Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourcing?

[abunai212]

I was wondering what peoples experiences were in regard to having the diamond sourced by Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera in addition to having the setting done. I am leaning towards getting the ring entirely done at one of those 3 jewelers.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Steven calls them in, Leon has a person who calls them in and a small number of stones in stock, it used to be Perry but Perry left so I assume there is a new person. Victor cuts his own stones, and can call in or access other stones too. He gives a discount for stone + setting if you ask, and his stones that are cut by him or that he has hand selected are stunning.

What type of cut are you after?

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks for the information. I am looking for a cushion cut diamond, which at least for me has made the process a little more difficult, given the nuances associated with that type of cut.

 

[solgen]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

You pay a premium for the stones that will often offset any discount but you get the added benefit of not having to wade through a lot of stones to find the one you like. But your selection is limited so it can be difficult finding the one you want.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

I think I would decide which setting you want, and get the stone from the same place to make it easier. If there's a style that you prefer, I think you're best off getting the exact setting and going with that. You will read a lot of stories on PS about Leon Mege being somewhat more difficult to work with than the others; I can't say from any personal experience.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks for the information. I am looking for a cushion cut diamond, which at least for me has made the process a little more difficult, given the nuances associated with that type of cut.

Are you after an antique cushion or a modern cushion? Size, colour, clarity and rough price range preferences? Sometimes it's more a matter of what is the best stone available at the time.

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

I don' think the SO is particularly concerned with the specific type of cushion, as she isn't necessarily a diamond person, although she may have said antique/vintage at some point. I am trying to get the best performing diamond for my budget. Optimally, I would like a ~2ct, Ideal cut, G/H, VS2 or better all in with setting for 20k. Feels like this is on the borderline of being achievable.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

What type of setting are you after? A stone only with those specs will set you back your budget amount. A setting from the vendors you listed above that is simple will start at around $3000.00 a halo will be more like $5000.00+ from them. You will have to make the decision to either buy a really simple setting and spend the money on the stone or maybe buy a genuine Antique stone if you want a more elaborate setting from one of these vendors, or drop down in size and colour on the stone to achieve both.

 

[pixgirl]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

I bought a beautiful 2 ct cushion H VS2 from Perry Chen at Leon Mege. The process was interesting as I had set a few parameters and then Perry just showed me about 6 different stones. I didn't look at any specs, but picked the one that spoke to me. I love my diamond and feel as if it was the one made for me.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

(Perry is no longer associated with Leon.) I would absolutely recommend Victor of those three, especially when buying a diamond is involved. His antique cushions are cut to have ideal light return. His settings are very fine quality as well. I have loved working with him!

Regarding budget, you will not get a 2 ct G VS ideal cut cushion (or round, for that matter) for $20k. You'll need to be around $16k on the diamond. Here are examples at that price point.

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/7fp1h1

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/7dtc25

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/c5u9qj

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks. I wonder how much, if any, of a premium is built into the stones sourced directly from a jeweler who does a setting. Is it worth trying to look at a place like GOG or someplace else and just have the setting done by one of those three? Is it possible to get more value that way?

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks. I wonder how much, if any, of a premium is built into the stones sourced directly from a jeweler who does a setting. Is it worth trying to look at a place like GOG or someplace else and just have the setting done by one of those three? Is it possible to get more value that way?

Victor gives a discount on the setting if you buy the stone and setting from the same place. Generally Victor's Antique cushions are cheaper than GOG and you also have to be careful because Steven is the only person of the three you mention above that will make a setting if you purchase a new Antique cut from somewhere else. If in doubt email them and get a quote, then you will have a better idea yourself what is and is not in budget.

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Ok, I'm not a huge fan of any of the stones listed on victor's site right now, but what would you say are the best stones of the ones from $15-20k?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

I would encourage you to see if Victor can take a comparison video (or photos) of a few of the stones for you. These huge pictures are wonderful, but this is not what the stones look like in real life viewing.

Some that I'd be interested in seeing would be:

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/c5u9qj

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/kv9arw (love this if it is eyeclean)

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/7fp1h1

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/fl2kfl (right under 2 cts)

 

[PillowTalk06]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Does your SO have a preference for square vs rectangular cushions?

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

I don't think the SO has a particular preference for Square vs. Rectangular. She has probably seen more square rings. It probably more important that it faces up as big as possible, considering they seem to generally face up a bit smaller.

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Any opinions on the best options on Victor's over 2ct under $25k. Also since it appears the I is basically the only color option. What are people's view going down to I. Trying to get view of trading color for larger size.

 

[solgen]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

What setting are you putting it in? I find that some I color stones do show a fairly distinct tint. But with antique cushion cuts I find the color to be fine as it mixes well with the bolder flashes of color.

