Robbins Bros - They are "ROBBIN" you alright!!

[Angel7]

Hi All,

I''m still researching/shopping to see what setting I love and I just happened to see a settting I like online at Robbins bros.com. I thought, no way would I ever by a stone from them but no harm in just going to try on some settings!
Boy - What a horrible experience I had!

So I ask to see the setting and we are taken into their "diamond" consultant rooms and she asks our total budget, I tell her and she brings out princess and round stones that will fit our $8-9K budget (Setting will probably be $1-$2 and WILL NOT be purchased from them!)
So I look forward to some more diamond education and when she comes back she says she has two stones in "our price range". Both are IGI certified, I said I''m looking for AGS000 or GIA certified stones. She immediatley got defensive and said, we carry those but it doesn''t mean they are better than other stones. Hmm ok...

So then she pulls out a 1 carat, K, SI2 stone. Right away I noticed, it was yellow. I KNOW there are some beautiful whie J-K stones on PS and was horrified to see this piece of lemonade? I said that''s the best we could do? Out of couriousty how much is it? She said $4500!

I think she could sense my "attitude" how I was reluctant to go forward so she says hold on and brings in this DCA Certified Diamontologist (first time I have heard that term) and he was the biggest, most pompus jerk I''ve ever met in my life!

He said GIA and AGS certs are not the most stringent and not the best cut diamonds.
He didn''t know what an Idealscope was (when we were discussing round stones) and made me feel like I was making it up out of thin air!
He said you cannot really do too much reserach online for diamonds..

I told him I could find much better and WHITE diamonds in that price range online and he said I was probably buying pre-owned diamonds and diamonds that were cut too deep or too shallow.
It was a horrible experience and I left there so angry! BF was proud of me because every "fact" he through at us I had a rebuttle for. He kept trying to correct me and was so condesending and kept saying..remember you get what you pay for.

Kept trying to sell us on their "Lifetime warranty" and how you dont have to insure your stones/setting when you buy from them because they have you covered.

Thanks for listening all. I just wanted to vent. I had a feeling I would never buy from there but now I am CERTAIN.

 

[supersash]

Sorry you had such an awful experience. At least you are smart enough to know when someone is trying to dupe you. You know some people go in there, believe them, and waste their money!! You should feel great about the knowledge you have, and of course know that you will find exactly what you are looking for....ELSEWHERE!!

 

[Angel7]

Thanks Supersash. That''s exactly what my bf said, how said is it that some people just don''t know any better and would think..oh well if thats the best I can get then I''ll get it!

Thank god for PS!

 

[bee*]

What an A**hole! That would really annoy me!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Oh geez, Angel. I''m sorry you had such a bad experience. I can be entirely disappointing and discouraging! Good for you for sticking to your guns and letting them know that they would not be able to bamboozle you. I''ll share my story with you to help distract you from the burning ire in the pit of your stomach, okay?

If it helps any ... try to remember that their diamontologist (I love that term) staff has been trained or indoctrinated to believe in what they are selling. They may legitimately feel as though there is no difference b/n grading labs. I have a feeling, however, that this particular store or these particular sales associates were not the best out there. Really poor service. You have to read customers and if there is one that is really quality conscious, you cannot show them the same stones as you would your average walk in customer

crazy!

I had a similar experience when I was first shopping for diamonds. I was dealing, at that time, with EE Robbins. I have to say that the service was stellar! If they had as good quality & prices as they have service, they would have had my business. Anyhoo ... to my point ...
They primarily sell EGL certed stones. I forget the reason but I think it has something to do with the fact that they buy in Israel and it is more economical for them to do so?? Not certain ... Anyways, it is their belief and I believe that they were being authentic, even if somewhat misinformed, when they said this that "all lab certs are the same. If someone tells you differently, it is b/c they are trying to rip you off." Now, I understand that EGL is not wrong all the time and likely, more often than not, their certs are accurate, however, given the cost and sentimentality involved with diamond purchases, many consumers would likely err on the side of GIA and AGS so that they can have greater confidence that what they are paying for it exactly what it is stated to be on the cert due to more stringest grading requirements.

I also understand your disgust with their pricing. It is over the top ... likely related to high overhead due to desirable locations and the various other "perks" ... Back to my story ... I found the stone that we have now purchased and went back to them to give them a chance to price match or to find something of equivalent quality. The stone that they found me was supposed to be an SI1, however, it had a huge black inclusion in it. It was awful. They offered it to me for $2,000 + less than what was initially quoted in an effort to price match. I appreciated the gesture, however, felt quite angry at the fact that they would be so willing to lop of so much money, yet, if I hadn''t put so much time and research into it, I would have been a sucker to buy that stone for more?? Fair, from a business perspective but annoying as a consumer all the same.

