The joy of getting a bargain wears off fast, but the regret of getting a lemon will haunt you forever. In jewelry, just like anything else, you get what you pay for.
Rules of Engagement
Our jewelry is precision-forged. This is the highest level of craftsmanship done using traditional bench tools. Leon Mege is a master jeweler and diamond expert. He will guide you through the arduous process of selecting the right diamond and designing the perfect setting. We have been making bespoke engagement rings and couture jewelry for decades and extend our experience and expertise to those who desire perfection.
Communicate your wishes
- You can request a price quote followed by a phone consultation.
- Alternatively, you can call us first so we can answer all of your questions.
- A retainer is required to meet in person, work on the stone selection, or discuss the design in detail.
- We supply GIA-certified natural diamonds sourced from carefully vetted US-based diamond cutters who can guarantee that the stones are authentic and sold responsibly. For your own protection, we will not work with diamonds purchased elsewhere.
Selecting the diamond (or a gemstone)
We sell all diamonds and gemstones at wholesale prices guaranteed to be equal to and often even lower than anyone else’s. We match the prices of natural diamonds offered by legitimate dealers such as Blue Nile or James Allen but will not match those offered by bait-and-switch brokers.
The retainer is required to work with us on diamond selection, a process that includes sourcing, inspection, and evaluation of potential diamonds and providing detailed GIA information, pictures, or videos of the stones.
Comparing potential picks requires close communication and readiness to close the deal. The necessary funds should be ready because a hesitation or lack of necessary funds might cost you an excellent deal,
First-time diamond buying advice
- Diamond prices, especially for round shapes, are pretty much uniform, no matter where you buy them.
- You can get a general idea of the current diamond prices here
- A round diamond is more expensive than a fancy-shaped diamond.
- Retailers do not own the diamonds but loan them “on the memo.”
- You can identify any diamond by its GIA certificate number.
- GIA is the gold standard in diamond grading. Buy only a GIA-certified diamond.
- GIA grades CUT of round diamonds, but not fancy shapes.
- “Ideal cut” is not an official grade. All stones with GIA ExExEx grade (excellent cut, polish, and symmetry) are ideal-cut diamonds.
- “Super ideal” or “Hearts and Arrows” are round diamonds with exceptional symmetry and proportions. Their unnecessary superiority comes at a steep premium.
- Vintage diamond cuts, such as Antique cushions and Asschers, are more expensive than modern diamonds due to their scarcity.
- Carat weight does not necessarily correlate to diamond face-up size, particularly for fancy shapes and antique cuts.
- The Color/Clarity sweet spot for natural diamonds is G-H/VS
- There are five basic diamond grades: Investment D-E/IF ; Collection E-F/VVS; Premium G-H/VS-SI1; Commercial I-J/SI; Budget I-K/SI1-I
- Fluorescent diamonds are sold at a steep discount.
- When fluorescent diamonds appear milky or hazy, they are nearly worthless.
- Sometimes, a strong blue fluorescence makes I-J-K-colored diamonds look whiter.
- Faint fluorescence does not affect the stone’s appearance and value.
- “Light Performance” is a sales gimmick.
- Any diamond appears larger when mounted.
- A diamond loses as much as 2-3 color grades when dirty.
- It takes a big man to buy a big diamond, but a smart man to buy a good one.
Once we have established the initial style direction and proposed budget, we will set to work, reviewing designs that reflect your ideas and are special to you. The quality and style of our work are superior to luxury brands like Harry Winston®, Graff®, Van Cleef®, Cartier®, and Tiffany®, among others. Any ring style you wish for can be reinterpreted and improved through detailed discussions. Platinum is the best choice for a diamond engagement ring, but 18-karat yellow or rose gold can be used for those who crave color.
Whatsapp is a preferential method of exchanging large images and video files. Email is used for documents requiring a signature. The order is finalized by signing the Purchase Orders and making the payment. Please carefully check the PO for errors or omissions before signing it and returning it to us.
Decisiveness is the key
When you see a perfect stone, buy it without hesitation.
Sometimes, the fear of commitment and second-guessing prevents you from making a decision. Don’t let a great diamond get away from you by needlessly procrastinating.
Diamonds have a relatively short shelf life. Once the stone is gone, you will instantly feel you want it. You will not find a stone as good as the one that slipped away.
Ring Design
Once we have established the initial style direction and proposed budget, we will set to work, reviewing designs that reflect your ideas and are special to you. The quality and style of our work are superior to luxury brands like Harry Winston®, Graff®, Van Cleef®, Cartier®, and Tiffany®, among others. Any ring style you wish for can be reinterpreted and improved through detailed discussions. Platinum is the best choice for a diamond engagement ring, but 18-karat yellow or rose gold can be used for those who crave color.
Whatsapp is a preferential method of exchanging large images and video files. Email is used for documents requiring a signature. The order is finalized by signing the Purchase Orders and making the payment. Please carefully check the PO for errors or omissions before signing it and returning it to us.
Step Four - production
Please sit back, relax, and leave the rest to us. We will notify you a few days before the job is completed to give you enough time to arrange for the final payment.
- Most custom work takes three to six weeks.
- We are fully insured.
- Be ready to pay the balance in full before we ship.
There is no sales tax outside of New York, and continental shipping is free. The ring comes in a signature Leon Mege box with all the necessary paperwork, including a stone certificate and appraisal.
