The ugly duckling is a swan, and now needs help figuring out a Leon “Classic” setting.

[pixley]

A couple of weeks ago I was contemplating a cushion that had a girdle reflection under the table. I had it sent to me after passing its first inspection by Michael Baumbach at Diamondexchange.ca (loved working with him, even though they don’t advertise here, they are awesome to deal with and orchestrated the shipment from NY to Toronto to BC with ease.) and when it arrived, I knew it was the one for me! Yippee! Now I just need help figuring out the setting.

My question is: could someone help demystify the variations of the shank shapes available on the Classic Leon 3-stones and/or solitaires (like Kaleigh’s, Boston_Jeff’s, Harriet’s, et al) how would you describe the different shapes of those shanks? Would Kaleigh’s oval 3-stone be considered somewhere in between a round and a knife-edge? I like the ones that are flatter against the finger, and softly knife-edged (but still slightly rounded) and don’t know how to convey that. I contemplated adding a small row of micropave diamonds along the shank to ¾ of the way down, which Leon was open to doing on a round shank, but gave myself a reality check and I think I’m too much of a piglet to maintain micropave and would prefer to just pop it in the ultrasonic after walking the dogs on the beach or the impromptu kayak trip.

Any suggestions on the shank styles/shapes and wedding band recommendations would be most appreciated. I’m thinking an eternity band would be the best option so I can change things up a bit. I would also love to have claw prongs, but the stone is only 6.5 x 5.7 - would this be too small for Leon's luscious claw prongs?

I'll attach a few photos. Apologies in advance for the dirt, and again, thanks for all the knowledge I've been able to soak up on these boards. This site is incredible!!!

 

[pixley]

...

 

[pixley]

Stats:
1.01 carat
F/VS1
Depth: 62%
Table: 63%
6.5 x 5.7 (L/W ratio: 1:1.14)
Girdle: slightly thick to thick
Pol/Symm: VG/VG
Crown angles are greater than 40 degrees
No fluor
Culet: small

 

[surfgirl]

Your stone is lovely! Very vintage looking. I think you should just do a "Boston Jeff" and call it a day. And please, dont go kayaking with your ring on...even if it is insured!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 2/21/2008 4:08:29 PM
Author: surfgirl
Your stone is lovely! Very vintage looking. I think you should just do a ''Boston Jeff'' and call it a day. And please, dont go kayaking with your ring on...even if it is insured!

ditto. also, ask Leon about the double claw prongs and then just go with what he suggests.

 

[pixley]

Ok, ok, no kayaking. Point well taken. I''ve spent many a minute gazing at your amazing ring in your avatar, so your vote of confidence is so appreciated! I am digging the Boston_Jeff special, as it were, but will the stone be too small for claw prongs or will Leon just size them down? I really can''t see them being any more dainty than they are on Boston_Jeff''s...

 

[dani13]

I agree with Surfgirl and Mrssalvo...go with the BostonJeff setting...you will not regret it!

As far as the prongs go, I would ask Leon his opinion. He may prefer to go with a single claw prong with your stone...Just trust him to do what''s right.....he is the designer!!!

 

[Cleo]

I just wanted to say you''ve awakened in me a previously undiscovered appreciation for cushion cut diamonds.

That stone is really beautiful... I find it fascinating and just want to gaze at it!

x x x

 

[elmo]

Great looking stone! Congratulations.

 

[Lynn B]

I know EXACTLY what you mean!!! That site of Leon''s is not easy to navigate, IMVHO! I wish he would make it a little more user-friendly.

I was cruising around recently (just because I am insane and always looking!) and I know (I think) that Harriet''s is the r572, cathedral style, with the single claw prongs. Jeff''s is the r776 (no?) -- it seems to be the same, only with double claw prongs?

But what about r907? r986? r909? r785???! Those are all so similar to the above -- what ARE the differences????!

