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My Robbins Bros experience

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new_groom

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
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1
I went in the Torrence RB store and ended up with a platinum tension setting with a 0.91 cwt diamond and 5 year extended warranty this past March. For those that have not been in the store, you are greeted at the door, introduced to a sales person, offered drinks, pick a setting, and then they get a diamond for the setting, you get to look at it under a microscope, and it''s even weighed on a diamond scale in front of you. All-in-all, a great shopping experience for an engagement ring. He mentioned subtly that the setting has a limit of 3/4 cwt (red flag) and would check with the jeweler about the mounting. He left to speak with the jeweler and came back and stated that it could be done. So I paid by CC and had the ring shipped to me. Later on, I proposed and she accepted. Two days later the stone fell out of the setting (red flag). I called the salesman because he said to call him if I had any problems, which he was confident I wouldn''t. He never returned my calls. I ended up speaking with the General Manager and shipped the ring back to them, I live in an another state. They ended up reimbursing the shipping. The General Manager stated that the Master Jeweler did the repair and the stone should not fall out again. It takes 95 lbs of pressure to pop the diamond out of the setting. I was debating with fiancee about returning the whole thing since we were within 30 day return policy. Needless to say, we kept with the ring when the GM stated that it shouldn''t happen again.

In first week of August, we went to the store for cleaning and inspection, required under the warranty while in LA area and even bought wedding bands, from a different sales person. Three weeks later, the stone was loose in the setting. After that, Fiancee had lost confidence in wearing the ring. She works as a nurse and cannot wear the ring while working, so she wore it infrequently. Called the salesperson, because she said to if we had any problems, she never returned the call. Called to speak to General Manager, different one, and stated that the sales manager would check with us since she would be out of the store that week. We drove there from Phoenix and had the sales manager look at the ring. She came back and said that there is not enough material to hold the stone in place because the setting was designed to take a 0.75 cwt or smaller stone. They made a mistake and should not have sold the ring to us that way. Fiancee did not like any other setting there and we could get a refund back on the setting only but not the diamond????? We drove back and ended up returning the wedding bands since her band was to match the setting.

Then we went ring shopping for that diamond and it''s hard to shop that way. I emailed the "Robbin Bros" through there website about my experience and requested a refund for the stone since it was their mistake, and received a call from the store''s sales manager. She said that I could have picked an another settng but I explained that I went to RB for that tension setting only. That they "the experts" could not match the setting and stone, technically. She stated that she told me that I could have gotten an exact setting and I explain to her that the stone would be loose again because the salesman went to the vault and picked the stone, after I picked the setting. The GM countered, that they could have gotten a larger setting as the same one as she stated to me by phone (red flag) and I reiterated that the we did not know of the problem until we came back and the sales manager looked at the ring to determine the problem and since the jeweler/master jeweler had ample opportunities to look at the ring and checked off on it. We did not want that setting. I recounted that their sales routine was: I went in and looked at the setting and picked one and then the salesman picked a diamond for the setting based on my budget instead of the technical limits of the setting. The ring was a lemon from day one and I believe that we should be entitled to a refund because it was their fault. She again stated she couldn''t, no specific reason, and that she would be happy to resolve this with us getting an another setting. She again mentioned telling in a previous phone conversation before the last time we came out about that we could get a larger setting... and this time I cut her off and called her a liar because we did not know what the problem was until the sales manager looked at the ring, and I am reporting this to the BBB and hung up.
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I just hate dealing with liars. The other tidbit is, I paid off the CC balance right away and am carrying a positive balance on the CC. after the refund. Shopping for a ring with the stone already is a PITA, since other jewelry stores charge to mount a stone that is not their''s. The princess cut diamond is squarish, so it looks odd with certain types of setting. Am I realistic in my resolution for a refund?

Literally, stuck between a rock and a diamond.
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Kiwiblossom

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2006
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37
OMG. I''m in utter shock right now. I too had a rather bad experience at the same Torrance store. Granted, our problem wasn''t as bad as yours - but it really did make our ering buying experience frustrating. My bf decided to get a custom ring made through that same store and what should have taken 3-4 months (I''m told) took close to 9 months to make. Please keep in mind that our ring is in no way shape or form complicated.... the store just misplaced the very detailed sketches (basically the blueprints for the ring with specs and all for the sidestones) and also made us drive 1 hr every Saturday for the last 3 months of the ring being made. They broke the wax molding of the ring, they also sized the ring incorrectly. At that point though, we had no choice but to continue since we had already paid the money and had worked extensively with the current manager there (this was ... 5 years ago so it was a different manager than the people there now).

