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Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired halo?

7

7avocado

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 20, 2013
Messages
45
I loved Leon's work but not the attitude. In a fairly rude way he told me he won't do the setting unless I buy the stone from him (even though Perry, his assistant told me otherwise). What I am looking for is his quality of work minus the attitude. I don't have a stone picked out yet but I certainly don't want to buy it from him now, given this is how he's treating me when I am just a prospect.

I checked out Steven Kirsch and his found his quality in micro-pave (I like really delicate settings, like LM's 811 antique, looking for width of around 1.5-1.7 mm) to not be as good as LM's. I live in NYC so LA-based designers aren't really an option, I'd love to find someone here. I really hope you all can help!!
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Hit report concern button on the right and ask to move this to RT.

What exactly did you not like about Steven's pave? I have compared it to Leon's and I think they are pretty much dead on and I'm way picky about my settings. DId you see it in person?

If you want to stay in NYC your choices are LM, SK and ERD. ERD does cast and hand forged. Though I would pick SK every single time. There are of course other options but if SK and LM are in your budget I"m not sure you would be happy with some of the others. I have seen many examples in RL and in macro shots posted on PS and I know I would pretty much only use VC and SK for pave. I too have an issue with Leon's attitude.


How to Make a Harry Winston Inspried Halo Ring: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Are you sure you wouldn't consider sending it to LA? Victor Canera's pave is the best there is and he is a genuinely lovely guy too!!!
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

SB621 - thank you, just submitted to be moved to RT. that's what happens when you're new!

I spent about 30 minutes at SK in person (I work just 5 blocks away, so it's a quick/easy trip for me). I liked his pave but not his micro-pave. Out of LM's I loved only 811 1.5mm ring, I guess i just like them very very delicate and found SK's not as delicate although certainly high quality. Plus SK seemed to be quite a bit in a hurry and quoted me $5,200. Not sure if that's his typical price or whether he's just overwhelmed by the orders and thus has raised his prices.

The link you provided is incredibly helpful, I wish I saw it before doing all this research on my own...

Has anyone seen David S's settings? I am considering buying the stone from them (their specialty is all light reflection and they are very good at educating but my concern is the quality of the setting). My original plan was to take the stone to LM except he told me 'he wants to make money too' and thus didn't event bother providing a quote for the setting, he only wants to do the setting + stone.

Sounds like I should check out ERD next.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

thank you arkieb1. i think i need to really see the setting in person and really hope to find a solution in NYC
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Ladies, one more question for you... Is it possible to go with a princess-cut stone in the Harry Winston-inspired halo? I still want it to have rounded edges vs. a more sharp, square look but am starting to like princess brilliance more than cushions.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

7avocado|1377102972|3507334 said:
Ladies, one more question for you... Is it possible to go with a princess-cut stone in the Harry Winston-inspired halo? I still want it to have rounded edges vs. a more sharp, square look but am starting to like princess brilliance more than cushions.
Click to expand...


Anything is possible if you pay for it, but I wouldn't do a princess in that settting. I have yet to see one that looks fantastic.

And the price he quoted you is pretty much spot on for what a hand forged setting would cost. They are typically between 4-6k.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

VIctor Canera. Hands down. Can someone link the LM vs. SK vs. VC frankie halo?
 
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Figure out what stone you would like, buy it, and then query Leon again if you are still interested. What he says before you have the stone in hand and what he says afterwards may be two different things.

On the other hand, if you decide to go with a princess and want a Harry Winston style halo, he might still say no, because like many people, he dislikes that look, and he often won't agree to a design he dislikes.
He does do this interesting cushion halo for a princess:
https://leonmege.com/index.php/portfolio/engagement/nina-princess-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-detail

In the meantime, if you definitely prefer to stay with a New York jeweler, you can visit ERD and see what you think of the micropave from their hand-forged bench.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Steven Kirsch made me a beautiful halo for my princess cut! Take a look at my post on my reset by SK for pictures. Hands down, he's the perfect guy to work with both professionally and personally - love visiting his office and just kicking back :) Saving up for matching band now.......
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

I am a fan of the work of both VC and SK (with a preference for VC due to a lackluster customer service experience with SK). Having said that, I chose ERD and could't be happier with my results. Best of luck on your choice - you really can't go wrong with any of the choices that have been mentioned.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

soxfan|1377115964|3507471 said:
VIctor Canera. Hands down. Can someone link the LM vs. SK vs. VC frankie halo?
Click to expand...