The only one that seems to be really *unique* is the r1005, which LE (a poster here) has. No cathedral, totally rounded shank, single claw prongs.

I am totally confused, too... and if I ever wanted a Leon, I wouldn''t know WHAT to ask for!!!

 

[boston_jeff]

Hi pixley! I had to pop in to tell you how wonderful your stone is. Congratulations! And as soon as I saw the stone I knew that I would find an elmo post as I scrolled down.

style="WIDTH: 99%; HEIGHT: 72px">Date: 2/21/2008 4:23:31 PM
Author: pixley
will the stone be too small for claw prongs...?

I don''t thik so, FWIW. First of all, the stone is a nice size. Second, Leon is fantastic when it comes to making adjustments for a particular stone, and third, after he completed my fiance''s ring he was excited because he thought it would bring him business in stones in the 1-2ct range. But he''s the best person to ask!

Congratulations again. You really did a great job.

-Jeff

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:07:06 PM
Author: boston_jeff
Hi pixley! I had to pop in to tell you how wonderful your stone is. Congratulations! And as soon as I saw the stone I knew that I would find an elmo post as I scrolled down.

I don''t thik so, FWIW. First of all, the stone is a nice size. Second, Leon is fantastic when it comes to making adjustments for a particular stone, and third, after he completed my fiance''s ring he was excited because he thought it would bring him business in stones in the 1-2ct range. But he''s the best person to ask!

Congratulations again. You really did a great job.

-Jeff

Hey Jeff, glad you popped in! Did you see my post above? Do you have any *answers*?!!

Thanks!
Lynn

 

[boston_jeff]

Date: 2/21/2008 7:52:48 PM
Author: Lynn B
I know EXACTLY what you mean!!! That site of Leon''s is not easy to navigate, IMVHO! I wish he would make it a little more user-friendly.

I was cruising around recently (just because I am insane and always looking!) and I know (I think) that Harriet''s is the r572, cathedral style, with the single claw prongs. Jeff''s is the r776 (no?) -- it seems to be the same, only with double claw prongs?

But what about r907? r986? r909? r785???! Those are all so similar to the above -- what ARE the differences????!

The only one that seems to be really *unique* is the r1005, which LE (a poster here) has. No cathedral, totally rounded shank, single claw prongs.

I am totally confused, too... and if I ever wanted a Leon, I wouldn''t know WHAT to ask for!!!

Hi Lynn, my ring design was based on the r572, but I added double claw prongs. The band on the r776 is thicker than the r572, but otherwise is very similar.

r907 is my fiance''s ring (as in, those are the photos of her ring).

I agree that it is confusing, but his design/ordering process is much simpler and you can always use one of the catalogue photos and make modifications from there!

 

[boston_jeff]

r909: similar classic setting to accomodate a round stone-- can''t tell from the picture if it is cathdral

r986: basically my setting on steroids to accomodate a 7ct+ cushion, with a few design flourishes where the metal overlaps

r785: my setting with a 5ct+ round, as far as I can tell there are no other differences.

I think he put mine up as a separate style number because it was a "smaller" stone than the solitaire settings that were already in the catalogue.

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:12:01 PM
Author: boston_jeff

Hi Lynn, my ring design was based on the r572, but I added double claw prongs. The band on the r776 is thicker than the r572, but otherwise is very similar.

r907 is my fiance's ring (as in, those are the photos of her ring).

I agree that it is confusing, but his design/ordering process is much simpler and you can always use one of the catalogue photos and make modifications from there!

Thanks, Jeff... that does help! BTW, how thick is the shank on your fiance's ring?

