar]

Arjuna I have a similar setting and wedding band made by Garry Holloway. Mine sit flush because i had the dough nu fileed down. No big deal and my rings 'fit perfectly'.
I'll try to find a picture for you.

 

[honey22]

Hey there again! You are such a lucky little munchkin - PoH, stone upgrade, LEON!!!!! Girl you are in heaven I bet!!

Anway, selfish thread jack warning! Do you think Leon will make a bead set wedding band in yellow gold but with the beads actually holding the diamond in platinum?! I would

a bead set wband, but it has to be yellow gold to match my ering (if I ever get the damn thing......) but I don''t like yellow beads next to the white stones? I didn''t even realised he worked with yellow gold? Have you actually had that confirmed yet?! I am getting excited

 

[honey22]

Well, it''s officially your fault! You got me thinking, I got surfing the net, and quickly popped off an email to the man himself asking about yg wedding bands. Well, it''s also the boy''s fault, if he had given me my ering by now, I would have a sparkly to oggle at instead of planning my next little project!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/12/2008 12:44:39 AM
Author: honey22
Well, it''s officially your fault! You got me thinking, I got surfing the net, and quickly popped off an email to the man himself asking about yg wedding bands. Well, it''s also the boy''s fault, if he had given me my ering by now, I would have a sparkly to oggle at instead of planning my next little project!

lol your hilarious! yeah i am excited - although i''ve decided to have the setting made here as after tax the Leon will be abit more than what i wanna spend.

But thats cool, I kinda wanted to have the experience and input with this setting as it will be my "forever'' one (or at least for a couple years!

)

Leon did confirm he will work in gold, but he charges the same price for gold as for plat. this is apparently as its for the cost of labour because he finds gold more trouble to work with..

Still, his quote for the plain solitaire was surprisingly reasonable, I wouldn''t have had an issue if it weren''t for the tax etc.
Your WB sounds exactly like what I eventually want! I can''t wait to see what he says -

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/11/2008 10:36:37 PM
Author: katebar
Arjuna I have a similar setting and wedding band made by Garry Holloway. Mine sit flush because i had the dough nu fileed down. No big deal and my rings ''fit perfectly''.
I''ll try to find a picture for you.

TY gypsy for your input - I''m sorry to hear about damaging your pretty ring!

kate, I would love to see a pic if you have one..

 

[honey22]

Date: 5/12/2008 2:00:16 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/12/2008 12:44:39 AM

Author: honey22

Well, it's officially your fault! You got me thinking, I got surfing the net, and quickly popped off an email to the man himself asking about yg wedding bands. Well, it's also the boy's fault, if he had given me my ering by now, I would have a sparkly to oggle at instead of planning my next little project!

lol your hilarious! yeah i am excited - although i've decided to have the setting made here as after tax the Leon will be abit more than what i wanna spend.

But thats cool, I kinda wanted to have the experience and input with this setting as it will be my 'forever' one (or at least for a couple years!

)


Leon did confirm he will work in gold, but he charges the same price for gold as for plat. this is apparently as its for the cost of labour because he finds gold more trouble to work with..

Still, his quote for the plain solitaire was surprisingly reasonable, I wouldn't have had an issue if it weren't for the tax etc.

Your WB sounds exactly like what I eventually want! I can't wait to see what he says -

Yeah, I really love that look. I am also thinking about a milgrain edge? Not sure how this would go with my plain ering, but I really love the look of diamondseekers set and I am pretty sure it would look like this, just in yg.

I don't mind paying extra for a really good quality ring. If I don't go that avenue, I will get a quote from WF too and maybe Precious Metals.

I did tell him in my email that I am not ready to order yet, just getting ideas, and I wan't needing an urgent response, so it might take a little longer, I am fine with that. I figure if I work out what I really want and get ideas of prices now, I can start getting SO used to the price of it . You know, break it to him gently kinda thing

 

[arjunajane]

lmao, I hear ya sister! start that mind control early..ha ha just kidding. (maybe)...
How funny, DS''s set is also my dream set that i am basing mine on, only in YG too - we will be set twins!
I think you should definately get the milgrain, I love the contrast with a smooth ering - and also as thats what I want!

I want a plain solitaire, with a diamond pave WB with milgrain edge. Then eventually to add an eternity ring a la single stone or Bev K style - but seeing as I have really short fingers, I will need to get them all really thin lol!

 

[ayala_jessica]

Date: 5/6/2008 12:15:43 PM
Author: CrookedRock
I guess only bc I have met him, I have to laugh at his response. You have no idea what I went through when I first spoke to him before I had a stone. I tried everything, including bribery

, to get him to help me design something around a stone I didn''t even have!!! LOL So I am not surprised in is response.
Yes he can do rings where the bands will sit flush, I saw pics when I was there. The bottom line is that he can do whatever it is you want, but you have to be prepared for him to give his input just like delster said. I went against what he said on a few things bc I am the one that has to wear it and love it, not him, and he was fine doing that. ANd I have to add that he will do a drwaing, I have about 3 pages of them...
One thing to keep in mind is that his rings take up to 6 weeks to complete so he must have a ton of work in his workshop bc realistically it should not take that long! So if he doesn''t exactly make time to get into the nitty gritty beforehand it is probably bc he is a busy man... Again I agree with Delster... Call him. And try to call in the early morning hours around 9am or so his time bc he is much better on the phone than email.

