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Help With Ring :-)

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SomethingClassic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
51
Ok so I have been lurking and even posted once because I loved a ring on here, and now I need some help from the forum.

My girlfriend of 7 years does not wear much jewelry and prefers antique items, however I am not a big fan since many of the places I have looked carry non Gia or do not even have rated stones. I am sure this is not always the case but I would prefer more control over the stone.

My eyes have been drawn to Leon M. specifically the setting below:

http://www.artofplatinum.com/portfolio/details.php?image_id=436

I really like cushion diamonds and she is not particular about the shape of the stone. So the help I need is what kind of cushion would be best for this setting? I am looking to spend 8-10k on the stone. Also does anyone know a ballpark for using Leon? I have read 5k plus. Do you think this setting would look nice with a 1.5-1.75 carat stone? I am not sure I could get a 2 ct. with my budget but any help would be appreciated.

Also, given my girlfriends taste - antique/art deco do you think this setting would be good? I really love the detail on it, it reminds me of something antique but doesn't look dated.
 
I'm not sure I understand well but if your girlfriend love antique why don't you go for it? There are plenty of fantastic old diamond and antique settings! Just take a look at http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/
 
I love that setting. It's one of my favorite Leon ones.

I think it'd look amazing with a chunky, antique-style cushion, and especially GoodOldGold's August Vintage Cushions. What about one of these two?

1.6_J_VS2_$9046

1.74_K_VS2_$8339

Only caveat being, not sure if your girlfriend will like or not mind a little warmth in the color of the stone, or if she wants something icy white. If the former, I think one of those two would look amazing with that Leon. :)
 
I think this setting is really nice. As far as price the best way is to contact Leon and ask for a quote. He also sources cushions cut in the more vintage style, you can see some on micropave.com. One of the AVCs would be lovely too!
 
Thanks for the help - I have actually worked with JBEG before and was not happy with the ring. Nothing against them, they have some pretty nice stuff but it just was not what I was hoping for. I have not been able to find an antique setting that I really think is right and this LM setting has really stuck with me.

I am going to give him a call and find out more before I source a diamond but thank you for the suggestions.
 
Ok I spoke with Leon and a smaller diamond is no problem with the setting, he said he could do any size. I am going to talk with his diamond source but what should I be looking for in a cushion? I would like to stay around $12-14k all in if possible - is that realistic?

We did not discuss price because the stone needs to be picked out first. I could tell his diamond guy my budget but I am a little wary of being taken advantage of...
 
You should tell them your budget. I would tell them around 13K, largest best cut stone they can find. See what they come up with.

You can't get taken advantage of. You aren't paying for anything until you chose to. If they source something you don't like that isn't a good deal, just say "no thank you" that's not what I was looking for. You only pay after you are happy. :-)
 
I did give him my budget - told him 12-13k and that I wanted to stick with the nicer color/clarity - I don't want to go down to a J even if it gets me a bigger stone. They recommended a 1.52ct stone that they are sending me the report on with a quote for the ring as well. I will post more info when I get it and I am going to see the stone on Friday.
 
How exciting! It is going to be beautiful! :appl:
 
Ok here is their suggestion:

1.52 carat G/SI1 white antique cushion diamond
Length: 6.81mm x width: 6.75mm x depth: 4.50mm

Symmetry: G; Polish: EX; Fluorescence: N
Total for the stone: $9,302

I am wondering if the SI1 is too low on the clarity scale?
 
SomethingClassic|1289249712|2758604 said:
Thanks for the help - I have actually worked with JBEG before and was not happy with the ring. Nothing against them, they have some pretty nice stuff but it just was not what I was hoping for.
Click to expand...

Hi there SomethingClassic! We have worked with many, many boyfriends in the past few months and know of no one who was not thrilled with their piece so, I must say, I'm confused by the statement above.

