What do Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, Penelope Cruz, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, and Nikki Reed all have in common? They all love their lab-grown diamonds.

With lab-grown diamonds gaining in popularity, many guests and celebrities alike now consider these diamonds a legitimate option for their engagement ring and fashion jewelry. Since lab-grown diamonds are relatively new in the retail diamond market, there is still some confusion on exactly what they are. Let us help you demystify this beautiful diamond option.

What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a synthetic or man-made diamond with the same chemical, physical and optical properties of a natural diamond, only grown in a controlled environment. Lab-grown diamonds can offer the same beauty, sparkle, and shine as a mined diamond while being conflict free and graded for authenticity.

In contrast, there are many simulants out there that are marketed as a diamond like product. Simulants are stones that may look like diamonds but have a different chemical makeup. A great example would be a Cubic Zirconia. These are inexpensive and contain no diamond, often lacking the same aesthetic quality as a real diamond.

Luckily a lab grown diamond does not fall in this category because they are real diamonds!

What Should I Look For?

Because lab-grown diamonds ARE diamonds they are graded and certified like their naturally made sister; and they will have variations of color and internal markings or inclusions just like a diamond found in nature.

As you start your search, keep these things in mind:

1. Learn the 4Cs of diamonds (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat) so that you can identify a quality example.
2. Make sure the lab-grown diamond is certified by a reputable laboratory.
3. Look at the clarity under a gemscope and compare what you see with what is on the certificate.
4. You will also want to compare the color of the diamond and view the loose diamond under white light to ensure the color is what you are looking for.

As with any diamond purchase, the better the color and fewer inclusions the lab-grown diamond has, the rarer and therefor the more valuable that diamond will be.

Do They All Look the Same?

As with any diamond, mined or lab-grown, the more skilled the diamond cutter, the more fire, sparkle and brilliance the diamond will have. Beyond this, you will want to view the diamond in person to ensure it has all the brilliance you expect.

We know how important a diamond’s sparkle is and our diamond experts curate our diamonds based on their beauty, with only 1 in 10 of the diamonds that we are shown if they don’t meet our set standards. Our Eternalle line of lab-grown diamonds come with the same lifetime warranty and 110% Diamond Guarantee, allowing you to trade your lab-grown diamond up for 110% of the value towards any diamond we offer.

Why Choose A Lab-Grown Diamond?

There are many reasons to choose a lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring. Maybe it’s to get the best diamond for the price. You may also love knowing your diamond was cruelty-free and resulted in a minimal environmental impact.

Regardless of your reason, get to know both mined and lab-grown diamonds and make an informed decision on which is best for you!

The post Learning about Lab-Grown Diamonds appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

There’s been lots of buzz lately about the most pinned Verragio engagement ring. But check out some of these amazing wedding bands that have been on fire on Pinterest. Love to see that you ladies are picking out unique wedding rings and straying from the simple bands! We know your engagement ring has been in the spotlight during your engagement, but everyone will be fawning over a unique, different wedding band. Here are the top 6 most pinned wedding rings on Pinterest:

Verragio 18K White Gold Diamond Wedding Band

UTwo 14K White Gold Wedding/Anniversary Ring with 31 Round Diamonds!

14K White Gold Diamond Wedding Ring

Criss Cross 14K White Gold Diamond Wedding Ring

Vintage Inspired White Gold Wedding Ring

Tacori Platinum Diamond Wedding Ring with Round Diamonds

Which one is your favorite? Do you have a dazzling wedding ring? Let us know in the comments!

The post 6 Most Pinned Wedding Rings That Outshine Your Engagement Ring! appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

You’re ready to take the plunge with your sweet significant other and you’ve decided to shop for engagement rings. Congratulations!! Now comes the fun ring shopping part. But wait, why does it seem like there is a sea of engagement rings to browse through?? Where do I begin? Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down for you, into three easy categories: classic, modern and vintage. How can you determine what kind of engagement ring would fit your lifestyle and tastes? Take a look at some of our points and it just might lead you in the right direction.

You live an active life and can’t be bothered by the little stuff. Your perfect Saturday starts with a hike up in the trails and ends with a calming session of yoga at the nearest studio. You are a no-fuss, active girl. You would go best with a classic engagement ring. A stunning solitaire engagement ring is what you prefer and you wouldn’t have it any other way. If you prefer extra detail, channel set diamonds won’t snag as you’re carving up fresh powder up in the mountains.

You know your staples: a little black dress, a strand of pearls and a red pout that will stop them dead in their tracks. You’re channeling your inner Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. You’ll prefer a simple one carat solitaire diamond engagement ring over any other style. Classic engagement rings are timeless.

As you window shop, do you sense that color always grabs your attention? Look in your closet. Do you see a bright rainbow of different colors and styles from the latest trends? You’re a modern girl. Modern engagement rings have clean lines and contemporary designs. A beautiful floating diamond engagement ring that shows off that stunning center diamond would be perfect. Perhaps a brightly colored gemstone engagement ring to show off a unique style and personal touch.

