u/Royal-Scale-1440

I’m commissioning a bespoke engagement ring and could use some local insider knowledge to avoid the typical 47th Street tourist traps. I'm skipping the big mainstream luxury houses because I want the budget to go entirely into exceptional hand-craftsmanship and stone purity.

The Logistics:
My sister is a local (lives in NYC) and will be doing the legwork—visiting the studios and viewing stones in person over the next few weeks. I am flying into the city from August 10th to 17th to pick up the finished piece.

What we are looking for:
A highly refined, understated design. Specifically:
Center Stone: Princess Cut, targeting the 0.70ct – 1.20ct range with exceptional specs (VVS/VS, Colorless).

The Setting: Solid Platinum with an ultra-delicate, hand-forged micro-pavé band.

The Goal: A "thread of light" look (aiming for 1.5mm to 1.7mm thickness) where the diamond appears to float, with absolutely no bulky metal baskets or thick prongs.

My questions for the locals:
1 I am leaning heavily toward Leon Megé because of his online reputation for "The Art of Platinum" and delicate micro-pavé work. What is his actual local reputation? Is he truly top-tier for this, or just heavily marketed?
2 Are there other highly reputable, private bespoke studios in (or around) the Diamond District that locals actually trust for this level of high-end, delicate craftsmanship?
3 Does our timeline (sister starting the process/approving stones now in June, me picking it up mid-August) align with how these top-tier NYC jewelers usually operate?
Thanks in advance for pointing us in the right direction!

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to propose and want to commission a custom bespoke ring. Instead of going with the big luxury houses (like Cartier or Tiffany), I'm looking for a highly refined, understated piece — a top-tier NY-based atelier where the budget goes entirely into exceptional hand-craftsmanship, precise proportions, and stone purity rather than a brand name.

The Logistics:
My sister lives in NYC and can visit the studios/view stones in person over the next few weeks. I will be flying to NY from August 10th to 17th, which is when I plan to pick up the finished piece.

The Design & Specs:
Center Stone: Princess Cut. Not looking for a massive, flashy rock. Targeting the 0.2ct – 1.0ct range with exceptional specs (VVS/VS, Colorless).
The Metal: Solid Platinum.
The Band: Ultra-delicate, hand-forged micro-pavé. I want that "thread of light" look, aiming for about 1.5mm to 1.7mm in thickness so the diamond appears to be floating.

Inspiration: Structurally similar to the Cartier Étincelle (Princess), but executed with superior bespoke precision, no bulky baskets, and perfectly seamless prongs. (Cartier Link for Inspiration - looking for platinum and better custom execution).

My Questions:
1 I've been looking into Leon Megé because of his reputation for platinum micro-pavé work. Does anyone have experience with him for this specific ultra-thin style?
2 Are there other top-tier, highly exclusive ateliers in the Diamond District (or nearby) that excel at this kind of delicate work?
3 Given my timeline (approving the CAD/stone in June, picking up mid-August), does this sound realistic for these top-tier jewelers? (If not, that's OK).

Any advice or photos of similar rings you've had made would be hugely appreciated!

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to propose and want to commission a custom bespoke ring. Instead of going with the big luxury houses (like Cartier or Tiffany), I'm looking for a highly refined, understated piece — a top-tier NY-based atelier where the budget goes entirely into exceptional hand-craftsmanship, precise proportions, and stone purity rather than a brand name.

The Logistics:
My sister lives in NYC and can visit the studios/view stones in person over the next few weeks. I will be flying to NY from August 10th to 17th, which is when I plan to pick up the finished piece.

The Design & Specs:
Center Stone: Princess Cut. Not looking for a massive, flashy rock. Targeting the 0.2ct – 1.0ct range with exceptional specs (VVS/VS, Colorless).
The Metal: Solid Platinum.
The Band: Ultra-delicate, hand-forged micro-pavé. I want that "thread of light" look, aiming for about 1.5mm to 1.7mm in thickness so the diamond appears to be floating.
Inspiration: Structurally similar to the Cartier Étincelle (Princess), but executed with superior bespoke precision, no bulky baskets, and perfectly seamless prongs. (Cartier Link for Inspiration - looking for platinum and better custom execution).

My Questions:
1 I've been looking into Leon Megé because of his reputation for platinum micro-pavé work. Does anyone have experience with him for this specific ultra-thin style?
2 Are there other top-tier, highly exclusive ateliers in the Diamond District (or nearby) that excel at this kind of delicate work?
3 Given my timeline (approving the CAD/stone in June, picking up mid-August), does this sound realistic for these top-tier jewelers? (If not, that's OK).

Any advice or photos of similar rings you've had made would be hugely appreciated!