Well, I guess Leon has enough business that he doesn't care that his catalogue is limiting and somewhat difficult! Wouldn't it be nice if he had several photos (with different angles) of EVERY ring, plus a few detailed stats like, "2mm rounded shank with cathedral arms..." etc. *Oh well!*

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:19:05 PM
Author: Lynn B

Well, I guess Leon has enough business that he doesn't care that his catalogue is limiting and somewhat difficult! Wouldn't it be nice if he had several photos (with different angles) of EVERY ring, plus a few detailed stats like, '2mm rounded shank with cathedral arms...' etc. *Oh well!*

lynn, my guess is most of his customers are not as picky as we are and really don't care what the mm's are etc. I'd suspect he still just doesn't do a ton of business directly with the public so the jewelers who use him are the one's that would provide that info to their customers that wanted it. I also think a lot of people just pic a picture and say, make me that

i do know that he is open to you modifying settings so it may be a good thing is isn't so specific so then you can easily say, i like #---- but can you make it 2mm?

 

[Lynn B]

Jeff,

One more question, please... and actually this could be for Harriet, too... or anyone with a cathedral setting from Leon.

Is the metal inside the cathedral "triangles" polished and smooth? A friend of mine had a cathedral style ring custom made (not from Leon) and under the loupe, the insides of the "triangles" were fairly rough and unfinished. The vendor basically told her that was the nature of the (cathedral) beast... and said that area simply could not be polished smooth. We still find that hard to believe!!!

THANKS!

 

[pixley]

Cleo - Old school cushions are mesmerizing, aren't they? No more so than the stone on your gorgeous ring, but in a different way.

Elmo - Thanks for all your help along the way. When do we get to see yours (or did I miss it)???

Lynn B - Hel-lo! I thought I was the only one getting caught up in the 5000 versions of the Leon Classic! Once I get it straightened out, I'll report back.

Boston_Jeff!!! Your thread with Cehrabehra kept me up many a sleepless night, obsessing about how I was ever going to get what I wanted, when you already snagged the perfect stone (albeit, at twice my budget!) Nonetheless, I SO appreciate all the work you were able to share with PS throughout your search. Your FI's ring is so lovely, it almost hurts to look at it.

Will report back once I get it set. Will I have the dubious distinction of having the smallest LM on Pricescope??? This place has warped my diamond sensibilities for sure!

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:24:22 PM
Author: mrssalvo

lynn, my guess is most of his customers are not as picky as we are and really don''t care what the mm''s are etc. I''d suspect he still just doesn''t do a ton of business directly with the public so the jewelers who use him are the one''s that would provide that info to their customers that wanted it. I also think a lot of people just pic a picture and say, make me that

i do know that he is open to you modifying settings so it may be a good thing is isn''t so specific so then you can easily say, i like #---- but can you make it 2mm?

True...
but still, I like details!!!

I can see me saying to him, "I like #... but can you make it 2mm, please?" And he''d be like, "It IS already 2mm, you dolt!"

Haha!
That''s why I need me some details!

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:26:56 PM
Author: pixley
Cleo - Old school cushions are mesmerizing, aren''t they? No more so than the stone on your gorgeous ring, but in a different way.

Elmo - Thanks for all your help along the way. When do we get to see yours (or did I miss it)???

Lynn B - Hel-lo! I thought I was the only one getting caught up in the 5000 versions of the Leon Classic! Once I get it straightened out, I''ll report back.

Boston_Jeff!!! Your thread with Cehrabehra kept me up many a sleepless night, obsessing about how I was ever going to get what I wanted, when you already snagged the perfect stone (albeit, at twice my budget!) Nonetheless, I SO appreciate all the work you were able to share with PS throughout your search. Your FI''s ring is so lovely, it almost hurts to look at it.

Will report back once I get it set. Will I have the dubious honor of having the smallest LM on Pricescope??? This place has warped my diamond sensibilities for sure!

Haha, I will look forward to your getting the 5000 Versions of the Leon Classic straightened out, for sure!!! I think you''ve got quite a job ahead of you!!!

PERSONALLY, if it were me...

I would get the rounded (*tubular*) shank that LE''s ring has (ME LURVES THAT!!!