To add more salt to the wound, b/c the service, up to this point, had been so excellent and our SA was really attentive and had put a lot of time and energy into helping us over an extended period of time, we decided to go with them for the setting we wanted even though we could get it for approx $ 800 less from the place where we got our diamond ... We were happy about this until they then said that if we chose to take advantage of their lifetime warranty and have it set there, they would charge us an extra $100 to have the stone set with them??? Made no sense ... they knew that we were making a conscious choice to spend more money as a gesture of our goodwill and appreciation ... Why gouge us? Anyways ... as you can well imagine we took our business to the other jeweler and haven''t looked back. We are ectastic and it really resonates in me that everything happens for a reason or happens as it should.

Back to your story ... Now that you are really seriously considering diamonds and wanting to research them in person to get a better idea of what you like ... Have you looked up any actual jeweler''s in your area? I believe PS has a resource where you can find a PS recommened vendor in your area. Usually these types of jewelers will need you to make an appt with them and they will select stones for you to view when you come in. They should have an idealscope and microscope etc. Sometimes these jewelers are located in the jewelery district of your area ... Also, since you guys are somewhat close to NY ... How about a weekend getaway to check out what Good Old Gold, for example, has to offer?

Thanks for venting and sharing your story ... Again, I''m sorry that this was so upsetting and I hope you don''t feel alone. I think that you should be proud of yourself for educating yourself to the point that you know what it is that you find acceptable and for insisting on quality.

Take your knowledge, stand resolute and get what you want!

Don''t despair ... there is always next weekend and more time to check out the beautiful sparklies out there waiting to show off for you!

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/20/2008 5:36:11 PM
Author: bee*
What an A**hole! That would really annoy me!

Tell me about it! It took all the strength I had to not jump over that desk and hit him!

Spark: I was posting while you were posting. Thank you very much for sharing your story. I'm glad others have had similar experiences. I'm glad you chose to go back to the jeweler who you are with now. Sounds trustworthy and that is really all that matters! You are right, thiings do happen for a reason!
I went to a local jeweler (the one who had the setting I posted from yesterday) and they had a nice princess but I wanted to see more and they seemed reluctant..I just want them to lay out 1.0s - 1.3s. I never seem to get that though. I liked them but I would have liked to take more time looking at stones...
Sometimes it can be a frustrating and daunting experience when it really should be fun and exciting!
Hmm..I haven't checked out if PS has some recommended jewlers in my area. I will look into it though.
Yes, we have jewelers row in Downtown Chicago so that's another option!

I don't see a trip to NYC happening anytime soon but that is a good idea. I am eyeing an AGA Princess on GOG's website right now...we'll see

Thanks Spark..love the new kitty!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/20/2008 5:41:08 PM
Author: Angel7

Tell me about it! It took all the strength I had to not jump over that desk and hit him!

What you really should have done was ask for one of his business cards, turn it over, write down www.pricescope.com. Then hand it back with a wink and a smile.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/20/2008 5:41:08 PM
Author: Angel7
I went to a local jeweler (the one who had the setting I posted from yesterday) and they had a nice princess but I wanted to see more and they seemed reluctant..I just want them to lay out 1.0s - 1.3s. I never seem to get that though. I liked them but I would have liked to take more time looking at stones...
Sometimes it can be a frustrating and daunting experience when it really should be fun and exciting!
Hmm..I haven''t checked out if PS has some recommended jewlers in my area. I will look into it though.
Yes, we have jewelers row in Downtown Chicago so that''s another option!

I don''t see a trip to NYC happening anytime soon but that is a good idea. I am eyeing an AGA Princess on GOG''s website right now...we''ll see

Thanks Spark..love the new kitty!

Thanks Angel -- Glad you love the new kitty.
I found some jewelers via the PS jeweler search tool ... Here are some links to help you out.

Windy City Diamonds
Burdeens
Denney Jewelers
Exquisite Jewelers
and
Finer Jewelry, Inc.
5 S. Wabash Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60603
312-541-7625 -- They don''t appear to have a website address.

I''m not advocating any of these jewelers since I have no personal experience with them, however, I thought it might be a good start. If you are so inclined, try giving them each a call and let them know what you are looking for .. whoever is most receptive or accomodating, is a good place to start, right?

About your jeweler from yesterday ... it would be great to be able to get the stone and the setting from the same place... Are you able to give them a call back and let them know that you are really serious about the setting, however, you would like to view a serious of different diamonds in your range in order to assess which shape you ultimately would like to go with? If they are willing to help, great! If not, maybe you would like to find your stuff elsewhere ... and phoeey to them.

By the way, if you would have knockedout the RBros guy, your bf would definitely had to have taken pics for you to show us. What a jerk!

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/20/2008 5:59:47 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/20/2008 5:41:08 PM
Author: Angel7

Tell me about it! It took all the strength I had to not jump over that desk and hit him!

