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Where to buy Leon Mege-style 5-stone e-ring in LA?

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greeny

Rough_Rock
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My BF and I are about to start diamond/ring shopping here in LA and I would like to know where to to go for what I'm looking for. My ideal ring is a Leon Mege-style 5-stone with traps and tapered bullets. Center stone ideally 2.5-3.0 carats and either cushion or emerald cut (not Asscher as my 1st e-ring was). I've been reading up on this from other threads but what I want is pretty specific so I would really love everyone's thoughts.

So first, knowing what I want should we find the stone beforehand? Or is best to buy from the designer? Priorities are 1) Keeping the process as simple & streamlined as possible so it doesn't turn into a long-term project 2) Quality of diamond and craftsmanship. 3) value for our budget (@$40k total).

Here's a link to what I'm thinking of...

https://www.pricescope.com/gallery/pricescope-gallery/café/leon-mege/r5413_stock-1-0529_0023wx

Thanks!

Greeny
 
Easy....Victor Canera. He is a master ring maker and does beautiful work. Just show him pictures of what you want.

http://www.victorcanera.com/
 
Thanks for the quick reply...he was high on my list of designers but how is his diamond selection and value? Do I buy elsewhere and bring to him or will he be a good resource for the center stone as well?
 
I am sorry, I forgot to answer that! You certainly can see what Victor can source for you. He may be able to find you a beautiful stone! I think his prices are in line with most of the PS vendors. My other option would be Good Old Gold, because they do very well sourcing well cut fancy shape diamonds. Both are great vendors and I have worked with both and recommend them highly! (Both cut antique cushions for their inventory and can source anything else.)
 
I second diamondseeker's recommendation. I just met with Victor this past week and you could not meet a more professional, kind, integrous and gifted artist. He is very communicative, responsive and generous with his time. He is open to suggestions, and is happy to explain or answer questions. I went in with my ipad and showed him specific attributes of certain rings by different makers (Leon being one of them) and told him what I liked and didn't like, also about his own pieces. He took it all in, made note of my requirements and agreed with the ones he thought were doable. I asked him to tweak specific aspects of his rings, and he was totally fine with it, provided he did not think it compromised the integrity of the setting. Some he didn't recommend and he explained his reasons, which were enlightening and educational. It was a very collaborative process and I left feeling at peace with my decisions. I have 3-4 weeks before I receive my piece, and have full faith in his ability to execute as we discussed.

Pricing wise, as far as the setting (I am having him do my setting, not sourcing a stone.) I think he is more than competitive with LM and SK. Honestly, he was quite a bit below SS. For the stones, just based on the prices shown on his website, his rounds appear competitive with WF and BGD. Not sure about his emerald cuts. I did get the impression he has a love of beautiful, high color and clarity (and of course cut) stones. So fear not that he won't source you a beautiful stone.

How exciting!! Did you see his groove set three stones? That would be fabulous for a five stone like you want, with clean, straight lines.

Just give him a call during his office hours. About half the time, he answers the phone directly. We've had half hour conversations before I even committed to working with him.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
I have found that LM's ready made prices to be higher than the custom orders for some reason.
 
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