Robbins Diamonds in Philly/Delaware - any opinions?

[jwd1]

As a resident of the Philadelphia area, I''m considering looking for an engagement ring at Robbins Diamonds (either on Jewelers row or in Delaware). Any opinions on the experience of shopping at Robbins would be appreciated, as well as any advice on how much they are willing to haggle.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

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On 10/18/2003 11:09:48 PM jwd1 wrote:





Any opinions on the experience of shopping at Robbins would be appreciated, as well as any advice on how much they are willing to haggle.

Thanks in advance!
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Jwd1,

Well this might not be what you wanted to hear, but is my opinion. There is a lot involved in the mark-up of diamonds. Typically you are going to pay a premium for buying from a large chain of retail stores. There is more overhead involved and steeper mark-up on stones which usually are not cut as well as diamonds offered by some internet vendors for a low mark-up due to cutting overhead cost. Customer Service is still there, and you can always send the stone back for vendors who offer a legite money back garauntee.

You have many more accessable cost saving measures you can incorporate into your dimond bying budget and get a superior cut stone at a competetive lower price than what you would typically pay at a retail store purchasing a lesser quality of diamond. A little insight to your next question about haggling...The mark-up in most cases is inflated to begin with. Customer Service Agents working the counters already know what they can come down to if they will even consider this.

It may seem like they are giving you a break, but in reality they have already established a price which they will not drop below. There are different ways of haggling, but in most cases a savvy store salesman will win....

I don't want to seem like the barer of bad news but just wanted to point out my point of view based on some of my own experiences...

 

[oldminer]

Well, I am a whole lot closer to the situation, since I am only 1 block away from Robbins. This is a very competitive firm and they will compete if at all possible. They have a very large selection and carry many designer's brands. They have a Delaware branch so sales tax may be avoided if you want to go to the trouble.

They use a lot of our AGA grading documents although they have a lot more AGS and GIA reports. They do understand our system of grading and are not bad with people.

Don't be afraid to shop there. Buying is a decision you make after you shop. There are so many places and ways to purchase a diamond.... And many of them are good ways.

We have had a long and good relationship with Robbins in grading and laser inscribing some of their inventory. They are certainly not amateurs in the selling of diamonds.