Please contact either Erica or myself (or whichever one of us worked with you on your piece) and we will be happy to discuss this with you! We obviously want you to be happy with your purchase and would be happy to rectify the situation (had we known what your concerns were).

We wish you much luck with your proposal!
 
HeartingDiamonds|1289315759|2759107 said:
SomethingClassic|1289249712|2758604 said:
Thanks for the help - I have actually worked with JBEG before and was not happy with the ring. Nothing against them, they have some pretty nice stuff but it just was not what I was hoping for.
Click to expand...

Hi there SomethingClassic! We have worked with many, many boyfriends in the past few months and know of no one who was not thrilled with their piece so, I must say, I'm confused by the statement above.

Please contact either Erica or myself (or whichever one of us worked with you on your piece) and we will be happy to discuss this with you! We obviously want you to be happy with your purchase and would be happy to rectify the situation (had we known what your concerns were).

We wish you much luck with your proposal!
Click to expand...

Sorry to throw you off like that - I think you have very beautiful stuff it just was not what I was looking for :-) I did not make the purchase, I returned the item and I thought your service was excellent and would not hesitate to order something again if I found the right item. I think that for what I am looking for I want to go more of the custom route and after talking with my GF she has let me know that she wants to be surprised with whatever I think is the right ring.

I have been looking for a setting with intricate detail that has a classic look to it but is still unique. I really like the LM setting I posted because it has a lot of detail and has a really special look to it. I have not been able to find an antique setting that really caught my eye - I see ones that are interesting but nothing that says "i'm the one" - with this setting I feel that. Now I just need to find the right stone for it :-)
 
SomethingClassic|1289259116|2758718 said:
Ok here is their suggestion:

1.52 carat G/SI1 white antique cushion diamond
Length: 6.81mm x width: 6.75mm x depth: 4.50mm

Symmetry: G; Polish: EX; Fluorescence: N
Total for the stone: $9,302

I am wondering if the SI1 is too low on the clarity scale?
Click to expand...


Not as long as it is eye clean, it depends on the type and location of the inclusion. I have an SI1 and cannot see any inclusions at all without a loupe. Eye clean SI1's are a great value I think.

BTW- love the Leon setting
 
I have added a copy of the certificate for more info on the stone. They are going to have a few choices available when I come in.

I am also really starting to like the AVC's from GOG but I don't see one that fits yet.

1.52 G SI1-CUSHION.gif
 
redrose229|1289342720|2759488 said:
I'm not sure if you have already seen this, but there is a classic Leon cushion solitare on JBEG site that is in your size range and budget. Plus then you don't have to go though Leon, which can be an ordeal all in it's own! Here ya go!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/152ct-Cushion-Cut-Leon-Mege/13069728_XWVES#946923619_mnuuY
It's priced at 9350.00 for a 1.52 G SI2 which is a great price with a Leon setting!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip - the thing is, I really like the specific setting that I listed above - it is really striking.
 
Oh! I just looked at the setting now, I'm sorry I had just assumed it was a simple solitaire setting but I see now that I was very wrong! That is one of my favorite settings of all time and it's been saved on my computer for a long time!

That being said, you should get that setting and put an AVC in it because that is a heavenly match! If I had a chance to make that my ering I totally would! I loved my AVC and if you search redrose229 you can see my old AVC and that settings pic is in my thread for the setting I wanted made! So you have my vote! Contact Jonathan and see if there are any coming in bc that's an amazing combo!
 
redrose229|1289350581|2759609 said:
Oh! I just looked at the setting now, I'm sorry I had just assumed it was a simple solitaire setting but I see now that I was very wrong! That is one of my favorite settings of all time and it's been saved on my computer for a long time!

That being said, you should get that setting and put an AVC in it because that is a heavenly match! If I had a chance to make that my engagement ring I totally would! I loved my AVC and if you search redrose229 you can see my old AVC and that settings pic is in my thread for the setting I wanted made! So you have my vote! Contact Jonathan and see if there are any coming in bc that's an amazing combo!
Click to expand...