Unless you have personally seen rings by all 3 pave masters I would not make that statement. I understand you are thrilled about VC making your ring, but I completely disagree and I have owned 2 rings by him!!! He is wonderful, but I would not say he is better then SK or LM. People go with different vendors as it works for their budgets, locations and comfort level with customer service.

As for Frankie's thread it has already been argued enough in PS but I'm of the camp that any ring redone 3 times will have improvements which each new version. Look at Yssie and how she has redone her 3/5 stone. Each ring always gets better. I would not hold that thread with much more than a grain of salt though I know others do.

As for me I have seen and owned rings by all 3 (bought my LM pre loved as I don't care for his CS attitude or lack thereof). I can tell you they are all beyond words. My preference is to work with SK as I think he gets my overall look I go for more plus I love that he is on the East Coast like me. However, I have recommended VC and LM to others (I believe Soxfan I was the one who made the recommendation to you as well???)

Anyhow OP I think ERD might be a great bet for you since they are in NYC. They have had some very nice pave rings come out of their shop lately. My neighbor has had her pave halo from them for a little over a year and compared to my VC halo the differences are so subtle that I would think that 99.6% of the ppl can't tell differences between them. Before SK and VC came into the picture ERD were known for their cushions and HW inspired halos. Some of my favorite rings on PS have come from them. As already mentioned they do CAST/CAD and hand forged. I have not seen their hand forged rings in person but I would be curious to compare the 2 in person so if you are local I would definitely call Chris and see what he has for you to look at.

And I also agree with the other poster that once you have your diamond you might want to still call LM to see if his interest is renewed- though if it were me you couldn't pay me to use him. I have been totally turned off by a few interactions with him so I understand why you wouldn't as well. Sorry for the novel!!!!
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

SB621|1377133848|3507670 said:
soxfan|1377115964|3507471 said:
VIctor Canera. Hands down. Can someone link the LM vs. SK vs. VC frankie halo?
Click to expand...

Unless you have personally seen rings by all 3 pave masters I would not make that statement. I understand you are thrilled about VC making your ring, but I completely disagree and I have owned 2 rings by him!!! He is wonderful, but I would not say he is better then SK or LM. People go with different vendors as it works for their budgets, locations and comfort level with customer service.
Click to expand...

Oh Jesus, fine. I can't say shit on this forum without someone telling me I am too new to give advice or I'm dramatic or I'm stupid. :roll: The OP said she didn't want Leon. Didn't like SK's pave. That leaves ONE person: VC. Frankie's thread was incredibly helpful. It compares every one of them in incredible close up detail.

I'm done...

Good luck OP, I really think ERD's pave halos are spectacular too. But then again, what do I know? :roll:
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

SB621 - thank you for taking the time to write a thoughtful response! truly appreciated.

pre-loved LM might be another way to go for me, would you have suggestions for where to look? i searched ebay and nothing came up.

I will see ERD in the next day or two.

What I am learning is that pictures don't tell the whole story. You really need to hold the ring in your hand to understand the workmanship. Even with LM, I truly loved only one ring - the 811 but with the very thin, delicate band - 1.5 mm, all others seemed too thick for me. Needless to say, I hated De Beers settings and Cartier. Although did like Cartier's Ballerine wedding band....
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

7avocado|1377135593|3507694 said:
SB621 - thank you for taking the time to write a thoughtful response! truly appreciated.

pre-loved LM might be another way to go for me, would you have suggestions for where to look? i searched ebay and nothing came up.

I will see ERD in the next day or two.

What I am learning is that pictures don't tell the whole story. You really need to hold the ring in your hand to understand the workmanship. Even with LM, I truly loved only one ring - the 811 but with the very thin, delicate band - 1.5 mm, all others seemed too thick for me. Needless to say, I hated De Beers settings and Cartier. Although did like Cartier's Ballerine wedding band....
Click to expand...

