Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Robbins Bros. - Stressed out

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
K

kooj

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 22, 2008
Messages
8
TL;DR - I''m a fool, paid too much at RB - help me negotiate/price match like a pro.


So today I did exactly what I didn''t want to do -- I could spend a few paragraphs trying to make myself seem less of an idiot but we''ll just leave at this:

I walked into Robbins Bros. today with virtually no knowledge on Diamonds and walked out the same albeit ~6,700 dollars in the hole.

Now I''m trying to correct my mistake.

I really like the setting, and even the Diamond - however it''s very clear to me that the sticker price that I''m paying for is much too high even when considering all of the "bonuses" (easily argued, yes) that Robbins Bros. offers as well as the overhead of running a B&M.

I know I could go for a full refund but I''m hoping instead to see about some price matching to try and negotiate a lower price on the Diamond that is closer to online prices or even pay the same for a larger stone. I plan on doing so by bringing in as much information as possible both in printed form and in my head.

Quick Stats (sadly this is all I have, another thing I''m kicking myself on, I''ll be calling tomorrow for more information):

0.75ct - F - VS2 -- Cushion Cut, IGI, looks absolutely beautiful. Price: $4,695
14.gif


I''ve been reading up as much as I can already (ex: googled/searched these forums for Robbins Bros. and other strings) while trying not to be suspicious/get caught by my girlfriend which has been very difficult so far and will be even more so this weekend. I could use all the help I can get.

Specifically:

- Any information on how resistant they are to online vendor prices
- Which online vendors are recommended to use for pricematching -- mondera - whiteflash - bluenile? Are there any other meta-searches that search multiple sites like the one on the pricescope''s homepage?
- Any other information that could help prepare me for doing battle all while educating my stupid self or anything else at all that you think might be helpful

Feel free to also berate me and/or point out that it''s called Robbins Bros. for a reason
2.gif


Thank you all in advance.. wishin'' I had came here sooner..
 
Honey, you''ve done nothing WRONG! Everything is going to be ok.

Now...about the diamond/setting you''ve purchased...you went to RB and got a cushion cut .75 F, VS2, right? No one here is going to berate you, especially since you still have time to return it. You''re fine!!! Let us PSr''s help you out a bit.
 
Date: 3/22/2008 6:38:12 AM
Author: monarch64
Honey, you've done nothing WRONG! Everything is going to be ok.

Now...about the diamond/setting you've purchased...you went to RB and got a cushion cut .75 F, VS2, right? No one here is going to berate you, especially since you still have time to return it. You're fine!!! Let us PSr's help you out a bit.
Click to expand...
Ditto and welcome to Pricescope! Return the diamond and we can help you find another! Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com has an incredible rep with cushions, it may be worth you contacting him once you have been refunded and see what he can find for you! Also www.goodoldgold.com have sold some lovely cushions.
 
Date: 3/22/2008 6:57:15 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 3/22/2008 6:38:12 AM
Author: monarch64
Honey, you''ve done nothing WRONG! Everything is going to be ok.

Now...about the diamond/setting you''ve purchased...you went to RB and got a cushion cut .75 F, VS2, right? No one here is going to berate you, especially since you still have time to return it. You''re fine!!! Let us PSr''s help you out a bit.
Click to expand...
Ditto and welcome to Pricescope! Return the diamond and we can help you find another! Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com has an incredible rep with cushions, it may be worth you contacting him once you have been refunded and see what he can find for you! Also www.goodoldgold.com have sold some lovely cushions.
Click to expand...
Lorelei is completely correct...and has posted great sites for you to learn/buy from.
36.gif
Hope you find your diamond soon!
 
I am so sorry about your experience! Don''t worry about it though, because I almost did the same thing! My FI and I went to Jared AND R. brothers to see a H&A diamond, knowing we were full well buying from the internet unless we could work them down. Well, we had no luck, we ended up buying from GOG and getting the setting from Jared. R. bothers woulnd''t set it and insure it while Jared would and so I went with them for the setting. That and the extended plan (which you really don''t need but I did it cuz it was only 50.00 because my ring is just plain) was for a lifetime while theirs was only 5 years and cost more. If you love the setting I''d keep it because it has everything you like in it and it''s the right size already. I would however, change your diamond. I have a .85 cushette diamond that is SI1 and eye clean with I color and it cost me 2400.00. If your girl is really color sensitive then you should have her look at a G or H color stones becuse you could go down a little in color and still be white and get a bigger stone. Also before this site I wouldn''t consider I color OR SI stones...but thanks to this site I LOVE my diamond and got WAY bigger than I thought we could afford! Just something to consider! I think you should be able to get a carat for that price in my opion, but that''s only if you want to go down on color and clarity. I say keep the setting but return the diamond. Then when you do buy one online take it to them to have it set in a setting you already have. Hope this helps!
 
