my leon is here...and i'm not in love...

[PrincessNatalie]

Based on what I have read of peoples horrid experiences all over PS, Leon sounds like a d**k!

Just saying!

 

[yennyfire]

I'm really sorry that your ring isn't what you were expecting. I can't add anything to the advice you've been given, but hope that you're able to work it out to your satisfaction. Hugs....

 

[arjunajane]

GREAT advice CCL!

agreed, very concise and sound advice CCL. I hope this helps Sammie.

 

[TotalNewbie]

sammie this must feel like crap I'm so sorry. But frankly, I am not sorry the tide seems to be turning against LM on PS, with posters not just accepting incorrect or shoddy work just because its a Leon. I too recall when Panda had the same problem, and she now has a lovely JbEG setting, so I'm guessing she didnt 'learn to love it'. Sammie it sounds as if you have multiple concerns which go beyond the diamond height. Others may disagree with me, but my advice would be to come clean to your guy-this is not your fault. I would then have him negotiate with Leon to have the ring made to a better standard, including the correct detailsdetails. Yep, before I get jumped on this goes against every independent feminine instinct I have-but the man is what he is. And if he deals better with men than this is the shortest way ultimately for Sammie to get the ring they paid for and she requested. Best of luck Sammie *hugs*

arjunajane - I agree with you that if that's what the OP needs to do to get her ring adjusted to her specs, she should follow your advice. But now I'm really perplexed as to why so many PSers would do business with someone who sounds like a chauvanist. I know his rings are beautiful, but still... I haven't researched but am sure there are many talented ringmakers out there.

I really hope the OP can get her ring adjusted expediently.

 

[sammie83]

thank you all so much for your words of comfort and advice..

but really quick before i get into more details-- do you all think it is probably a correct assumption that one of leon's apprentice's made my ring and that leon in actuality didn't even touch it himself? i emailed him last nite, and i got a response this morning saying he is sorry i am unhappy and to please call him so we can talk about it.. i don't want to insult him and was wondering if maybe mentioning something like "i know you probably had an apprentice work on my project since it was simple and my stone isn't that huge" or something to that effect...

what do you guys think?

 

[AnneinGA]

Sammie, you know what they say about assumptions? I wouldn't go there. If he did make it, and made a mistake, you don't want to back him into a corner. Just state what you're unhappy about - without assigning blame on who. If an apprentice did it, Leon needs to know about their work, but just bringing the issues to light will make that happen.

 

[amc80]

i don't want to insult him and was wondering if maybe mentioning something like "i know you probably had an apprentice work on my project since it was simple and my stone isn't that huge" or something to that effect...

what do you guys think?

I don't think it matters if he worked on it or if his apprentice worked on it. Leon's name is on it, it came from his shop, HE is responsible for it.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

thank you all so much for your words of comfort and advice..

but really quick before i get into more details-- do you all think it is probably a correct assumption that one of leon's apprentice's made my ring and that leon in actuality didn't even touch it himself? i emailed him last nite, and i got a response this morning saying he is sorry i am unhappy and to please call him so we can talk about it.. i don't want to insult him and was wondering if maybe mentioning something like "i know you probably had an apprentice work on my project since it was simple and my stone isn't that huge" or something to that effect...

what do you guys think?

Sammie83,

I wouldn't go there, it is not relevant to the solution you are looking for. Leon supervises his bench and shop and is responsible for QA. I think he rarely if ever works on jewelery himself anymore. Save your time and his, focus on the fine details of what needs to be improved.

If you can take photographs to show him and point to the areas that you feel need to be improved that would help.

CCl

 

[starryeyed]

Fewer words are better. You don't need to make excuses for LM - that could go downhill quickly. Clearly there was a miscommunication somewhere along the line. Acknowledge that and be precise about what you want.

If you want to try out your description on us first, maybe that would help. We could tell you if you are being clear or not. You may need to post a picture, but maybe someone can photoshop it for you to send to LM. Just a thought.

