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First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brothers

J

JAL1105

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2017
Messages
14
Hey everyone,

I'm a first time buyer in search of the perfect engagement ring. I initially went to Robbin's Brothers because they offered a very generous active duty military discount ($400 off of a $4000+ purchase). The customer service was great and we decided on a 1.51 carat, G color, I2 clarity. The diamond looked very good from my view, but then again I have ZERO experience with diamonds so that doesn't say much :lol: . I put down $400 to put the diamond on hold (refundable if I decide not to keep it). The diamond itself is $7,537 with tax, with the $400 military discount it would come out to around 7,100.

My mistake came in that I did not do sufficient research beforehand. I got home from Robbin's Brothers and started researching diamonds online and found similar, if not BETTER, quality diamonds for almost $2k less! I felt a little ashamed that I jumped the gun and now I would like to ask the help from you guys on finding the perfect engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I attached the diamond I have on hold from Robbin's Brothers and the setting I hope to re-create.

I would like to keep the total amount for the complete ring under 8-9k, and the carat at around 1.5. I'm just a rookie when it comes to all of this and any help you guys could give me I would greatly appreciate.

Thank you so much!

Edit: Didn't know you can't post imgur links. Uploading the images!

img_15398.jpg

img_15399.jpg

img_15400.jpg

fullsizerender__1_14.jpg
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

Have you seen these I2s on line that you have found for cheaper? I'm sure they are riddled with inclusions.

We recommend you stick with GIA/AGS graded stones because other labs grade looser. Who graded that stone you were looking at?

I can show you what they have at James Allen...a well cut 1.5 carat GIA stone is going to cost $7k+. You wont be able to get a
true "G" colored stone (the one you were looking at was probably much lower by GIA/AGS standards). So if we look at "I" colored
stones here is what a 1.5 will run.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.57-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2548348
J color
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.56-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2323997
K
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.58-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2463992

So realistically you are looking at "K" colored stones (at JA). I think you should drop the size and go for an "I" colored stone.
Here is a nice "I"
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2323720

Closest setting they have
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-twin-pave-cross-over-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49496

The other option is to contact Yekutiel at ID Jewelry. He is pretty good at finding nice stones when you're looking to maximize size.

I'll check out a few other places but I think unless you want to go with a J/K you're not going to find much at at the 1.5 size for $7k.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

I'm honestly not to sure who grades the diamonds at Robbin's Brothers. All I know is it is a "RB Select" diamond. I definitely wouldn't mind dropping the carat size a little bit for better quality. I'm going back to Robbin's Brothers next week so I'm trying to bring with me as much new knowledge as possible.

I know the pictures I uploaded aren't very high quality but the saleswoman put the diamond next to one of their "F" diamonds in one of the pictures I uploaded and it wasn't much different, so would it be possible my diamond is truly a G? Also, from the pictures can you see anything severely wrong inclusion and defect wise? I'm trying to stay away from any K diamonds as I want it sparkly and bright. Again, I apologize for being such a rookie in this area, I'm just a dumb ole infantry Marine and diamonds aren't my specialty :lol: .

The enchanted diamond looks very nice! I'm going to print out as much information and bring in other diamonds with GIA/AGS certifications and if they can't show me their certifications and match or at least bring their prices down I'll take my business elsewhere.

Thank you so much for all this information. The diamond world is so much more thorough and complicated than I thought, it's really fun learning all of the intricate details!
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

I will let the more knowledgeable ones on PS recommend diamonds to you but I wanted to let you know that a very well cut K will be very sparkly and bright. An ideal cut will always look better. I have a one carat M coloured diamond which is very well cut and it's amazing how white, bright and fiery it is. I do see a very slight ivory tint in certain lighting but that is part of it's charm. I'm not telling you to drop to an M but I'm saying you don't need a G either for a diamond to look great. I have a D oval diamond and it looks great but it's not nearly as bright or sparkly as my round M. Please stay away from a clarity grades I1, I2 or I3.

Congratulations on your upcoming engagement.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

Use this tool for any diamond they show you. Throw out any diamond over 2. This tool is for excluding diamonds, not necessarily choosing diamonds.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

ETA: apparently some of their diamonds have IGI certificates.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

I just googled them and I'm not impressed that you have to make an appointment and go there (or video chat).