In any case, the boyfriend was told that he would get a discount once the ring (setting only) was completed. However, when the ring was completed, we were told by the rep at the time (she is no longer there) that they are not allowed to give discounts on custom pieces. In any case, they said that they would give us a corporate discount once we came back for the centerstone. I''ve been posting on PS for some help on what I should do and some random questions regarding some centerstones that they''ve recently showed us - and although we realize that RB is overcharging us for a .75 ct princess diamond ($5000). We realized that it was way too much for a diamond (we really shouldn''t have even got a custom ering since we''re in no state to spend money we don''t have)... In any case, since it had been a couple years, I decided to email RB - much like you had done to see if I can bring up the discount that we were promised, as well as bring up some complaints I had about their pricing and the way they had misled us on many levels. The GM or SM (don''t remember) called the next day and basically asked the bf to come in so that she can give him a corporate discount. Now I have a feeling that he''s going to have another bomb drop once he gets to the store - but he''s planning on going next weekend. Not that it''s all that important, but I''d be interested in comparing names of reps at RB with you...
 

TravelingGal

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
Messages
17,193
I''ve been to the RB torrance store many times. Don''t know about the other stores, but this store is awful. I feel like it''s a store full of used car salesmen (no offense to used car salesmen...my dad was actually one.) I posted on another thread how much I would have overpaid if I went through them. So they give you drinks while you look...who cares? I''d rather have a drink at home, shop online and not pay their crazy fees.

They rip you off and give horrible service. Every time I went in there (while I was looking for ideas) I wanted to scream at everyone to run away from Robbins Bros! But maybe because they get so many looky-loos like me, they actually have to overcharge when someone buys, and generally have a snotty attitude. I can''t tell you how much mis-information and looks of disdian I got when I started asking PS-educated questions.

I think there are plenty of good B&M stores out there. Robbins Bros-Torrance is not one of them, IMHO. As for a refund...if their policy is 30 days, I am not sure there is too much you can do.
 

devientdrow

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 28, 2005
Messages
557
Is there anyone else you can talk to? A different person in corporate headquarters or something? It make sense to me. I understand stores sticking to 30 day return policies, hell I worked as a manager in retail for years. HOWEVER when you came back with the ring that very first time (within the return policy) if they wouldn''t of MESSED up AGAIN, and continued BS''ING you...then i''m sure you would of returned it then. That very first time they should of said "Sorry, this diamond is too big for this setting." and if you would of went from there it''s likely you would of returned it. Seems like the only reaon your past your return date is because of their incompetence. Sorry about the bad expeirience.
 

zhuzhu

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
2,503
I had my share of dealing with them as well. At the end my ordeal was a happy one. My suggestion is for you to bring it to their corporate office. Demand to speak with their CEO or corporate sales manager. Do not pick a fight but speak calmly and firmly. Regarding the diamond you love. Pick out an EXPENSIVE setting that she loves and demand them giving that setting to you in exchange to the tension setting. I would pick one with all diamonds and twice the price of the existing setting. If they won''t let you trade, then demand the whole thing be refunded in full. Just be calm and firm and I know you will get the fair result at the end.
 

Kiwiblossom

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2006
Messages
37
Zhuzhu, may I ask what type of ordeal you experienced? Was it with the costs? Was it with faulty craftsmanship?
 

Scintillating

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Messages
1,192
Date: 9/21/2006 4:57:16 PM
Author: zhuzhu
My suggestion is for you to bring it to their corporate office.
Demand to speak with their CEO or corporate sales manager.
Do not pick a fight but speak calmly and firmly.
Just be calm and firm and I know you will get the fair result at the end.

I agree with Zhuzhu, just keep gong higher and higher in the corporate hierarchy until you get a satisfactory resolution.

Keep us updated.

