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Diamond Help - Robbins Bros?

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CityEng

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
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Hello All,

I have just started doing in depth research on the perfect diamond for my GF's future engagement ring. Right now my budget is $6,000-$8,000 for the diamond. I'm hoping for 1.2-1.5 ct. Is this a good budget for a quality diamond in that weight range?

I recently went into Robbins Bros. and found a beautiful 1.31 ct Echo diamond that sparkled brilliantly and it looked HUGE. I couldn't tell the difference between this 1.31 and a 1.5 traditional cut they showed me as well.

Here is what I know about the diamond:

Price: $8,000
Shape: Round
Lab: IGI
Cut: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Color: H

I'm not 100% sure on the clarity, I believe it was a SI1, but I can double check with them.

Their diamontologist mentioned how when you buy online you really wont know how the diamond will sparkle or shine. He made a good point by showing me a print out of multiple diamonds from Bluenile which all had the same lab qualities but the price range was significant ($6k). :confused:

RB's also mentioned that you can take any of their diamonds to any lab and they will guarantee the lab results. So even tho this is IGI certified, they guarantee that if taken to GIA (I'm in San Diego) that it would score the same.

I almost caved, but I figure it was best to do some more research. I just feel a bit uneasy paying so much without physically seeing the diamond first.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!
 
fun far, far away from RB!!!

A few things:

1. IGI lab is crap. Do a search on this board.
2. you're missing very important information-- you need to know the table percentage, depth, pavilion angle and crown angle to determine whether it is, in fact, a well cut diamond. Cut is key. Once you have those #s, plug them into the HCA calculator to determine whether to even proceed with this diamond. If the # is over 2, which, at RB, I'm betting it will be TWICE that, you don't want it: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
3. Echo is just a marketing ploy to spend more money. A diamond is a diamond, IMO.
4. All diamonds look amazing under jewelry store lighting. Even the crappily cut ones.
5. You're paying for RB's overhead by buying from them. They do NOT have good deals. You're way better off buying from a PS vendor.

I went to RB a few months ago. I wanted a 1.75 carat diamond. They sourced a 1.85 carat one for me that was about $16,000. The lab was IGI, and it was G/SI2. The HCA #s were something like 4.5. TERRIBLY cut and it faced up the same size as a 1.6 carat diamond. Luckily, I posted here and did a lot of reading and bought a GREAT diamond :)
 
CityEng|1413822385|3769826 said:
Hello All,

RB's also mentioned that you can take any of their diamonds to any lab and they will guarantee the lab results. So even tho this is IGI certified, they guarantee that if taken to GIA (I'm in San Diego) that it would score the same.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
:wacko: ..Tell him he is full of BS. Give him 10 to 1 odds that GIA lab will not assign the same grades.
 
HappyNewLife,


Thank you for the reply, I found the rest of the data:

Date 04/10/2014
I.G.I CERTIFICATE # GGT1311608
DESCRIPTION NATURAL DIAMOND
SHAPE AND CUT ROUND MODIFIED BRILLIANT
Weight : 1.31 CARATS
Measurements 6.90 x 6.92 x 4.35 MM.
PROPORTIONS
Total Depth Percentage 63.0 %
Table Diameter Percentage 56 %
Crown Height Percentage 15.2 %
Pavilion Depth Percentage 43.2 %
Culet Size NONE
Girdle Thickness MEDIUM TO SLIGHTLY THICK, FACETED
FINISH
Polish EXCELLENT
Symmetry EXCELLENT
PROPORTION/CUT GRADE EXCELLENT
CLARITY GRADE : I 1
COLOR GRADE : H
FLUORESCENCE:FAINT BLUE


I get 1.6 when I put in the required parameters into the HCA calculator, which scores as excellent.

Another thing that holds me back from RB is the tax. I was hoping for $8,000 after tax, but I'm looking at closer to 9k if I purchase it in store.
 
Avoid that stone. Too many issues to note!

Here are 5 very high-quality stones in your price range. If these vendors are out of state, you will avoid sales tax.

All of these have AGS 0 - Ideal light performance and have been vetted by the vendors.

Each of these has a generous upgrade policy, and comes from a reputable vendor.

1.3ct, I, SI2 (check with vendor about eye-cleanliness)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12115/

1.286ct, J, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186648.htm

1.25ct, I, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3231089.htm

1.2ct, I, SI2 (check with vendor about eye-cleanliness)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11853/

1.127ct, I, VVS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.127-i-vvs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104074030038
 
Thank you Rocky, I appreciate all the help. I'm starting to lean more against RB. I never realized how much would go into looking for the perfect ring/diamond. I'm starting to understand its no quick process.
 
The spread is too small IMO-- probably because it's cut so deep. I'd go with one of the diamonds Rocky suggested. No sales tax that way, and you get an ideal cut diamond. They have excellent return and upgrade policies too :)
 
oh and I1 in clarity is CRAP! Do not buy!
 
As a fellow SD local, avoid Robbins' Bros.
I went in there a few months ago just to humor myself before having my now wife's wedding band custom made.
I couldn't believe the pricing, sales pitch and B.S.

I had a .75 carat Tiifany-style shared prong platinum band made with .4 carat MORE of ideal cut, F/G color, VS1-VS2 stones FOR HALF THE PRICE of what Robbins Bros. wanted for a .35 carat, questionably I-color/SI1-SI2 stone band.

If you're looking for a good local shop close-by, check out Stuart Benjamin in Hazard Center. Nice people, AGS gemologists and good quality.

But you're better off having the PS community help you find and build something online. Your $ will go the furthest and you'll end up with something truly worthy and beautiful.
 
Thank you KrisJon, I will not be using RB's anymore. I will definitely stop by Hazard Center to check out Stuart Benjamin.

If I purchase a diamond online, can it be directly shipped to an appraiser to verify the stone?

You all have been extremely helpful, thank you again!
 
CityEng|1414003025|3771093 said:
Thank you KrisJon, I will not be using RB's anymore. I will definitely stop by Hazard Center to check out Stuart Benjamin.

If I purchase a diamond online, can it be directly shipped to an appraiser to verify the stone?

You all have been extremely helpful, thank you again!
Click to expand...

Yes - it can be shipped directly to an appraiser, depending upon on the vendor you choose.

However, if you purchase from Good Old Gold, High Performance Diamonds, Brian Gavin Diamonds, or Whiteflash (and other PS-approved vendors) you can rest assured the stone is verified and matches the certificate. You can avoid the extra appraisal cost, in this way.

The added benefit of an out-of-state vendor (as I had mentioned above) is that you will avoid sales tax (which would be about $700-750, in this case) which can be put back into the setting!
 
CityEng|1414442598|3773497 said:
I have been communicating with WF regarding an ACA diamond of J color, how do you all think this one looks?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3178633.htm#

Should I be concerned with the clarity/clouds?

Thank again!
Click to expand...

This looks like a great stone!

You don't need to be concerned about the cloud, as it isolated, and does not say 'clarity grade based on clouds not shown' (which would be a possible point of concern).

If you are comfortable with J color, I would snatch it up before anyone else does. I was not able to find a similar (or better) WF stone at this price point.

Looks like a winner!
 
Thanks Rocky, it does appear to be a great deal! :bigsmile:
 
I agree, it is a nice diamond and you will be guaranteed quality and provided great customer service without falling into the trap of stores like RB. Good thing you came to this forum.
 
The one thing I forgot to tell you is that you should have that diamond put on hold right away as it has happened many times that diamonds were recommended here on PS and someone else bought it before the OP of the threat could. Best to play safe if you agree that it is the right stone for you.
 
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