Much needed advice on this diamond

[Kiwiblossom]

Hello! The last time I posted, everyone was so helpful! I thought I''d ask another one.

My bf is going to Robbins Bros this weekend to look at some diamonds (he had the custom ering made there)... I mentioned that I''ve been scoping out PS for quite some time now and that I''ve learned a lot more here than anywhere else I''ve looked. He wanted to know what specs or details he should walk away with to see if he''s getting a decent quote on the diamonds he looks at.

So far, all we know is the 4C''s. We went through the PS tutorial but we''re still a bit confused. I know that RB owes us a corporate discount (their branch manager messed up something during the ering designing process - but ended up fixing it).. in any case, she assured us that she would be giving a corporate discount for any diamond we want. Not sure how much a "corporate discount" would be... but in any case, we''re looking in the .75-.90 range for a princess cut. The last time we were there, they showed us a G VS1? .76 ct elexese and we were quoted $4999 <-- that was without the discount. So here are my questions...

1. How much is a corporate discount usually at a jewelry store?
2. Other than the color, clarity and carat, what else (numbers) should I be looking for in a princess? Percentages?
3. I know that all their diamonds come with a certificate, but which labs should I stay away from?
4. If it meant that I''d get a better discount, should I forego their lifetime warranty?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Ideally, I''d like to print this thread on Friday so that we can take it with us on Saturday. I don''t want them to sell my bf and me a crappy diamond....... Please help! After all these months of lurking around PS, I can''t help but trust all of your opinions/advice more than the reps at any of these stores!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

1. There is probably no "standard" answer to this question. That being said, just using the search feature at the top of this page you can get a GIA graded G VS1 for easily $1,500 LESS than what you were quoted, so I hope that''s ONE BIG DISCOUNT.

2. The crown and pavilion angles work together, so while there are primo ranges you really need to plug the numbers in for each stone to get an "answer" for a particular diamond. Here are the specs that Mara has posted in looking for her diamond. {{{Mara - I hope you don''t me posting your numbers -- I keep them handy *just in case* I ever go looking for another diamond!

}}}

table: 55-56 (but i would do 54 or 57 MAYBE if the other numbers corresponded but i''d prefer not to)
depth: 60.4ish-61.2ish (these are really strict, you can go up to 62 and still have a lovely diamond but then you lose some diameter in the depth which bugs me)
crown angle: 34.4ish-34.9 (maybe more shallow than 34.4 but depends on other specs)
pav angle: 40.5-40.8 (40.9 if necessary and other specs are cherry)
girdle: thin-med is my fave because i don''t want weight lost in the girdle nor do i like to see it
polish/symm: EX/EX or ID/ID
culet: none or vs is fine too
fluor: i''d love slight-strong fluor depending on the stone and the other qualitities...i have slight fluor in my stone now and who knows if it makes a real difference but i like the thought. it''s great for lower colored stones.

3. Rather than listing what to stay away *from* it''s easier to tell you to go *with* GIA or AGS.

4. Lifetime warranty on what?

 

[Kiwiblossom]

Thank you DEEJAY!

Robbins Bros offers a lifetime warranty on their rings/diamonds. Apparently, they will replace any stones/rings that either fall apart or diamonds that pop out from normal wear and tear - for life. Of course it also includes free cleaning - but I have never run into problems finding someone to clean it for free.

I''ve been *told* that RB will sometimes waive tax if you forego the lifetime warranty....

Thank you. I am so excited. I will take your specs with me!

 

[coda72]

I just wanted to point out that the specs that DeeJay posted are for a round diamond and don''t apply to a princess cut. I''m not sure of what the numbers should be for a princess, but the numbers aren''t the same as they are for a round brilliant. Typically the depth and table will be in the 70+% range.

 

[Rod]

Date: 9/20/2006 1:35:41 PM
Author: Kiwiblossom
Thank you DEEJAY!

Robbins Bros offers a lifetime warranty on their rings/diamonds. Apparently, they will replace any stones/rings that either fall apart or diamonds that pop out from normal wear and tear - for life. Of course it also includes free cleaning - but I have never run into problems finding someone to clean it for free.

I''ve been *told* that RB will sometimes waive tax if you forego the lifetime warranty....

Thank you. I am so excited. I will take your specs with me!

Kiwi.....make sure you understand what YOU have to do in order to receive the lifetime warranty for a lifetime. Typically, there are obligations on the part of the consumer, such as inspections every 6 months. And, typically, if someone misses the 6 month inspection, the lifetime warranty is voided.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Oh Kiwi, Coda is right! So sorry--didn't see the part about ***princess***. My mistake!