What you really should have done was ask for one of his business cards, turn it over, write down www.pricescope.com. Then hand it back with a wink and a smile.

Oh Ellen that would have been great! I was so steamed..I just wanted to run out of there!
Ohh the best part was their little sign on the wall..ready? Made me laugh out loud!
"Diamonds are made under pressure, customers aren''t" Ha, yea right. I felt like I was being sold into buying a used pinto the way this Diamontolgist was pressuring me!

Spark - I was acutally going to go to Burdeens. Thank you so much for posting those! As always you are above and beyond helpful! I did like the first jeweler and he did say to let him know if we want to bring in more stones..so we''ll see. I think I''ve worn out the bf with ring stuff for the week!

Ha, knocking him out would have been a picture I would be happy to post!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/20/2008 6:14:32 PM
Author: Angel7

Spark - I was acutally going to go to Burdeens. Thank you so much for posting those! As always you are above and beyond helpful! I did like the first jeweler and he did say to let him know if we want to bring in more stones..so we''ll see. I think I''ve worn out the bf with ring stuff for the week!

No problem! I am happy to help, if I can. I remember how frustrating it was when I started and how much I appreciated any assistance the PS forum was able to provide.

I can''t wait to hear how it goes.

 

[jguinn]

I was just wondering, what Robbins brothers did you visit?

 

[door knob solitaire]

Had to chime in and tell you your title made me spew my snack at my monitor! Eeeuuuu! I realize that doesn''t sound like a compliment, but I am trying to say that was funny! Fun Knee!

Thanks for the laugh...off to get some Windex!!

 

[emilina22]

your not the only one who has had a bad experiance with that company...

i remember when my FI and i first started looking at settings a brand new Robbins Bros. opened in our neighborhood, outa of no where M was like lets see wha they have, who knows maybe well find something, or at least an idea of what you would like...

once we walked into the store everything was fine, the greeter was very friendly and not to pushy, then the sales person was also not that bad...alothough i did notice that he only ALLOWED us to pull no more than 3 settings that we likes so that "we dont get have too many options" or something like that, i dunno that was too weird...shouldnt you be able to look at as many as you think you may like, not just 3? anyways when he had asked what size stone, what shape all that good diamond stuff, we told him we were looking into a 2+ royal asscher...he said sure we have one in lets go to the private room. of course i though this was really cool, but once we started asking questions, he left and this other guy comes in, who apperantly was a "diamond expert" HA!

so this guy was like so your looking at this fine asscher eh? and it was beautiful, i think it was a "E" VS2...although it did seem a bit more yellow than that, who knows...any way, M was like yes. and this guy then stops talking diamonds and goes into the business aspect of buying a diamond! this was a bit weird becasue we flat our said we were just browsing, and getting a feel for what i like, and heres this guy pulling our a calculator to find out how much my 2 ct. asscher would cost me over the years if i DONT go with their company...then this is where it gets a bit out of hand...

M says, excuse me but our purpose was not to buy anything but to look and see what you have to offer us..and this guy was like how old are you two, what do you do for a living, i just want to let you know what the reality of this kind of stone and ring is and how much it would be costing you....

...M was like what does that have to do with us browsing, and hes like well i wanted to let you know what you would be paying if you were to go with us today, and M was like excuse us but we have seen enough

yea so not so great of an experiance... and needless to say we did not go back to them, and chose to go with a custon jeweler instead!

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/20/2008 10:47:39 PM
Author: door knob solitaire
Had to chime in and tell you your title made me spew my snack at my monitor! Eeeuuuu! I realize that doesn''t sound like a compliment, but I am trying to say that was funny! Fun Knee!

Thanks for the laugh...off to get some Windex!!

DKS - Thank you! I thought it was good. We were driving home and I was still so mad and I''m like..ah ha, I have a great name for my thread..my bf is like, oh god here we go!

I''m glad you appreciated it!

Emilina: "so this guy was like so your looking at this fine asscher eh? and it was beautiful, i think it was a "E" VS2...although it did seem a bit more yellow than that, who knows...any way, M was like yes. and this guy then stops talking diamonds and goes into the business aspect of buying a diamond! this was a bit weird becasue we flat our said we were just browsing, and getting a feel for what i like, and heres this guy pulling our a calculator to find out how much my 2 ct. asscher would cost me over the years if i DONT go with their company...then this is where it gets a bit out of hand...
That is EXACTLY what they did to us! I was like..seriously? This is how you try to sell your diamonds? I was appalled, all I wanted to do was leave immediatley. He was just so condesending and insulting..I could not believe it!
How dare he ask what you guys do for a living and try to justify if in fact you could "afford" such a stone! I agree, they held back on what they brought out and when I said they''re inventory seems few and far between he proceeded to show me his "database" on the computer and showed how many they have. It was horrible and I''m sorry you had to experience the Robbins Bros visit as well!