So I bought my ring which was a pave eternity that someone was selling on Diamondbistro.com. You rarely see LM, SK, VC, HM rings etc because most ppl tend to keep them. I don't think I have ever seen an 811 posted. There have been a few VC halos posted from those of us who have done upgrades. I believe another PSer has a VC halo she is thinking about putting up. It is for a 2ct RB in the emilya. But in the last few years they are few and far between so I wouldn't count on it. However you can always check loupetroop and diamond bistro. You never know what might pop up. I would still say go custom though as you want it to fit your diamond precisely.

I agree you need to see the ring in person. As far as the ring you posted I don't love it but I could be looking at different aspects then you. I would ask them what kind of pave they use in it. I think that is what is throwing me off.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

thank you SB621!

I just finished reading through Frankie's detailed comparison of the 3, VC, SK and LM and I have to say... I am very tempted to go VC even though I initially ruled it out considering he's in LA and I am in NYC. I just need to see his work in person to decide. Or find someone in NYC who has his halo ring... anybody willing to meet me for a coffee?? I almost not kidding.

But i can't believe there is no one else who can do as good of work as VC in NYC. It's a big city. I'll keep on looking - will check out ERD, go back to LM and put up with the attitude, and see if I can identify any other hidden gems.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Well if you are open to go out of NYC I would add Hannah Maytel to the list. For some reason I think she would mesh really well with you.

After looking at ERD I would definitely call VC and HM. Talk to them and see if there is anyone who you feel the most comfortable with. However with all this said realize with custom...especially hand forged custom there are no returns or refunds typically. So if you have any questions put them out on the table. I can't recall anyone in NYC who has a VC ring but I'm sure there is someone and I would definitely volunteer my ring for a free starbucks if I were closer! I only went with VC after seeing another ring he did so I was 100% comfortable going with him for my halo.


Good luck!
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Not many skilled ringmakers will go down to 1.5mm micropave because there are just too many issues with users wearing them in the wrong situations and bending/breaking the shank. Several PSers who have had rings that thin from Leon, etc, have had that happen. We don't recommend anyone go with under 2mm for a pave shank. Leon's ego is why he's willing to go that thin when other makers often aren't.

I think 5k for a handforged Harry Winston style halo at that level is dead-on.

The Ken and Dana ring is nice and above average but not at the level of Leon, VC, SK, or imo even ERD or Maytal Hannah.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

SB621 - I wish I could ship you a cup of coffee! But if you're ever in NYC, just let me know.

Yes, will report back on the findings.

Distracts - thanks for the price reference. Ken & Dana are a bit less but I agree, they aren't quite at the same level of work. Another option is to get a 'decent enough' setting through David S who I am likely to be buying the diamond from. It's significantly cheaper (between $1-$2K) and might be better than getting treated like crap by LM. But now that i've seen VC side-by-side, I am certainly tempted.

Have you ladies found it 'worth it' to upgrade to a beautiful setting in $5K range vs a good enough setting in $2K range? Or should I get my diamond a tad smaller or a color grade lower and get the setting i truly love?
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Distracts - one more question for you. You mentioned 1.5mm is too thin. But i truly looooove the delicate look. What is the thinnest I could go with it still being practical?

Also, quick vote - donut or no donut? From what I understand, here are pros/cons:
donut pro: more sturdy than no donut like Ken and Dana's (re posting here again) http://shop.kenanddanadesign.com/collections/engagement-rings/products/unique-engagement-rings-halo-cushion-pave-judie-february-2013
donut con: wedding band will rub against it wearing out the stones. it won't sit flush (I used to think that's an issue but have since decided i actually don't mind a small gap between the ering and the band so that it doesn't all blend together as much)
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Distracts - if a shank bends/breaks, is the cost of the repair covered by the designer or by the buyer? is there any sort of guarantee on these custom-made pieces?
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

I think the smallest you can safely go is actually 1.8mm pending your finger size. If you over a size 7 I would stick with 2mm or over. 2mm is still extremely thin!!! My ring is a size 6 and it is 1.9mm.