Return your diamond and contact the people that Lorelei suggested and buy from them: you will get a buch better stone for less money!

DD
 
Also, if you really love the setting, take a few good pics of the ring before you take it back. Then we''ll be able to help you find something similar or better. Good luck!
2.gif
 
I can never say enough how great Mark at ERD is. Check him out if you can.
 
Date: 3/22/2008 11:05:40 AM
Author: lyra
Also, if you really love the setting, take a few good pics of the ring before you take it back. Then we''ll be able to help you find something similar or better. Good luck!
2.gif
Click to expand...

Ditto this! Take lots of pics and return it for a refund and work with a Pricescope vendor. I was rambling last night about how we''re getting more bang for our buck because of this place.
 
Sorry to hear you are now disconnected from The MATRIX!!!!

Sucks sorta doesn''t it?

OK, my experience w/ RB is that they "dislike" people w/ knowledge and will try to convince you to stay away from the net.

I had a very bad experience there while trying to help my SSIL to pick out a setting and stone.

The SA actually got another SA to distract me so I wouldn''t bug her while trying to pitch and ungraded obvious I2/K or something equally bad.
By the way, she kept asking me if I was "in the trade."

Just tell them you want to return it and let PS help you, no questions answered.

Or tell them exactly what you want (period).

If you bring in info. from the net and try to haggle, I think they will snow you with their sales tactics.

Not to say you''ll bend but it can be intimidating if you aren''t sure of your info.

Good luck and let us know how it goes, at least you''re not willing w/o being totally informed.
emteeth.gif
 
Aw, don''t be so hard on yourself! You set out to buy a beautiful diamond, made a little pit stop, and now that you are here you can go forward in the right direction! There are some wonderful vendors that are PS approved, and so many knowledgeable people here that will help you along!
Welcome
35.gif
 
Welcome to PS! Glad you found PS now because it''s not too late to get a STUNNING diamond!

I shopped at RBs as well... mostly to get an idea of what I wanted in a setting as I already planned to purchase my stone online. They showed me some "nice" diamonds... way overpriced. I requested certain stats- they said they would bring the stones in and call me when they arrived- never happened. It felt to me that they wanted to push what they had in stock- whether it was exactly what I wanted or not.

They do have a lot of beautiful settings... I love Simon G, Ritani and Tacori, etc. The designers like that are good quality... some of the other lower end designers they have there... icky
14.gif
.

Fast forward to purchasing my Princess of Hearts (a square shaped stone with clipped corners rather than rounded corners like a cushion) from Good Old Gold... the stones purchased through the PS vendors mentioned (ERD, GOG, WF, etc) will WAY out-perform a "nice" stone that has some pretty sparkles. Take a look at some VIDEOS of some kickin diamonds!

So, it is possible that they may price match... but it''s highly unlikely it will be a quality match.

What is the setting you purchased? I''m sure we could find the same ring or better here through the vendors.
 
This forum is simply amazing -- I don''t think I''ve ever seen a forum as quick and helpful and obviously dedicated to helping people out.

I''ve just gotten a hold of RB and got some better specifications on the Diamond itself -- I tried to simply get the certificate# to look it up here: but it gives me error - the cert# is 0191409

So I had them relay all the info to me over the phone, here it is:

Diamond:
Report: IGI
Shape: Cushion
Carat: 0.75
Clarity: VS2
Color: F
Depth% 64.4
Table% 67
Girdle: Medium-Thick
Measurements: 5.74-5.31x3.42
Polish: VG
Symmetry: G
Price: 4,695

Setting:
A. Jaffe
Price: 1,495 -- I probably won''t bother trying to negotiate on this as I believe with gold prices going up I won''t see much sway here.

You''re probably wondering why I''m even throwing this up here as I should simply tell them to kick rocks with this deal and go buy from a Pricescope recommended vendor -- well, I''d truly like to make this work with some negotiation/price matching. I''d be happy paying above Online prices just as long as it wasn''t absurdly above as it is now.