Are you using the same stone you already have or are you upgrading it?? I missed that...

PS... If it makes you feel any better I sent him an email while he was setting my stone about a few concerns I had over a progress pic he sent me (which he never does and even after he said he wanted to, he tried to get out of it!). He simply emailed me back and told me he didn''t have time for emails like that! I laughed, I had to, what else can you do!

And this was while he was holding my stone and had about 4k from me!!! It''s just kinda how he is... But like you said, It''s a Leon

and this is all part of it...

I hope some of this is helpful, I just want you to get what you really really want!

I totally agree

He also told me over the phone that he will go into details after getting the job and I can understand some people could be deterred by his directness but it is Leon and it is kinda "leave or take".
Basically, if you like his work, you should go for it and trust all your requirements will be fulfilled for the best because of his skills and his understanding of what you want. And as far as I could gather from our conversations, he picks up quickly what the customer wants.

Communicationwise, I live overseas, my mother tongue is French and I never saw his work IRL but still decided to go with him because I feel his work is unique and he assured me that we can discuss the details as much as needed over the phone. He is used to have overseas customers.

Moreover, I think he really prefers a direct contact with his customers than communicating through email. In email, Leon is laconic to say the least ! But over the phone, he is friendly and more accommodating ! For example, he really smoothed the path for my stone to be shipped to him without administrative hassle and that was really great...and technically before getting the job !

 

[CrookedRock]

Jessica, you are totally right about him. You ether jive or you don''t, and I happened to really well! I''m glad to hear he was so accomidating for you as well!
I''m really excited to see my ring so that I can come back here and without a shadow of doubt tell you that Leon is capable of it all! I really threw him for a loop or two with my project, so much so that I even received a somewhat nervous phone call from him in the middle. If he gets this right, with no complaints from me, then I will tell you that he can do anything. Seriously!

Hopefully Scarlet will swing by this thread in a few days to report, as she is going to see my ring this week. If she thinks he got it spot on then she''ll say so!

Arunajane~ How are you doing down there? Any decisions yet?

 

[ayala_jessica]

CrookedRock, I am very excited to see your ring too

I am sure it will be a beauty !! Cant wait to see ! I will also keep you posted about how it goes with mine (a 3 stone ring)

The center stone will be sent to him Wednesday and from there we will discuss side stones and details of the setting. It is kind of difficult for me to assess the thickness of the shank for a 3 stone but I think I will let him advise me according to his experience...It is an all-new adventure for me

 

[arjunajane]

Arunajane~ How are you doing down there? Any decisions yet

CR and jessica, your projects both sound so exciting! I can''t wait to see them

CR, I have decided to go with local, for a number of reasons - I am sure leon will be great to work with, but I would love to be able to talk in the phone, which means waiting till about 3am here

I did it once or twice with Jon, but don''t know if really want to again!
aside from that, even though his quote was reasonable, if i add up all the taxes etc it will actually end up over $1000 extra for the Leon - I love his stuff, but can''t really justify over $2000 for a solitaire

I know my jeweler will be great to work with and very capable - i think i will save the Leon project for something more special in the future that involves pave etc.
I will have my design based on his, but not a copy, and I will enjoy seeing it come to fruition and having input along the way...

Sooo...short answer, local! ha ha, sorry about the looong answer!

Your project sounds so intrigiung, your such a tease for not telling us! Is there an ETA countdown yet?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/12/2008 8:35:13 AM
Author: ayala_jessica
CrookedRock, I am very excited to see your ring too

I am sure it will be a beauty !! Cant wait to see ! I will also keep you posted about how it goes with mine (a 3 stone ring)

The center stone will be sent to him Wednesday and from there we will discuss side stones and details of the setting. It is kind of difficult for me to assess the thickness of the shank for a 3 stone but I think I will let him advise me according to his experience...It is an all-new adventure for me

Jessica, I lurve his 3 stone rings - I will look forward to having a fabulous 3 stone with those shields or baguettes on the sides with the little metal shoulders **yum**
http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=26

 

[ayala_jessica]

Date: 5/12/2008 9:41:27 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 5/12/2008 8:35:13 AM
Author: ayala_jessica
CrookedRock, I am very excited to see your ring too

I am sure it will be a beauty !! Cant wait to see ! I will also keep you posted about how it goes with mine (a 3 stone ring)

The center stone will be sent to him Wednesday and from there we will discuss side stones and details of the setting. It is kind of difficult for me to assess the thickness of the shank for a 3 stone but I think I will let him advise me according to his experience...It is an all-new adventure for me

Jessica, I lurve his 3 stone rings - I will look forward to having a fabulous 3 stone with those shields or baguettes on the sides with the little metal shoulders **yum**
http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=26

Arjuna, I am completely in love with this giganormous cushion with side tapered baguettes (or bullets ?) !!

and I hesitated between this and side pears....However, I came to think that baguettes are great accents with very large stones since their sparkle is gentle and subdued. With my stone (1.85 ct RB) I figured pear sides would better enhance the whole ring...But this cushion could be the stem of yet another future (well, not near future...) project !