I spoke with them today (not Jonathan) and apparently the stock they have now is what they are going to have until after the holidays :-(

I was hoping to have it by December 16th for her birthday but I guess I could wait. I really do not see any AVC's on the site that are in my price range and that I am drawn to unfortunately.
 
SomethingClassic|1289351656|2759620 said:
I spoke with them today (not Jonathan) and apparently the stock they have now is what they are going to have until after the holidays :-(

I was hoping to have it by December 16th for her birthday but I guess I could wait. I really do not see any AVC's on the site that are in my price range and that I am drawn to unfortunately.
Click to expand...

I realize you've probably looked though their entire stock, and that you've probably gotten a quote from Leon, but there are a few AVC that are beautiful that are slighly lower in color or clarity than you want to go that are beautiful. Have you checked out the lower colored stones thread? My AVC was a J and I couldn't see any warmth in the stone at all because it was cut so well. If you went slightly smaller, (1.3 range) you can still get a good size in your price range with slightly higher color with a little lower clarity (although still eye clean). I know Leon is the master, but I'm sure JBEG or BGD could make that Leon setting and might be slightly lower in price there for allowing a little more wiggle room for the stone. I'm linking a few stones that I would consider (I'd even consider the K option, but you will be able to see warmth in that stone but for the size and the price, the warmth doesn't make it any less beautiful IMO).

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7445/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7443/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7442/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7543/

I doubt this is going to get you any further than you already were, but I'm going to post them anyways. Another option to consider is Ari at Singlestone. He makes beautiful handmade custom settings (you actually might find something in your budget pre-made in his stock he has some some beautiful antique rings) and he could remake something beautiful like that Leon without any issues (although he may be the same/more expensive in price).

I can't see what you come up with! You could always propose with a picture of the ring and say honey, I love you, I want to be engaged now, and here is the ring I want to have made for you but the perfect stone wasn't going to be ready in time, but I didn't want to wait" or something along those lines. I'm sure she's going to be thrilled that you're taking so much time, effort and care into making her the perfect ring that she won't mind not having it for a few months :praise:
 
I believe I have checked out the K stone a few times and I actually like it a lot - not sure about her preference on color though.

I am torn between size and color - I am sure that is pretty common. I don't want to break the bank and get a huge stone with great color/clarity but at the same time I dont want it to be too small.

She really isnt a very flashy person though so size probably does not matter. I do want it to look great in the setting though.
 
SomethingClassic|1289402575|2760010 said:
I believe I have checked out the K stone a few times and I actually like it a lot - not sure about her preference on color though.

I am torn between size and color - I am sure that is pretty common. I don't want to break the bank and get a huge stone with great color/clarity but at the same time I dont want it to be too small.

She really isnt a very flashy person though so size probably does not matter. I do want it to look great in the setting though.
Click to expand...

If you check out a few of the lowered colored stone threads, they are beautiful. It's really a matter of preference more than anything, but most "lower" colored stones have a negative vibe only because they've been marketed to be "less beautiful and valuable" than higher colored stones. If you search, there is a 3 stone Leon with a 3carat asscher that's DIVINE and asschers show more warmth than cushions. Beleive me, if you went with the K, you wouldn't be sorry. Jonathan is more than willing to make comparison videos so you can see the color difference, but if it were me, I'd jump on it. It's a great size, great price, and a beautiful stone. I think your FF would love it and no ones going to notice the warmth in the stone because they are all going to be blinded by how beautiful it is!

Actually, when I found the thread, the center stone is an L and the sides are K. So it shows you well cut stones face up nice and still are beautiful, and this is even a Leon.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-asscher.148168/#post-2677064?hilit=leon%20asscher#p2677064']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-asscher.148168/#post-2677064?hilit=leon%20asscher#p2677064[/URL]
 
I'm going to respectfully disagree with redrose and suggest not going with a warmer-colored cushion unless you know she'd be okay with it. They can be beautiful, but they aren't everyone's cup of tea.