The main reason for this is that I don''t have much time if I''m going to do this as I planned which means proposing in less than 6 days right before we fly out to celebrate our 4 year Anniversary and her Birthday.. Procrastination is one of my strong suits.

So far I plan on trying to match up the stats I have for this particular Diamond with similar Diamond''s and print all of those prices out from sites like bluenile, whiteflash, GOG and others and use those to negotiate a better deal on this stone or a better stone that makes me happy price wise.

If that doesn''t work I''ll be backing out of the deal, which should be easy as the ONLY smart thing I did was get in writing signed by the SA and the GM that I could back out of the deal completely (which I think is part of their 30 day return policy anyway), but then I''ll be stuck not proposing but at least I''ll be on the right path towards getting her a Diamond that she deserves that I can also feel proud of.

Thank you all again I *really really* appreciate it. As for pictures I don''t actually have the ring as they''re putting the stone in and resizing (should not screw with the return that I got in writing) but I''ll be sure to keep you all updated and take pictures when/if I actually get anything. If anyone else wants to chime in please do, I''ll be sneaking looks at this thread and clearing my browser history as often as possible
2.gif
 
ETA: forgot it was a cushion. I wrote a response about RBs.

Good luck!
DD
 
I like the A. Jaffe rings... the price you paid isn''t way overpriced, just a bit higher than through a vendor here.

I would probably just return the entire ring- setting and diamond- for a full refund.

If you''re set on that exact ring, I would purchase the ring at Pearlman''s (highly recommended vendor here on PS). Then I would go with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct or Jon at Good Old Gold to find an AMAZING cushion. I would send the setting to where I purchased the diamond to be set.
 
I dont think timing is a good enough reason to NOT return this ring IF it''s not what you and she really want. IF you both LOVE this ring and you can afford it, then keep it and dont worry about the cost. But if you want more ring for your money, or a similar ring for less, then return it and just propose without a ring (many do it that way), or hold off on proposing.
 
Date: 3/22/2008 4:04:08 PM
Author: sera
I like the A. Jaffe rings... the price you paid isn''t way overpriced, just a bit higher than through a vendor here.

I would probably just return the entire ring- setting and diamond- for a full refund.

If you''re set on that exact ring, I would purchase the ring at Pearlman''s (highly recommended vendor here on PS). Then I would go with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct or Jon at Good Old Gold to find an AMAZING cushion. I would send the setting to where I purchased the diamond to be set.
Click to expand...
Do this. You will get a better looking diamond for less money I am sure. Cushions are hard to get, most are really badly cut, so go with someone who knows. If I was your gf then I''d want the best possible diamond and I wouldn''t care if it took an extra two weeks to get the proposal.

DD
 
Honestly, I would just return the whole thing and start over. I highly doubt they will match internet prices, and even if they do, you''ll still have a diamond with a questionable certificate. I''m not cushion expert, but I believe most people (including experts) prefer smaller tables on cushions, and the diamond you currently have has a large table. Plus the table % is bigger than the depth %, which can lower the brilliance. Fancy cuts are best judged by the eyes, but since you''re not an expert and you you can''t compare yours to really well cut ones, I think the numbers do need to be considered.

If I were you, I would call Mark at Engagement Rings Direct on Monday and see what he can offer you for the same price. He is in the diamond district in NYC and could most likely get you something very quickly, maybe even in time for your proposal date. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Date: 3/22/2008 4:04:08 PM
Author: sera
I like the A. Jaffe rings... the price you paid isn''t way overpriced, just a bit higher than through a vendor here.


I would probably just return the entire ring- setting and diamond- for a full refund.


If you''re set on that exact ring, I would purchase the ring at Pearlman''s (highly recommended vendor here on PS). Then I would go with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct or Jon at Good Old Gold to find an AMAZING cushion. I would send the setting to where I purchased the diamond to be set.
Click to expand...


ditto, but I''d have the stone sent to pearlmans and they would send it A. Jaffe to be set. pearlmans will cover the stone during the setting process, even if you didn''t buy it from them.
 
Date: 3/22/2008 4:04:27 PM
Author: surfgirl
I dont think timing is a good enough reason to NOT return this ring IF it''s not what you and she really want. IF you both LOVE this ring and you can afford it, then keep it and dont worry about the cost. But if you want more ring for your money, or a similar ring for less, then return it and just propose without a ring (many do it that way), or hold off on proposing.
Click to expand...
Diito!!! You can always hold off on the proposal. Later down the track you will be glad you bought the ring you are truly happy with and paid a good price for, rather than settling for something because of time constraints.