 

[antelope1]

I would write down the points you want to make in unemotional language, without making any excuses for anyone. I would also try to stick to your "script" when you are talking to him. Check off your points as you make them. Email him once you are done with the call, summarizing what was discussed as accurately as possible. (To establish a record that the call took place.)

It's going to be hard to stay calm, but that's exactly what you have to do in this situation. Hang in there!

 

[LGK]

This is probably all pretty obvious but just on the off chance it helps here's what I've found helpful when trying to get someone in customer service to fix a mistake.

I do find that if someone is getting wound up and defensive, specifically saying that there was a miscommunication can help sometimes, rather than assigning blame (even if it is really, truly justified). And absolutely be as pleasant as humanly possible w/o butt kissing. There is nothing that shocks me more than the number of people that get nasty immediately when they want something from a customer service person (absolutely *not* saying you'll do that sammie, just a general comment!) Being nice as long as possible is a great angle to take, for sure. You can always bring out the big b!tch guns later if nice doesn't work

I also think that Leon in particular reacts poorly to an emotional appeal too. A factual and coolheaded approach sounds more likely to net you a good result IMO.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

I also think that Leon in particular reacts poorly to an emotional appeal too. A factual and coolheaded approach sounds more likely to net you a good result IMO.

Well said and that is exactly the reason and source of his chauvanistic comments and opinions.

 

[bgray]

He is very easy to offend. He has that very typical russian male ego. He makes very little any more yet acts like he makes everything. I defintely would just say I wanted xyz, we discussed and emailed about xyz and I got xabc.

 

[arjunajane]

sammie, any news yet..?

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I agree with everyone's advice, and I just wanted to say - hugs Sammie, and I really really hope this gets resolved soon and to your satisfaction. Please let us know how the phone call goes!

 

[Imdanny]

I'm sorry this vendor messed up your order. What a nightmare. I hope he makes it right and soon.

 

[vbnet]

Hugs, sammie, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Stick to facts. Try to stay calm. I'm hoping you'll be happy in the end. It's just a bummer it has to go thru more rigamorole.

 

[sammie83]

he agreed to remake the ring! yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

thanks for all your advice and support everyone!

this has definitely been a nerve-racking experience... i hope it turns out the way it was supposed to be this time around (crosses fingers)

i can't really get into the details until it's all settled, but once i have it in my hands again i'll let you all know exactly what happened

thanks again everyone

 

[AnneinGA]

Oh, Sammie, that is wonderful news! I am so very glad to hear it. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[MissGotRocks]

That is wonderful news - so happy for you! I'm so glad that he will make it right for you - must be such a relief!

 

[missydebby]

 

[Love Street]

YAY!!!!!!!

I am SOOOO happy for you Sammie. What a relief. Fingers crossed that the rest of the process goes smoothly for you.

 

[bright&shiny]

Excellent result! I'm looking forward to hearing how it was resolved. We've been considering a GOG cushion or one of the new Asscher cuts and a LM setting.... Congratulations!!!!!

 

[Amethyste]

He had the work order which listed milgrain and pave, and he just doesn't do it? I would be saying REFUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is why I never deal with Leon.

Seems to me that he's gotten "too big" and the QC is lacking. Kinda reminds me of the Runaway-Toyotas syndrome. And that wasn't a good thing for their reputation - and will not be for him either if mishaps (and costly ones at that!!!) keeps on happening!

I didn't get all warm and fuzzy inside when I called him to discuss my project. I wanted white trillions sidestones for my yellow pear and he told me "that look is sooo passe"... It turned me off - that was how far my love for him went lol.

I think you should talk to him and see if there is a way for him to rectify his mistake(s) and make it right for you... I sure hope so cause his custom work AINT cheap!!

ETA: OoooPS! I read that he agreed to fix it!!! Atta boy!

 

[lknvrb4]

Great news you got it worked out.

 

[petrock<3]

WHEWWW!!! I am so relieved for you!

Happy dance!

can't wait to see the re-do!