Robbins Brothers Review

Robbins Brothers, known as “The Engagement Ring Store,” has been a staple in the U.S. jewelry market since 1921, with a significant presence on the West Coast and recent expansions into Texas and Arizona. While the brand offers a wide range of engagement rings and settings, their diamonds often fall short of expectations.

History and Expansion

Robbins Brothers began as Ben Tipp Diamonds in Seattle, Washington, and underwent a rebranding in 1993 to become Robbins Brothers. Today, they operate 15 physical stores, as well as an online store, catering primarily to engagement ring buyers. Their expansion into new markets, such as Phoenix and Scottsdale, reflects their ambition to grow beyond their West Coast roots.

Designs and Collections

The store offers a variety of styles, including solitaires, halo rings, side stones, and three-stone designs. They also feature collections from well-known designers like Henri Daussi, Danhov, and Verragio. While the designs are attractive and fairly priced, the quality of the diamonds often disappoints. Customers are advised to be cautious when purchasing diamonds here, as the settings may outshine the stones themselves.

Diamond Quality and Transparency

Robbins Brothers has a significant shortfall when it comes to transparency regarding diamond quality. The website lacks ASET maps, HD360 videos, and ideal scope images, which are essential for evaluating a diamond’s true quality. The absence of these features makes it challenging for buyers to assess the cut, symmetry, and overall performance of their diamonds. Additionally, many of their diamonds are IGI certified, which is known to be more lenient compared to GIA or AGS certifications, leading to questions about the true quality of their stones.

Pricing

The pricing at Robbins Brothers does not adequately reflect the quality of their diamonds. Despite the attractive settings, customers may end up paying a premium for subpar stones. Competitors like Whiteflash and James Allen provide better-quality diamonds at comparable or even lower prices, with much greater transparency.

Shopping Experience

The in-store experience at Robbins Brothers is often cited as friendly and refreshing, a contrast to the aggressive sales tactics of some other jewelers. However, without sufficient information available online, buyers are unable to make informed decisions unless they visit in person. The lack of transparency in diamond quality affects the trust buyers can place in their purchases.

Final Thoughts

While Robbins Brothers provides a pleasant in-store experience and a good selection of engagement ring settings, their diamond quality and transparency leave much to be desired. The lack of essential quality indicators like ASET maps and ideal scopes makes it difficult to recommend them over other suppliers that provide superior quality, cut, and price. Buyers interested in the best value and highest-quality diamonds would be better served by checking Whiteflash, James Allen, or Blue Nile.