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

How color sensitive is your SO? And did you actually call and talk to Victor to find out if he has more stones? He often has stones that he will be cutting that may meet your requirements.

As to color versus size, I would not go below a G, but there are many on PS that are fine with I. Depends on your SO's color sensitivity.

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Setting would be platinum with a halo, so not sure how that will impact the color.

Have no idea how color sensitive the SO is, I don't think she has spent any time comparing colors.

Originally I went into this hoping for a G or H but balancing the various requirements within a budget has proved to be very difficult.

 

[PintoBean]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

H with fluorescence over 2 carats could help mask tint...
My mom has a smidge over 2 carats, H Medium B fluor BG Blue and it's white to my eyes...

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

So of these on VC's site which do you think might be the best choices:

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/9vd9z2-2.240-i-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/t8dhpc-2.218-i-vs2-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/r0z9yj-2.058-i-vvs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/kfw8qn-2.024-i-vs1-ideal-antique-cushion
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/fl2kfl-1.948-i-vs2-ideal-antique-cushion


Thanks in advance for any help on this

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

First of all, you can't go wrong with any of those! They will all be beautiful and are similar. But what setting are you going to have him make?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Okay, you said with a halo above. I think I color is a great choice in an antique cushion. My choice would be the 2.24 since size is important. I almost hate to recommend it because I love it for myself!

 

[abunai212]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks, for the help on this. I am still a bit gun shy on pulling the trigger on one of these, as it is my stretch max budget and I would be compromising on color to get the size.

Anyone else have any opinions on the best diamond of the ones I listed? Do any of the ASETS or Idealscopes look better than the others?

Thanks again

 

[apacherose]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks, for the help on this. I am still a bit gun shy on pulling the trigger on one of these, as it is my stretch max budget and I would be compromising on color to get the size.

Anyone else have any opinions on the best diamond of the ones I listed? Do any of the ASETS or Idealscopes look better than the others?

Thanks again

I think the performance will be top notch in all of them, so, here are some things to help you choose:

#1- pick the facet/outline shape that appeals to your eye the most, as you will be looking at it forever, lol. For my taste, I like the 2.24 as it is the largest size and has the smallest table. My second choice, and the one I'd choose if budget was a priority, would be the 1.9, at nearly 4K less that is a great savings- it also has the second smallest table, which, again, I prefer on these. The 1.9 is 7.67X7.16, plenty big to appreciate the facets, and lush, high crown- it's going to be a phenomenal ring.

You mentioned budget, and also color.

Well the ones you posted are all 'I' color. You could have Victor line them all up, upside down on white paper and tell you which is the lightest 'I'.

I have an 'I' in a platinum halo, I am very happy I went with 'I' for a larger size. I own a G, as well, and honestly I think I'd have to get a least an 'F' to really be able to appreciate a color difference. My 'I' was vetted as being a high 'I', and there is a range within a color grade, so, that is where the upside-down lineup could help you determine.

This is going to be magnificent, those diamonds are unbelievably gorgeous, and Victor's rings are works of art!!!

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege or Victor Canera diamond sourci

Thanks, for the help on this. I am still a bit gun shy on pulling the trigger on one of these, as it is my stretch max budget and I would be compromising on color to get the size.

Anyone else have any opinions on the best diamond of the ones I listed? Do any of the ASETS or Idealscopes look better than the others?

Thanks again

I think the performance will be top notch in all of them, so, here are some things to help you choose:

#1- pick the facet/outline shape that appeals to your eye the most, as you will be looking at it forever, lol. For my taste, I like the 2.24 as it is the largest size and has the smallest table. My second choice, and the one I'd choose if budget was a priority, would be the 1.9, at nearly 4K less that is a great savings- it also has the second smallest table, which, again, I prefer on these. The 1.9 is 7.67X7.16, plenty big to appreciate the facets, and lush, high crown- it's going to be a phenomenal ring.

You mentioned budget, and also color.

Well the ones you posted are all 'I' color. You could have Victor line them all up, upside down on white paper and tell you which is the lightest 'I'.

I have an 'I' in a platinum halo, I am very happy I went with 'I' for a larger size. I own a G, as well, and honestly I think I'd have to get a least an 'F' to really be able to appreciate a color difference. My 'I' was vetted as being a high 'I', and there is a range within a color grade, so, that is where the upside-down lineup could help you determine.

This is going to be magnificent, those diamonds are unbelievably gorgeous, and Victor's rings are works of art!!!

Agree. An I for a CAC would be stunning. Have you talked to Victor?? I know you're nervous, so you owe it to yourself to pick up the phone and call him and talk to him about your concerns. Do not fear. He is very nice and professional. It will help you get comfortable with your decision.