Scintillating...
 

zhuzhu

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
2,503
It was with the cost and the 30-days best price guarantee. Their guarantee was under certain "condition" which they did not disclose, like if you find a better priced diamond it has to be exactly the same as what we sold you (of course no 2 diamonds are exactly alike). I simply did all my homework, presented all research result, and instead of asking for the difference (in cost) back (which would be difficult to achieve) I asked them to upgrade the band from gold to platinum and engrave the ring free of charge. Did the final ring cost more than online vendor still? Of course, but the lifetime diamond replacement (if chiped or lost) program to me was worth the higher price tag.
 

flutterby

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
May 1, 2005
Messages
1,280
wow! this store is simply rotten! We went to this store to look for a wedding band for my husband. He really wanted a simple band. The girl kept trying to sell us ones with diamonds, when we decided there wasnt anything we wanted, and we werent going to buy for another month, she called some asian guy out to "close the deal". Are you kidding? I agree, definately felt like a used car lot.

We then went to Finleys in Redondo and it was the opposite. the girl was so nice. pulled out a tray of rings, just let hubby try them on. He picked one much more expensive than we had planned. but there was no pressure and it makes a definate difference!

Now, as for you, can you call a regional manager or something. maybe try to get your money back?
 

ladykemma

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
2,194
how about getting the diamond set in a plain solitaiire at jared''s so she can at least wear it? get platinum prongs if she is a nurse.
 

go blue

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
2
I have never been a part of one these posting sites but after finding this, I had to join. I realize these are old, but it looks like and sounds like the same poor quality of service going on at the Torrance RB.

I went to Robins Bros (sp) this past weekend to drop off my ring to have the sizing balls put in. When I dropped it off on Saturday I had decided to get sizing balls put in it because I did not want to have it cut to one size because a 6 is too big and a 5 is way too small. I cannot stand something constricting on me without some “breathing room”. The girl who waited on me that day was obviously new. I can understand that new people need time to be trained but in no way was she ready to take on customers solo. I swear when she reiterated to me what I wanted, she repeated opposite of things I was asking and I had to keep saying “no, that’s not what I want” or "not that''s not what I said" and finally talked to a manager. I left my ring with the girl, in the original box. I was so excited to pick it up and finally wear it again. What a joke. They soltered (sp) or welded, or what have you, two tiny, tiny pointy bumps on the inside of my ring. I have to question how the person who did this even thought for one second how the that could make any ring fit better. On top of that, my ring box was LOST! I was in tears when I left there. I am beyond upset about this. The box managed to travel from LA to Napa, to Michigan, then travelled back here, lasted through a move, only to be lost after being at Robins brothers in Torrance for only two days. It still had the original bow on it. And on top of that, they were going to charge me $60 for the sizing and my fiance happened to be on the phone with me and he asked “you’re not paying it are you”? He said he was told I could come in at anytime and they would do it for free. With that, they did say it was free but the sizing beads cost $70.00, so they charged me the $10 difference. Not only does my ring still not fit, but now I can’t even put it in it’s box that had been preserving it the last 3 years. I spoke to 3 different Managers about this. One told me that sometimes, with the sizing beads, they have to "try several times before they get the right fit". They sized my finger when I went in there, wouldn''t you think they would use that as a guage? Then she told me they could give me my $10 back...so what. I am not hard up for 10 bucks. Then a different Manager today told me they could give me 2 or 3 boxes if I wanted, as if that would make up for losing something that was a sentimental part of my engagement.

 

rosie17

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Messages
2
I also had a horrible experience at Robbin Brothers in Torrance. I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone ever! My bf bought me a promise ring, which I later found at two other stores at more than 1/2 the price! I had hoped that they would make good on their best value promise, but of course they didn''t. It was a battle trying to get my point across (in a calm, respectful, and polite manner). The general manager actually said I was being "fastidious". She said the best they could do is offer me "corporate pricing" (15% off) but ALL the warranties would be removed, including the free cleanings, insurance for the 1st year, and lifetime warranty--- I was so upset that they couldn''t work something reasonable out with me. I even told the general manager that the corporate price would make me 100% happy if they didn''t remove the warranties. She basically said NO, and that I should just call the corporate office. If anyone is reading this and is considering Robbin Brothers for any jewelry purchase--DON''T... YOU''LL REGRET IT!
 
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