Leon Mege the Art of Platinum Jewelry

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Custom jeweler Leon Mege recently updated The Art of Platinum jewelry. As a matter of fact, the new web site certainly is beautiful. In addition, it features plenty of high-resolution images of Leon’s work like the ring on the left.

Consequently, I've always admired the quality of his craftsmanship and flair for custom design. Although that may be true, this might be the first time you've heard of Leon Megé custom designs.

Be that as it may, Leon Mege is well known throughout the trade as being a master craftsman and jeweler. As a matter of fact, he owns one of the most exclusive custom jewelry boutiques in New York. In fact, his work is definitely among the finest in the world.

Leon Mege Art of Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond Ring.

Cushion Pavé Diamond Ring by Leon Mege.

In other words, I hold Leon Megé in high regard along with custom jewelers like:

In that case, Leon Megé is among a small group of jewelers who offer custom hand-forged jewelry design. Although that may be true, each of these jewelry designers is unique unto themselves. Under those circumstances, you'll have to see which one of them appeals to your personal sense of style.

Leon Mege Diamond Engagement Ring Designs:

Leon Mege Diamond Engagement Ring Examples.

Leon Megé Custom Design Portfolio.

In the first place, I truly enjoyed browsing through the online catalog of Leon Megé engagement rings. Consequently, Leon Mege is famous for saying "Minimize the appearance of the metal and spotlight the gemstones.”

The engagement ring designs featured in his portfolio certainly reflect that preference. In that case, when you look at the Leon Megé designs on the left, the diamonds are the primary focal point.

In that case, the structure of the ring itself appears to be minimal and that makes the diamonds stand out. Of course, not everybody likes the band on their engagement ring to be thin. Some of my clients do prefer thin ring shanks and others do not. Although that may be true, it’s not really an issue since every ring is made to order.

Custom Jewelry Made to Order:

Leon Mege Art of Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Ring.

Asscher Cut Diamond Ring by Leon Mege.

  As a matter of fact, the precise nature of custom jewelry dictates that it be made to the dimensions of the center stone. Under those circumstances, you can specify the thickness of the ring shank that you prefer when you place your order.

As a matter of fact, that statement applies to all of the custom jewelers who I work with. After all, their job is to help you create the custom ring of your dreams!

Of course, the Asscher cut diamond ring on the left suggests a good way to thicken up the ring shank. That's right, just add side stones!

Consequently, there are more than one thousand couture designs featured in the Leon Megé portfolio of custom designs. In that case, it should be easy for you to find the inspiration for your custom ring.

As a matter of fact, Leon’s portfolio includes photographs of all the custom rings that he’s made for clients throughout the years. Not surprisingly, it’s fun to flip through whether you’re looking for a ring right now or not. That is, assuming, of course, that you’ve been bitten by the jewelry bug.

Hand-forged Jewelry by Leon Mege:

One of the things that distinguish Leon Megé from the majority of custom jewelers is that he offers jewelry that is hand-forged. That means that the jewelry is created by heating, bending, and shaping the metal.

As opposed to using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and then casting the ring from wax. Consequently, that my preferred method of jewelry design because it creates a more uniform design. Be that as it may, there are PROS and CONS to both creation processes. Not the least of which is price because hand-forged jewelry is expensive because it is labor intensive.

In that case, there are three well-known jewelers online who offer hand-forged jewelry and two also offer CAD:

CAD vs Hand-forged Jewelry Design:

As stated previously, there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of creating custom jewelry. Of course, I can appreciate the raw talent that is necessary to hand-forge an engagement ring. However, I personally prefer the precise symmetry provided by computer-aided design.

My sense of balance requires both sides of a ring to be symmetrical in size and shape. Consequently, achieving that sense of balanced perfection is easily accomplished in CAD. However hand-forged engagement rings are less likely to be perfectly symmetrical upon close examination.

Although that may be true, some might say that there is some degree of perfection in the imperfection of such things. Needless to say that I'm not one to argue with that concept because it's a matter of personal preference. In that event, I'm merely stating my personal preference for more symmetrical looking rings.