Have you searched for reviews and experiences with them? Just asking...
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

whitewave|1488506536|4135789 said:
I just googled them and I'm not impressed that you have to make an appointment and go there (or video chat).

Have you searched for reviews and experiences with them? Just asking...
Click to expand...
I have seen mixed reviews based on store location. The one I went to had a very high rating so that's why I initially went. And obviously the $400 discount for military definitely gave me a reason to give it a chance.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

There are many choice out there, so let me show you this one: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/split-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_44693?elem=title&track=product (Cut and paste that link). Blue Nile has a pave split shank setting for $920

And this diamond: 1.23 ctw, blue nile signature, color H, clarity VS2 $8,211 and scores 1.1 on HCA: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07877486 (you have to cut and paste blue nile links)
BOOM, you could be done. $9,131.00 total
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

Look at the certificates when you go back to Robbins. When you compare diamonds, compare the mm (LWD). Also, Look for these parameters:

Table: 55-58
Depth: 60-62.3
Crown %: 34-35
Pavillion %: 40.6 - 40.9
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

You guys are awesome! So many more options just opened up. Time to get some research done and if Robbin's Brothers doesn't budge it looks like I'm custom making it online.

Thank you everyone and I'm sure I will be back in a few days with a few more questions before I make that final purchase!
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

whitewave|1488509653|4135807 said:
Here is a J 1.44 VS2 1.5HCA: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08061282 $7,159
Click to expand...
Wow, beautiful diamond. I'm embarrassed to say that all I thought a good diamond needed was a good color rating :lol: . I now see why these chain diamond stores are able to gouge their prices.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

In your guys' opinion would a cushion cut diamond compliment a split shank setting more? I guess would it make it "pop" more than a round? In this picture I'm guessing that is a huge diamond but do you know what I'm saying?

_39122.jpg
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

See if you can get the specs/certificate numbers for the diamond you have on hold. I'll bet it is over 3 HCA...

BTW, I had an I1 original engagement ring (getting it made in a pendant right niw), and personally I wouldn't go below a SI1 and that would be if they can confirm it is eye clean. With my I1 I could clearly see carbon and crystal (looked like a bubble in the diamond), but it was relatively eye clean. When I was bored, I could turn the ring sideways and count the things I saw lol.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

JAL1105|1488509946|4135810 said:
whitewave|1488509653|4135807 said:
Here is a J 1.44 VS2 1.5HCA: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08061282 $7,159
Click to expand...
Wow, beautiful diamond. I'm embarrassed to say that all I thought a good diamond needed was a good color rating :lol: . I now see why these chain diamond stores are able to gouge their prices.
Click to expand...


When you freeze the pic, it appears to face up white. CUT (not the shape and don't fall for the GIA triple ex thing) Is the most important aspect of a diamond.

As for a cushion, some fancy cuts can show body color of a diamond more, but I'm not sure if that applies to cushions. Also, fancy cuts are a little trickier to root through to find a good one.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

whitewave|1488510292|4135813 said:
See if you can get the specs/certificate numbers for the diamond you have on hold. I'll bet it is over 3 HCA...

BTW, I had an I1 original engagement ring (getting it made in a pendant right niw), and personally I wouldn't go below a SI1 and that would be if they can confirm it is eye clean. With my I1 I could clearly see carbon and crystal (looked like a bubble in the diamond), but it was relatively eye clean. When I was bored, I could turn the ring sideways and count the things I saw lol.
Click to expand...

Just called the store and they told me that my diamond has no official certification :roll: . Looking like they're about to lose some money if they can't find something legitimate.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

My first engagement ring was also uncertified, but it was also 1993, dawn of the internet and when family jewelers would eyeball diamonds and be able to get pretty spot on for color/clarity etc. It is a .75 round, I1, H color with very strong fluro.

I really don't think with all the documentation and discoveries the industry has today that I would buy an uncertified stone (unless it was from a trusted person like Yekutiel at ID Jewelry) or below SI1.

Here is another nice stone: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702265.htm (also a J).