In the cases of the 2 rings breaking that I know of they were not covered by the designer. The ppl had to pay to have it fixed. I know a DBL uber setting broke though within a week of the person wearing it and David covered the expense saying it was a faulty something (can't remember what). Typically bending is something you would have to pay for as it would be considered normal wear and tear. Even something like a pave stone falling out would be covered by YOUR expense in most cases.

The donut is a personal preference. If you want the traditional HW halo then you typically have the donut. However, most have it removed so they can wear a wedding band without a spacer to insure no damage is done to the wedding band.

Just google the HW inspired ring on PS. Most of these questions have been brought up and debated by wonderful PSers and I think you will find it very insightful.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

thank you as always. I am a 4.75 size, and found that anything close to a 2 doesn't look good. Will try to post pics if i can
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

Ok, here's my attempt at pics of 1.5mm LM halo and 2.2mm de beers

photo_305.jpg

photo_306.jpg
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

7avocado|1377138526|3507749 said:
Have you ladies found it 'worth it' to upgrade to a beautiful setting in $5K range vs a good enough setting in $2K range? Or should I get my diamond a tad smaller or a color grade lower and get the setting i truly love?
Click to expand...

I went with a "good enough" setting, mainly because my husband (then just my boyfriend!) was not convinced of using anything but a local retailer. Of course we hunted and hunted to find one that met my specifications, but it's definitely not at the level of the vendors you're interested in. And... I'm fine with that. While I can notice the details and imperfections, it doesn't bother me. My ring is, quite frankly, a sparklebomb, and I'm stopped all the time so strangers can compliment me on it, it's exactly the style I sketched out for my husband before ring shopping, I've had it 2.5 years with no pave falling out or loose (my center stone DID fall out when I whacked my hand on a sink, but it got reset), the pave is all quite evenly aligned and the fluorescent pave is symmetrical (some people get hung up about this and most claim no one would sort melee stones by fluorescence but someone must have on mine since it's perfectly symmetrical and I doubt that happened by accident) and I'm not really sure what more I could ask for. It's better than the vast majority of rings out there, but not better than the creme de la creme that we see on PS. And I'm satisfied to be in the top 5% even if not in the top 1%. BUT not everyone is like that! I am easily pleased in all walks of life, haha.

We usually recommend 2mm, but some people go as thin as 1.8mm. Just understand that either one requires more care and is essentially a "going out" ring, not a "wear around the house while doing chores and sleeping" ring.

In cases of rings breaking like that, it is usually NOT covered by the designer unless it happens very soon after you receive the ring. If it happens within, like, a month, it could conceivably be manufacturer error, but otherwise it's usually a case of wearing your princess ring in your real life instead of just at dinner parties. I don't recall any instances of anyone trying to get theirs replaced by insurance, so I'm not sure how an insurance company would handle it. We do always advocate getting your ring insured, whether on an independent policy or a rider on your homeowners.

And it's hard for me to tell from the pics, but is the 2.2 DeBeers ring really the same kind of pave? The prongs look way bigger. It definitely looks significantly thicker than the LM ring. How thick is the wedding band on that one? I like the thickness of the DeBeers wedding band.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

nyquestioner|1377138284|3507745 said:
maybe this is a wacky question, but I was just looking on their website...is it possible that one of the people that ERD uses for their hand-forged bench actually is SK?
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/hand-forged-5-stone-diamond-micro-pave-ring-pid-1085-44.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/bands/r0405.html

these two rings look rather the same, or am i confused?
Click to expand...

ERD has their own hand forged bench which isn't SK. However, SK actually made that ring in the picture. I have seen that ring in person and I am in love with it. I will get it one day.
 
Re: Who is as good as Leon Mege at Harry Winston-inspired ha

I don't own halos from LM, SK or VC. My halo is from Maytal Hannah.

With that said, I love my e-ring from LM and I love my wedding band from SK.

In this stack, there are rings from Maytal Hannah, Steven Kirsch and Leon Mege.
CharmyPoo%20-%204Rings5.jpg

CharmyPoo%20-%20WeddingSet-Hand1.jpg
 
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