I guess we can just chalk it up to a learning experience! Glad you found a great jeweler!

 

[codex57]

Maybe the limits on how many stones or settings you can see at one time are a store/insurance policy to help lower the chance of theft? Like a grab and run.

Yes, it''d be nice if they''d just open their vaults and let us browse to our hearts content and only come when we called, but that''s not exactly safe. I remember some store told me they had a policy like that and I can imagine many others having the same policy, but just didn''t tell me about it.

Telling those lies was bad, but I really wouldn''t hold it against them if they limited the amount of stones/settings they showed you at a time.

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/21/2008 11:47:02 AM
Author: codex57
Maybe the limits on how many stones or settings you can see at one time are a store/insurance policy to help lower the chance of theft? Like a grab and run.

Yes, it''d be nice if they''d just open their vaults and let us browse to our hearts content and only come when we called, but that''s not exactly safe. I remember some store told me they had a policy like that and I can imagine many others having the same policy, but just didn''t tell me about it.

Telling those lies was bad, but I really wouldn''t hold it against them if they limited the amount of stones/settings they showed you at a time.

Codex - I agree, for their security they shouldn''t just let you roam the vault but that really wasn''t my problem with them. But, they do seem to "hold out" on the stones you ask to see..overall it was a horrible experience. If you read through my original post, you willl see why I was unhappy.

 

[oldminer]

You were very right to take issue with what you were told. Congratulations on learning enough to defend yourself. I feel badly about retailers who are not keeping up with the changes taking place in the consumer community. It is going to be difficult for them to meet increasingly technical expectations. The survivors will be around, but there will be many who don't make it.

The DCA, Diamond Council of America, runs courses for retailers, primarily retailer chains, in a very similar vein to a combination of GIA gemology training and AGS retail sales training. They are pretty much the same level of difficulty of GIA or AGS learning requirements and the course material is pretty much similar. Its easy to get find big egos in "important" positions in retail stores. You got to act important if you want to play the part, I suppose. The DCA was long ago formed by a group of merchants who could not qualify to become AGS members due to long forgotten religious discrimination of the 1940 to 1960's periods. I know it seem not so long ago to me, but it may be way long ago to you. Discrimination of many types was a real problem and the DCA offered an alternative solution. It was all very legitimate and helpful to retailers who found they did not have an alternative organization to join back then. It is now long ago and water over the dam. Its just part of history. Today's AGS is not the AGS of 1960, and for that matter, what is?

Remember today is MLK day. A lot of positive change has happened since MLK was around. Many people now can enjoy joining organizations today that were closed to them just forty or fifty years ago. All people can eat at the same lunch counters, and use the same public facilities.

Change is an essential element of life. Keep on changing and keep on growing is a good motto. I am sure you will find a great diamond by continuing to do the right kind of shopping with folks who have changed enough to make your experience a great one instead of a challenge.

 

[Angel7]

Date: 1/21/2008 4:00:49 PM
Author: oldminer
You were very right to take issue with what you were told. Congratulations on learning enough to defend yourself. I feel badly about retailers who are not keeping up with the changes taking place in the consumer community. It is going to be difficult for them to meet increasingly technical expectations. The survivors will be around, but there will be many who don''t make it.

The DCA, Diamond Council of America, runs courses for retailers, primarily retailer chains, in a very similar vein to a combination of GIA gemology training and AGS retail sales training. They are pretty much the same level of difficulty of GIA or AGS learning requirements and the course material is pretty much similar. Its easy to get find big egos in ''important'' positions in retail stores. You got to act important if you want to play the part, I suppose. The DCA was long ago formed by a group of merchants who could not qualify to become AGS members due to long forgotten religious discrimination of the 1940 to 1960''s periods. I know it seem not so long ago to me, but it may be way long ago to you. Discrimination of many types was a real problem and the DCA offered an alternative solution. It was all very legitimate and helpful to retailers who found they did not have an alternative organization to join back then. It is now long ago and water over the dam. Its just part of history. Today''s AGS is the AGS of 1960, and for that matter, what is?

Remember today is MLK day. A lot of positive change has happened since MLK was around. Many people now can enjoy joining organizations today that were closed to them just forty or fifty years ago. All people can eat at the same lunch counters, and use the same public facilities.

Change is an essential element of life. Keep on changing and keep on growing is a good motto. I am sure you will find a great diamond by continuing to do the right kind of shopping with folks who have changed enough to make your experience a great one instead of a challenge.

Thanks Oldminer. The way you describe his "ego" is spot on. It was very hard to swallow let alone deal with. I hope my search starts to turn into a great experience because so far, it has been quite the challenge!

 

[jguinn]

Im sorry to hear that happened to you. What robbbins bros did you go to?