ETA : I am sure your ring will be gorgeous and I wish you a very smooth and happy project ! Can't wait to see the outcome

 

[CrookedRock]

Arjunajane~ I think it''s a wise decision. The communication long distance would scare me too, and for a simple solitaire it probably isn''t worth it. Please keep us posted on the progress!

I''m excited to see your 3 stone ring Jessica. I actually have never really been an RB person, but for some reason when they are flanked with pears I swoon. I think it is such a unique classic look, it that makes sense! LOL Then I saw Leon''s solitaire, and I actually considered it for a brief second just bc I think it showcases any stone in it so well!
The 3 stone cushion he has in his new images right now is also to die for! He really tried to get me to do a 3 stone, but I thought the bf would cry if I told him I need to more cushions each at least a carat!! But I would love a 3 stone someday.

Not sure what my ETA is on receiving it, but it is done and being picked up on Wed. We are going away for Memorial Day Weekend which is my bday, so hopefully it''s only 2 weeks away. You guys will know right away though!!!

 

[ayala_jessica]

Date: 5/12/2008 2:52:26 PM
Author: CrookedRock
Arjunajane~ I think it''s a wise decision. The communication long distance would scare me too, and for a simple solitaire it probably isn''t worth it. Please keep us posted on the progress!

I''m excited to see your 3 stone ring Jessica. I actually have never really been an RB person, but for some reason when they are flanked with pears I swoon. I think it is such a unique classic look, it that makes sense! LOL Then I saw Leon''s solitaire, and I actually considered it for a brief second just bc I think it showcases any stone in it so well!
The 3 stone cushion he has in his new images right now is also to die for! He really tried to get me to do a 3 stone, but I thought the bf would cry if I told him I need to more cushions each at least a carat!! But I would love a 3 stone someday.

Not sure what my ETA is on receiving it, but it is done and being picked up on Wed. We are going away for Memorial Day Weekend which is my bday, so hopefully it''s only 2 weeks away. You guys will know right away though!!!

Oh CR, I wish you a very very great time and celebration for your b-day and your trip ! And I sure will be glued to this thread around the time when you should be getting it !! Be sure to post loads of pics

 

[katebar]

Here you go Arjuna. My rings are filthy!!

 

[katebar]

This shows the cut out

 

[katebar]

Whoops wrong one!

 

[arjunajane]

Oh thankyou for your help, especially Kate for posting those pics. I see what you mean now about the "cut out"..
Jessica, we have similiar taste in rings it seems - and an appetite for new projects! A cushion or an old cut would also be my next project 9but of course not for a while lol)..

Soooo....I have another option to add. I have gotten the quote and had a nice long chat with my local guy - he is extremely sweet.
But...

I have added the WF Legato Sleek Lines to my options - to be honest, this was on my short list and I keep coming back to looking at Lynn B''s and others Legatos..

And of course the WF solitaire is about half of what i''ve been quoted from Leon or local guy - nice

I could then afford to add the micropave to the basket that i had originally wanted but couldn''t afford with Leon. So the wires around the girdle would look a little like this Ritani http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/28QQ1/12/
I can''t afford pave with local guy. I have sent off a quote request to WF, but I''m not expecting it to be more than about ~$1000 (hopefully less, seeing as the legato with micropave shank is under $1000).

Anyway, looong post to say something simple - what do you gals think of the WF option? I know they are open to input for the designs, so I could ask to alter the shank and prongs "just so", which appeals to me.
Again, the long distance thing is a concern, however i feel a lil more confident with WF than Leon (please, nothing meant personally, just me

).

To be honest, I don''t know why I didn''t think of this sooner, as elements of the sleek lines remind me of the Leon classic (tapered shank etc)..

I will be finalizing purchase of my new diamond this week, and would really like the ring asap - what should I do??

 

[ayala_jessica]

If you buy the stone from whiteflash and you can get a setting both to your taste and within your budget, I''d say go with Whiteflash. They are very accommodating according to many pricescopers who went with their settings and they provide shots of the whole setting process. Just make sure to get close-ups of your finished ring and make them wait for your final approval before they ship it to you since you are overseas and there is a big time zone difference. I am sure you''d be very pleased with the Legato since it is a beautiful and classy setting