Be that as it may, I've got plenty of clients who prefer the hand-crafted nature of hand-forged jewelry. As with most things in life, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. The video below by Brian Gavin provides a good walkthrough of the custom fabrication process:

YouTube Video by Brian Gavin on Custom Jewelry Design.

YouTube Video by Brian Gavin Showing the Principles of Custom Jewelry Design.

Choosing the Best from Leon Megé Diamonds:

As a matter of fact, it can be difficult to choose only one Leon Mege hand-forged engagement ring. After all, his portfolio of engagement ring designs is quite extensive. Be that as it may, it can be even more challenging to select the perfect center stone. Especially if you are intent on buying a fancy shape diamond.

Of course, we offer in-depth diamond buying guides for the most popular shapes:

Proportions Recommendations for Round Diamonds:

In the event that you're looking for a round brilliant cut diamond, then we recommend the following proportions:

  • Total depth between 59 – 61.8%.
  • Table diameter between 53 – 58%.
  • Crown angle between 34.3 – 35 degrees.
  • Pavilion angle between 40.6 – 40.9 degrees.
  • Lower girdle facet length between 75 - 80%.
  • Girdle between 0.7% thin to slightly thick.
  • Culet: GIA "none” or AGS "pointed” (same thing).
  • Polish of AGS Ideal or GIA Excellent.
  • Symmetry of AGS Ideal or GIA Excellent.

Maximizing Performance & Sparkle Factor:

Black by Brian Gavin Diamond.

Black by Brian Gavin Diamonds ASET.

Generally speaking, the range of proportions above will produce a high volume of light return. It should also produce a virtual balance of brilliance and dispersion.

As that may be, the degree of optical precision is also a contributing factor. That is the consistency of facet shape, size, and alignment.

In that case, we use special reflector scopes to grade diamond light performance. For example, the ASET Scope image on the left shows a Black by Brian Gavin Diamond. It also verifies the high volume of light return and even distribution.

Consequently, I consider Brian's production to be the pinnacle of diamond cutting today. He also holds the patent for maximizing light performance in the modern round brilliant cut round.

Consequently, there is a reason why I'm using an ASET from Brian Gavin instead of Leon Megé at this point in the tutorial. Quite simply it is because Brian Gavin provides them for all their Black and Signature diamonds.

Whereas you'll see below that it can be challenging to find diamonds with images on Leon Megé. Be that as it may, you can't estimate the light performance without an ASET. In that case, I suggest that you request them for any Leon Megé diamonds that might be of interest.

How to Search Leon Mege Diamonds:

As a matter of fact, I’m more than happy to help you evaluate the details for any Leon Megé diamonds. The only thing I ask is that you send me the link and don’t make me use their search engine. In the first place, you're forced to search for diamonds using the most basic criteria:

Search for Leon Megé Diamonds.

Leon Megé Diamonds Search Engine.

At the very least, it would be nice to be able to set the parameters for total depth and table diameter. Under those circumstances, you'll have less options to consider. However, you'll also have a significantly better chance of finding diamonds within the scope of our selection criteria.

"Bang Your Head!" ~ Quiet Riot.

Consequently, the "New" diamond search engine on Leon Megé makes me want to bang my head on the wall. On the condition that you're a savvy diamond buyer, it's probably going to drive you insane also.

Leon Megé Diamond Search Results.

My Search for Leon Megé Diamonds, 01/12/21.

In the first place, you're ability to search for diamonds is limited to the most basic criteria. As a matter of fact, you can only search by shape, clarity, color, and price.

Secondly, the majority of listings do not feature any sort of images. As a matter of fact, I only found a few with a clarity photograph.

As luck would have it, the diamond on the left with a photograph also happens to have the proportions I recommend. In that case, that's going to be the diamond that we feature in this review.

After all, it's the only one that shows how it looks in the face-up position because there is a clarity photograph. Seriously, I feel like Rip Van Winkle 20 years behind the times because this is really basic stuff in my world.

Leon Mege Diamond Review:

As you can see, the diamond details page shown below provides the most basic information. Be that as it may, it is one of the few options available that features a clarity photograph. Consequently, the diamond grading report number is GIA 5353825355.