Here is a K just to show you. Its like a warm sunset instead of bright morning sun. It isnt "less than" a D... just different. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3568734.htm

I color: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793590.htm
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

Great suggestions, I appreciate all the help. I definitely won't complain if you keep posting links, :P. I'm definitely leaning towards a few of those bluenile diamonds. I'm going to print out all the specifications and try to haggle with Robbin's Brothers.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

I have trouble with IDJ's search engine at night, but you can have a go at it: http://idjewelry.com

Use advance search parameters to put in table and depth percentages, go for AGS or GIA certification and use HCA tool.

Like another posted, Yekutiel has been known to work miracles with budgets. You might try calling him tomorrow.


This one I show you so you can see the quality of diamonds you probably won't find at RB: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.026-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104087779016#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/

Play the video.

PS you may want to put the BN diamonds on hold if possible. Lurkers grab them!
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

I'm going to agree with what a lot has been said above. Maximise the cut quality of your stone first and then look for the largest size you can find in as white a colour for your budget. I would stay away from that RB stone if it is ungraded apart from their in-house grader (who could be BS'ing you for all they know). Stay away from I1-3 clarity stones unless you know what you are looking for.

Stick with PS recommended vendors (mostly online but some B&M like Yekutiel from IDJ). The advice given by the other members above is definitely trustworthy.

If you are deadset on that carat weight, drop down your colour to the J/K level in super-ideal proportions (and preferably AGS graded vs GIA graded IMHO) and you will be pleasantly surprised at how white these stones face up relative to most Mall jeweller stones. My wife has a K coloured VS2 clarity stone with medium blue fluorescence from Brian Gavin Diamonds and to the two of us, it is a far prettier stone than a GIA graded triple excellent G coloured SI1 clarity we also have.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

First, I want to say you're not a dumb ole Marine. You're someone who is serving our country and you came to Pricescope which means you're both brave and smart.

And I know it must be tempting to buy in person at a store that gives a military discount, but please, please, please don't do it. Not even if they lower the price because you haggled. You will get a better stone at a better price if you follow the advice of the people here who are giving you online options for well-priced, well-cut stones. And though it seems weird to buy something so expensive and so meaningful sight unseen, many of us who post on Pricescope have done it and are so glad we did. I don't even think twice about it anymore!! The people here have helped guide many, many folks to great diamonds and great settings from online vendors they know will do a good job for you. So please give them a chance to do the same for you. There's nothing in it for them except knowing they're helping people get really beautiful rings their fiancées are proud to wear.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

With regards to cushions, I think they are gorgeous but I have some words of caution. They are much harder to shop for than rounds and many are not well cut. You have to see them in person vs going by the numbers. Also, for the same carat weight, they look much smaller than rounds. I was shocked when I compared a 1.8 cushion to a 1.6 round and the round looked bigger.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

JAL1105|1488503473|4135779 said:
I'm honestly not to sure who grades the diamonds at Robbin's Brothers. All I know is it is a "RB Select" diamond. I definitely wouldn't mind dropping the carat size a little bit for better quality. I'm going back to Robbin's Brothers next week so I'm trying to bring with me as much new knowledge as possible.

I know the pictures I uploaded aren't very high quality but the saleswoman put the diamond next to one of their "F" diamonds in one of the pictures I uploaded and it wasn't much different, so would it be possible my diamond is truly a G? No, because their F isnt a true F by GIA/AGS standards.Also, from the pictures can you see anything severely wrong inclusion and defect wise? I'm sorry, the pictures just arent close enoughI'm trying to stay away from any K diamonds as I want it sparkly and bright. Cut is what makes a diamond sparkly and bright not color. Color will make it whiter or a little less white as you go down in color.Again, I apologize for being such a rookie in this area, I'm just a dumb ole infantry Marine and diamonds aren't my specialty :lol: .No need to apologize...you're here
to learn! I cant thank you enough for your service...it means the world to me and my family. Stay safe where ever you are.

The enchanted diamond looks very nice! I'm going to print out as much information and bring in other diamonds with GIA/AGS certifications and if they can't show me their certifications and match or at least bring their prices down I'll take my business elsewhere.
I imagine an uncertified diamond like you are looking at would be more in the $4k range. Just a guess, but it definitely would be
a lot lower than what they are offering you.

Thank you so much for all this information. The diamond world is so much more thorough and complicated than I thought, it's really fun learning all of the intricate details!
Click to expand...