) in the smallest (narrowest) shank width he would do (like Harriet''s), and with the delicate, graceful cathedral arms like Jeff''s. Single or double claw prongs? Well, I''d leave that up to Leon... I guess!!!

 

[Lynn B]

Pixley,
I keep forgetting to tell you, GORGEOUS diamond, BTW!

Yum, yum!!!

TOTALLY swoonable, and I cannot WAIT to see the finished ring!! I can tell now, I better have my smelling salts nearby!!!!

 

[pixley]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:28:09 PM
Author: Lynn B

Date: 2/21/2008 8:24:22 PM
Author: mrssalvo

lynn, my guess is most of his customers are not as picky as we are and really don't care what the mm's are etc. I'd suspect he still just doesn't do a ton of business directly with the public so the jewelers who use him are the one's that would provide that info to their customers that wanted it. I also think a lot of people just pic a picture and say, make me that

i do know that he is open to you modifying settings so it may be a good thing is isn't so specific so then you can easily say, i like #---- but can you make it 2mm?

True...
but still, I like details!!!

I can see me saying to him, 'I like #... but can you make it 2mm, please?' And he'd be like, 'It IS already 2mm, you dolt!'

Haha!
That's why I need me some details!

This is hilarious! And exactly why I posted the question. I really don't want to waste his time (or mine) trying to make sense of the various shank shapes (or is it band? - see, I don't even know the right term!) and thicknesses so I don't feel like a ding dong when I'm trying to place the order.

LynnB - you are too sweet. Thanks for the thumbs up!

 

[elmo]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:26:56 PM
Author: pixley
Elmo - Thanks for all your help along the way. When do we get to see yours (or did I miss it)???

Thanks pixley! If Leon decides to put up a photo you'll get to see it

. The photos he sent didn't do the piece justice. Actually that sounds a bit familiar doesn't it. I'm really happy that you went with your instincts and decided to take a chance on this. Leon will make a great ring with it.

 

[pixley]

Date: 2/21/2008 8:41:20 PM
Author: elmo

Date: 2/21/2008 8:26:56 PM
Author: pixley
Elmo - Thanks for all your help along the way. When do we get to see yours (or did I miss it)???

Thanks pixley

. If Leon decides to put up a photo you''ll get to see it

. The photos he sent didn''t do the piece justice. Actually that sounds a bit familiar doesn''t it.

I''m really happy that you went with your instincts and decided to take a chance on this. Leon will make a great ring.

Oooooh. Cannot wait to see those juicy photos!

I must''ve missed the post where you mentioned you had sent it to Leon! Conrgatulations!!!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Gorgeous stone...it is going to look great no matter what you set it in!

 

[Boom]

r909 is my ring and it is cathedral. I didn''t want the cathedral sides initially, but Leon felt that the setting wouldn''t look as elegant without them, so I took his advice.

Date: 2/21/2008 8:24:22 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I also think a lot of people just pic a picture and say, make me that

That''s exactly what I did. I sent him a pic of a 10carat RB ring that he had on his site and asked for the same setting. I only asked that the shank be no wider than 2.2mm (came back less than 2mm). It turned out beautifully proportioned.

LynnB,
The cathedral triangles on my ring and smooth and shiny, definitely finished and polished. I have a Mark Morrell cathedral and it is also well polished as far as I can tell.

pixley,
You''ve got a beautiful stone, I can''t wait to see what you finally decide!

 

[pixley]

Boom,
Thanks for setting us all at ease about the smooth cathedrals. I was just ogling your collection yesterday while searching for Leon photos. Do you offer classes in how to upgrade while keeping everything??? Wow! Amaaaazing assortment of baubles!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Boom, I am having Leon reset my diamond and I used your r909 as my example! My stone is smaller though so he wanted to use single prongs instead.

Pixley, your stone is lovely! I''d just tell him you want the classic solitaire, about what width you want the shank, and tell him to decide the prongs. It''s really pretty easy!

 

[LegacyGirl]

That is a really pretty stone.