Leon Megé Diamond Details Page.

Leon Megé Diamond Details Page for GIA #5353825355.

The Diamond Grading Report:

Leon Megé GIA Excellent Cut Diamond Review.

Leon Megé, GIA Excellent #5353825355.

Here is the diamond grading report for the 0.92 carat, K-color, VS-2 clarity, GIA Excellent cut diamond from Leon Megé. For your reference, the diamond grading report number is 5353825355.

In this case, the diamond measures 6.23 - 6.26 x 3.86 mm and it exhibits strong blue fluorescence. The total depth is 61.8% and the diamond has a 56% table diameter.

The report also indicates that the diamond has a 40.8 degree pavilion offset by a 34.5 degree crown angle. Under those circumstances, it's clear that this is a good option as far as standard ideal cut diamonds go.

After all, it should exhibit a high volume of light return and a virtual balance of brilliance and dispersion. Although that may be true, we don't have the ASET Scope image necessary to verify the light performance.

Price Check Aisle 9:

Consequently, I found the same 0.92 carat, K-color, VS-2 clarity, GIA Excellent cut diamond on Brian Gavin for less. As a matter of fact, that's because it is "virtual inventory" that neither dealer owns. In that case, it's not a Brian Gavin Signature diamond and there isn't an ASET Scope image. However, that's only because the supplier doesn't provide one and Brian Gavin can produce it.

Brian Gavin Virtual Select Diamond, GIA #5353825355.

Diamond Details Page for Brian Gavin Virtual Select, GIA #5353825355.

In case you're doing the math, this same virtual diamond is $642.61 less on Brian Gavin, based on the cash/discount wire price. Not only is the Item #118976374 the same, but so is the GIA #5353825355.

Picturing More from Leon Mege:

As shown above, the majority of diamonds available from Leon Mege do not have clarity or ASET Scope images. Although that may be true, it raises the question about whether or not you should buy a diamond without those images.

After all, the only way to verify the light performance is with an ASET Scope image. But it also stands to reason that most people won't give that a second thought.

Consequently, I'm the kind of diamond buyer who prefers the insight that technology provides. In that case, I tend to gravitate towards diamond dealers who provide more information:

At the very least, all of these companies provide a clarity photograph and usually a video. As a matter of fact, Brian Gavin provides the best looking high-resolution video that I've ever seen.

In that case, I feel like there is a lot that Leon Megé can learn from his competitors. At least when it comes to providing his clients with more detailed information about the diamonds he sells. However, it's also important to remember that Leon Megé is best known for his hand-forged jewelry. Since I'm more of a diamond guy, I tend to see things from that perspective.

Helping You Find the Best Looking Diamonds:

As stated previously, I'm a diamond guy and therein lies my expertise. In that case, I'm more likely to see diamonds from a different perspective than most people. That's why I like to have the following details:

  • AGS or GIA diamond grading report.
  • Clarity photograph.
  • High-resolution video.
  • ASET or Advanced ASET.
  • An Ideal Scope image if ASET is not available. 
  • H&A Scope image.
Black by Brian Gavin Diamond Fire.

"Fire" of a Black by Brian Gavin Diamond.

This type of basic information is critical to the buying process from my perspective. Be that as it may, my guess is that Leon Megé sees things in a different light.

Consequently, there is nothing wrong with that because it's kind of like the debate over CAD vs Hand-forged jewelry design. In other words, whether or not you need the same kind of details that I do is largely a matter of personal preference.

There is no doubt that Leon Megé is a jewelry artisan with exceptional skills. In my opinion, his talent for creating hand-forged jewelry is worthy of high praise.

But I think that you should leave the diamond buying to me! After all, I know how to light the world on fire! My 35+ years of expertise in the realm of light performance compliments his skill as a jewelry artisan nicely. We all have our skill set...

Super Charge Your Diamond Buying Skills:

Follow the Steps in The Nice Ice® Diamond Buying Blueprint™ and Unlock the Secret for Maximizing Sparkle Factor and Light Performance. These are the Tips & Tricks from the back office of Nice Ice Diamonds.