All good things come to those who wait!!
 
I agree that you have really paid way too much for the diamond (which you already know). Even if they do pricematch, which from what I know about B&M''s attitudes to internet vendors, they probably won''t, than as mentioned you will most likely still have an inferior cut stone. Can you ask them to snap a photo and email it to u to upload here?
As far as the jaffe setting, if its one with side diamonds the price you paid is comparative to Pearlmans and so good. If its a solitaire, then its also too expensive. Do u have a description on the ring, the syle nbr?

I agree with what was already said, take it back while you still can. If you try to negotiate price u will most likely have to endure a solemn lecture from the SA about how ALL internet vendors are scammers and fraudsters, and they''ve had Sooo many customers they''ve seen get disappointed/ripped off after buying online..blah blah *yawn*...
9.gif
38.gif

You said the sizing of the ring "shouldn''t" interfere with ur return agreement - I would check on this soon as u can, as Many places consider this "customization" whcih will void the return. Don''t wanna spook you or anything, just fyi.
5.gif
 
For the same total price you could get this stunning, and I do mean stunning cushion:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3662/ in the same setting from Pearlmans. Bigger, better cut, better cert (IGI F VS could be... well, G SI1 or lower easily) and if you look at the video, just flat out AMAZING.

Drop dead gorgeous 1 carat cushion.
 
I actually work at Robbins Brothers, and honestly he service depends on what store you visit. Maybe I can help you out...where did you purchase the ring and what did they offer you? We do have some Tiers when having a customer buy a diamond and as each one goes lower so do the benefits and trust me that life-time warranty can come in handy if anything ever happened to your diamond. As fare as negotiating I will tell you that RB has changed its practice on how they do business, the company no longer negotiates, rather its has 3 tiers of pricing and the prices are set for each tier, there is no negotiating, trust me we have been told by our corporate office and our price system will not allow any other prices than those given. Depending on which one you go with you benefits will vary.
35.gif
 
Date: 3/23/2008 5:33:16 AM
Author: curiousthinker
I actually work at Robbins Brothers, and honestly he service depends on what store you visit. Maybe I can help you out...where did you purchase the ring and what did they offer you? We do have some Tiers when having a customer buy a diamond and as each one goes lower so do the benefits and trust me that life-time warranty can come in handy if anything ever happened to your diamond. As fare as negotiating I will tell you that RB has changed its practice on how they do business, the company no longer negotiates, rather its has 3 tiers of pricing and the prices are set for each tier, there is no negotiating, trust me we have been told by our corporate office and our price system will not allow any other prices than those given. Depending on which one you go with you benefits will vary.
35.gif
Click to expand...
Ok well cooj, I think u have ur answer - straight from the horses mouth! RB''s will not nedotiate on the price for u and you can do alot better online, so pls do return it! Gypsy has made one great suggestion, and I''m sure we can help u with others if need be,
Any update on ur thoughts?
 
As I''ve said before I can''t thank you all enough - this has been such a crazy weekend trying to juggle my head spinning with all of this and the fact that my girlfriend has no clue, Easter and other celebrations that kept me busy all weekend.

I''m heading down to RB in about 30 minutes to talk with them, all of your information has been invaluable. I highly doubt I''m going to get out of there easily so I should be able to get close to a confirmation on the ''3-tier'' system that curiousthinker talked about (thank you!) - overall though I''m pretty positive I''ll be walking out without a Ring and without a 6700 debt on my head.

Then I''ll be free to become a pricescope junkie! :)

I''ll update you all as soon as I can.
 
Dude, just remember to bring your BIG FANCY cohones with you and dont let the salespeople try to intimidate you. It''s YOUR money and you can buy the best stone you can with it. I wouldn''t even discuss it, just walk away from the deal...People here have already found you a better stone.
 
Date: 3/24/2008 4:03:01 PM
Author: surfgirl
Dude, just remember to bring your BIG FANCY cohones with you and dont let the salespeople try to intimidate you. It''s YOUR money and you can buy the best stone you can with it. I wouldn''t even discuss it, just walk away from the deal...People here have already found you a better stone.
Click to expand...
Good advice!!
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top