A cushion would look nice in that setting you are looking at. Cushions are a little tricky to buy but we can show you what to look
for. Aset images also help to check on the light return (to make sure its bright). Up close videos are also very helpful in evaluating
cushions. Cushions are a little cheaper than round but they are also deeper. You have to pay attention to the length/width. So,
sometimes the cost is a wash (about the same price). There are numbers to use (depth, table, crown and pavilion angles) when
buying a round. There are no numbers for a cushion.

For rounds use the HCA (get info from GIA report). Look for stones to score 2 or less. Its a rejection tool (over 2 reject).
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca (I think Whitewash posted this for you but here it is again.)

I'm going to show you a relative size difference between a 1.3 round (what your $7k can buy) and the cushion you posted.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2430058 (7mm)

round_vs_cushion.png
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

JAL1105|1488511938|4135830 said:
Great suggestions, I appreciate all the help. I definitely won't complain if you keep posting links, :P. I'm definitely leaning towards a few of those bluenile diamonds. I'm going to print out all the specifications and try to haggle with Robbin's Brothers.
Click to expand...

OP
If there is no grading report then you are buying a "pig in a poke". You came to this forum for solid advice. No one on this forum buys without grading reports from bona fide diamond grading companies like GIA or AGS. EGL and IGI are loosey goosey when it comes to grading and not looked upon favorably. In fact people on this forum buy with solid technical data a pictures such as ASETS and SARIN reports.

It's your coin, best of luck.
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

rainwood|1488537757|4135894 said:
First, I want to say you're not a dumb ole Marine. You're someone who is serving our country and you came to Pricescope which means you're both brave and smart.

And I know it must be tempting to buy in person at a store that gives a military discount, but please, please, please don't do it. Not even if they lower the price because you haggled. You will get a better stone at a better price if you follow the advice of the people here who are giving you online options for well-priced, well-cut stones. And though it seems weird to buy something so expensive and so meaningful sight unseen, many of us who post on Pricescope have done it and are so glad we did. I don't even think twice about it anymore!! The people here have helped guide many, many folks to great diamonds and great settings from online vendors they know will do a good job for you. So please give them a chance to do the same for you. There's nothing in it for them except knowing they're helping people get really beautiful rings their fiancées are proud to wear.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

This would be a beautiful stone...you can see all the facets flashing on/off as it turns. You are looking for clear, crisp faceting
with the facets turning on/off (mirroring effect).

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/68425Z740
Edit...same stone from JA and its cheaper...pretty stone. This is an 8 main which are almost always nice stones but hard to find.
(you do know there there are several different cuts of cushions right? Also, a lot of stones are not owned by the vendor (they're called
virtual stones...the vendors get a list of stones that cutters have and post them on their website so sometimes you can find the same
stone at a different vendor for a cheaper price. Some vendors will price match other vendors on the same stone.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2228533

To see examples of different cushion cuts, this is a good thread. Skip the parts about having the setting made and just go to the
part on different cuts of cushions.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

JA has this in a J color but we dont usually go down to Js in cushions because they can show a lot of tint. You would need to
request and aset image. They can only do them if the stone is located in the NY area...if its overseas then you probably cant
get one.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.70-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1871030

Size comparison with a 1.3 (7mm) stone...round facing up larger. I'll see what I can find that is nice but larger in a cushion.

round_vs_13_cushion.png
 
Re: First time buyer questions - First stop Robbin's Brother

Are you interested in beautiful antique stones? There are a ton of info on them and pictures to show you the color differences in them, they are charming and beautiful and not at all your average stone you'd find else where. I'll post a few that different rings/etc that caught my eye

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/1-dot-553-canera-antique-cushion


https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-31-carat-round-ideal-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-g-slash-vs1-~1-dot-6-tcw


https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/gia-certified-1-dot-48ct-round-diamond-in-platinum

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-55ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1#.WLm_79QrLGg

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-39ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-si1#.WLnB19QrLGg

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-91ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-si2/

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/1-dot-32-ct-k-vs1-exexex-diamond

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/gorgeous-oec-slash-transitional-diamond

Could see if they'd remove the diamond
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-modern/1-59ct-round-brilliant-diamond-ring-gia-j-si1#.WLnDINQrLGg

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-modern/1-58ct-old-european-cut-diamond-egl-k-vs2#.WLnDHtQrLGg
 
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