Diamond Buyer's Checklist

Print this "checklist" to assist you in your shopping!

THE ROBBINS DIFFERENCE... Compare our customer services with those of any other jeweler. You'll find that the "Robbins Difference" means you can count on maximum added value, greater security, and complete peace of mind.

• Accurate Independent Diamond Grading
  Every Robbins diamond is accompanied by an impartial professional grading report from an independent gem laboratory.
  
• Permanent Identification and Registration
  When you view your diamond under high magnification, you'll see that it has a unique ID number inscribed on it. This identification mark is registered on a database for positive proof of ownership.
  
• Best Price Promise
  No two diamonds are exactly alike. However, within 30 days of purchase, you should find another diamond similar to the one you purchased from us, for less money... we'll either pay you 110% of the difference or offer you a full refund.
  
• No-Nonsense Refund Policy
  Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed.
  Ask your sales associate for details.
  
• Lifetime Value Warranty
  Should you at any time wish to "trade up" your diamond, you can apply the full original price to a new larger or better quality diamond. Ask one of our managers for further details.
  
• Lifetime Services
  Along with your Lifetime Value Warranty, you receive Lifetime Cleaning and Inspection of your ring with Lifetime Insurance Appraisal Updates.
• Platinum Crown and Extended Service Policy
  A platinum crown will better secure your diamond. Platinum offers more strength and durability and enhances the fire and brilliance of your diamond. Our 3-Year "Peace of Mind" Service Policy is also available. Thus additional protection offers many extra services plus savings certificates worth hundreds of dollars.
  
• Added Value Extras!
  From Value Bond Certificates that save you money on your Wedding Bands... to Money Saving offers from other wedding related businesses... to our "50/50" Referral Program that rewards you as well as your friend - we aim to please!
  
• INSURANCE
  We can issue an Insurance Policy to protect your ring from loss, theft... even mysterious disappearance, with a major Insurance Company, for a nominal premium. Your ring will be insured for one full year and is renewable.
  

Ten Most Common Mistakes Made When Buying A Diamond

1. Buying a diamond without an impartial independent grading report. Some jewelers, who grade their own diamonds, consistently over-grade the quality of their diamonds. In too many cases, what may seem to be a bargain, is actually over-priced. Subtle differences in quality can mean a tremendous difference in value. Wherever you buy your diamond insist on certification by an independent laboratory. The grading report shows you all the characteristics, measurements, and disclosure of any treatments which enhance the appearance. You should also get a mapping or "plotting" of the diamond to show its internal characteristics. Don't buy any diamond from anyone without getting an independent impartial grading report.
2. Wearing a diamond that is not insured. Diamonds, even though they are the hardest substance known to man, can chip or crack in normal use. A sudden blow can chip or crack a diamond. Your diamond should be insured against loss, theft, mysterious disappearance and breakage. Many homeowners insurance policies do not offer this coverage. Ask your insurance agent if the policy that they are offering covers all of these possibilities.
3. Buying a diamond based on its "perfection" only. It's important to choose a diamond that "makes sense" based on what you can see with your naked eye and what you can afford to spend. A diamond's value is determined by its rarity. Color, cut, clarity, and carat weight are the rarity factors. The highest grades in each of these categories is the most rare and valuable and, of course, larger and higher carat weights demand expert guidance in how to make an intelligent choice and select a diamond based on its beauty, brilliance, quality, and affordability.
4. Choosing a diamond based on its quality grades alone without considering the way the diamond has been cut and polished. You can choose a diamond with high quality grades, but if it has been cut and polished improperly, it could be as dull and lifeless as a piece of glass. A diamond that doesn't sparkle is a bad choice. Your jeweler will show you how to choose a diamond that will catch the light and release its fire in a blaze of dazzling colors.
5. Buying a diamond from a jeweler who doesn't take the time or have the knowledge to explain and show you what you have to know about making a choice. Be sure to select a store where the employees are well versed and trained in Diamontology. The proper qualifications have titles: Graduate Gemologist, Certified Diamontologist, and Registered Jeweler are some of the titles that show a certain level of achievement in the study of Diamontology.
6. Buying your diamond from a jeweler who doesn't clearly show you the diamond under the proper conditions. To enable you to clearly see subtle differences in a diamonds color, cut, and clarity you must be able to see it magnified ten times. A small magnifying glass is very difficult for the average person to use. Jewelers have stereoscopic microscopes that they use to look at diamonds. Insist that the jeweler shows you your selection under his stereoscopic microscope. He should "plot" all of the tiny inclusions or markings hidden inside the diamond. The microscope also makes the body color much more visible and it's easier to see whether or not the diamond has been properly proportioned. The jeweler should also permanently, positively register and identify the diamond using "plotting" or "measuring" and in some cases a gem print machine, which takes a photograph of the reflections of the diamond's facet structure.
7. Buying your diamond from a jeweler who doesn't give you a written service warranty along with a clear written guarantee of quality. Many jewelers supply you with a "pretty piece of paper" that looks like a written warranty. However, read it carefully! Be sure it contains a clear refund policy. Be sure it tells you exactly what services will be offered free of charge in the future. Read the appraisal carefully and make sure that it contains all of the proper details as to the quality of the diamond that you have purchased.
8. Thinking you are getting an unbelievable bargain. Many people shopping for a diamond in several stores come up with one store that is offering them an "unbelievable bargain". Diamonds have a very clear cut market value at the wholesale level. No jeweler will ever knowingly sell a diamond below the established level. In most cases you'd just be getting a "cheaper" diamond at a lower price. And that's not a bargain!
9. Getting a diamond of larger size and low quality because you can't afford a better one. Your jeweler will help you establish an easy payment plan to help you stretch your budget to afford a better diamond. You should consider spending 2 1/2 times your monthly salary. Remember, a diamond engagement ring is a symbol of love. She'll have it for the rest of her life and may even pass it along to your children and grandchildren. That's why quality is important when choosing your diamond. A simple, easy payment plan can make your job of selecting the right diamond much easier.
10. Buying your engagement ring from a store that doesn't specialize. All jewelry stores sell diamond engagement rings. However, you will get the best choices by shopping in stores that specialize in diamonds, especially diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. You might have to shop ten or twelve conventional jewelers just to see the selection that a specialist can show you.