The setting you've chosen is stunning, though!
 
Man this is making my decision much tougher :-D

That K is really nice - on the phone with them now. They cant do a direct comparison video unless I am really going to buy it so I think I am going to check out Leon's stuff Friday and then figure out if this is the way I want to go. I really like it though.
 
This is the big debate! I don't think she is that picky and she prefers something that looks vintage over something that looks like it was made in 2010. Tough call.
 
SomethingClassic|1289409993|2760098 said:
This is the big debate! I don't think she is that picky and she prefers something that looks vintage over something that looks like it was made in 2010. Tough call.
Click to expand...

If she likes vintage things, most vintage stones are warmer (and many of them not well cut) so I think she'll be thrilled either way that you go. But if she likes things vintage, and isn't to picky, I think she's just going to be blown away by the beauty of the whole thing. I'll see if I can find my J stone video for you.

Here ya go.
http://www.vimeo.com/5099423
Here's a video of an L AVR
http://www.vimeo.com/15083640

And this one has AVC H color, K color and M color
http://www.vimeo.com/13737148

ETA:
http://www.vimeo.com/11341862
http://www.vimeo.com/11367016

ETA: Please post pics of the stones Leon sources for you. Some of his have been great, others haven't been in my taste at all (but never the less beautiful).
 
redrose229|1289412950|2760147 said:
SomethingClassic|1289409993|2760098 said:
This is the big debate! I don't think she is that picky and she prefers something that looks vintage over something that looks like it was made in 2010. Tough call.
Click to expand...

If she likes vintage things, most vintage stones are warmer (and many of them not well cut) so I think she'll be thrilled either way that you go. But if she likes things vintage, and isn't to picky, I think she's just going to be blown away by the beauty of the whole thing. I'll see if I can find my J stone video for you.

Here ya go.
http://www.vimeo.com/5099423
Here's a video of an L AVR
http://www.vimeo.com/15083640

And this one has AVC H color, K color and M color
http://www.vimeo.com/13737148

ETA:
http://www.vimeo.com/11341862
http://www.vimeo.com/11367016

ETA: Please post pics of the stones Leon sources for you. Some of his have been great, others haven't been in my taste at all (but never the less beautiful).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the video - I will post whatever I can. I did talk to GOG and they were nice enough to provide me with some picture comparisons of the k stone against a G and an H - I can see the warmth in the K stone but its nothing major. Still not sure if that is what I want though - the stone itself is really beautiful though. I am going to check out what Leon and Perry have to offer tomorrow and then decide if I want to go to GOG - I wish they had an H with decent clarity in a 1.5 ct or better - I would jump all over it.
 
Another concern I have is that in the LM picture for the setting, the color of the metal is darker (because of the lighting I am assuming) and all of the platinum I have seen is pretty bright and shiny.

I am wondering how this will affect the look of the ring because I actually like the darker look.
 
Ok - I met with Perry on Friday and saw a bunch of stones. He is a really nice guy, takes his time with you, and will show you whatever you want to see.

That being said, I thought the quality of the stones he had was excellent. I really liked the 1.5 G SI1 he had picked out originally, it was definitely eye clean and a beautiful stone. He also showed me a 1.65ct F stone which was beautiful (only downside was I could see the inclusion as it hit right in the center of the stone so when the light his there was a dark spot in the reflection) - the stone itself was gorgeous though, a really nice shape. Finally he showed me a 2.4 J which I was really impressed by, you could see the warmth but it wasnt too bad and the stone was gorgeous.

I have some pictures I can post later but right now I am a little torn over which to choose.

My GF has a finger size of 5 1/2 so a 2.4 might be too much, plus I am not sure about the warmth. It is also a little over my original budget.

Does anyone have any experience buying diamonds through a wholesaler? Just curious if there is any difference in the process and the quality.
 
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