You have playbills and art show flyers covering your self-made magnetic chalk board. You’re creating your own diy project (a tutorial that you’re adding for your blog or Pinterest board). You can see yourself getting married at the corner art gallery for your Modern ceremony and reception. You might like an emerald-shaped diamond ring or perhaps you might even forego the diamond idea. A stunning custom yellow and rose gold wide band just might do for you.

Do you love shopping the local antique store? Do you prefer used and loved cloth bound books over the version with the movie poster as the cover? You’re infatuated with lace, chiffon, afternoon tea and everyone knows that you’re a romantic at heart. You must be a vintage engagement ring kind of girl. A rose gold halo engagement ring will do your style justice.

Instead of catching the latest rom-com, you’ve got a thing for Gone With The Wind. You can recite Casablanca line by line. You have the entire Jane Austen collection on your book shelf and there’s not a single pinch of dust on them. You’re envisioning yourself walking down the aisle in your grandmother’s dress from the 40’s. Vintage pear shaped halo engagement rings remind you of the Old Hollywood Glam style that you love.

Don’t think any of these descriptions speak to you? There isn’t a strict guideline to follow when it comes to style and preference. Just take your time and be sure to try on the ring for yourself and we promise, you’ll know the very moment you slip it on.

The post Find Out Your Engagement Ring Style appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

I’ve fallen in love with rose gold engagement ring styles! I may be a little biased, because I have one myself. These past few years, I’ve been moving away from most of my own silver colored fashion jewelry, because yellow and rose gold just looks so much better with my skin tone. Rose gold is warm and soft, and has a small percentage of copper that gives it a slight pink tint.

We’ve been noticing that this rose gold trend is on the rise, so our buyers have been scrambling to meet demands! After all, we are THE Engagement Store! Here are some of our favorite new additions to our designer collections!

Kirk Kara Pirouetta (Sku# 0388210)

Kirk Kara Dahlia (Sku# 0389908)

Peter Lam Luxury (Sku # 0398069)

Peter Lam Luxury (Sku # 0398060)

Peter Lam Luxury (Sku #0387991)

Simon G (Sku# 0395977)

Simon G (Sku# 0395978)

Tacori (Sku# 0393589)

Tacori (Sku# 0393588)

What’s your favorite ring? Or do you still prefer the tried and true white gold engagement rings? I’m may not be exactly impartial, but I’m digging the Tacori solitaire! I just love simple and classic engagement rings!

The post Just In: Our Newest Rose Gold Engagement Ring Styles! appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

By Tracey Lyles

The princess cut is still one of the most popular diamond shapes to ever exist. Symbolic? Indeed because in every relationship the woman wants to feel extra special and be treated like a princess, right? (Or is it just me??) Well, if you or the woman you love is a fan of princess cut engagement rings, we’ve carefully selected six stunning styles that sparkle and shine through every facet and are sure to take her breath away.

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #1
You light up a room with style and grace. You make walking in heels look as easy as enjoying a decadent sundae on a hot afternoon. This inspired 14 karat white gold pave engagement ring, with 42 delicate diamonds, provides the vintage touch that shows the sophistication you put into everything you do. (Sku 0377934)

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #2
A woman who knows her worth will easily rock this ring with charming confidence. This gorgeous design features the leading star, a beautiful 1-carat princess cut diamond, surrounded by a shining supporting cast of channel-set princess side stones. Together they make up the sweetest love story you’ve ever known. (Sku 0388856)

Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring with Side Stones from www.RobbinsBrothers.com (sku0388856)

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #3
Exceptional, spectacular, exquisite. Beyond beautiful but definitely within reach. 58 glamorous diamonds in a 14 karat white gold metal that you will cherish for a lifetime. (Sku 0382342)

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #4
A huge turn-on is the smile he gets when he barely beats you at your favorite card game. Wait until he sees the victory dance when he hands you this 14 karat white gold vintage engagement ring with loving twists, 52 micro-pave diamonds, and a halo declaring you both winners. (Sku 0379046)

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #5

Sometimes a lot of a good thing is just better. Like this Scott Kay ring: 14 karat white gold covered with 60 pave and prong set diamonds. Milgrain edging and the princess cut stone of your choosing complete the package. You can never have too much of a good thing. (Sku 0376778)

Princess Cut Engagement Ring #6

For every princess, her real-life romance is better than her dreams. This amazingly beautiful Tacori design will make Ms. Fiancée pinch herself twice to ensure reality. Such a lovely engagement ring featuring a perfect princess cut diamond in the center flanked by two trillion cut stones and round brilliant diamonds along the setting. Oh yes, dreams do come true. (Sku 0386503)

Question of the Day: Which princess cut design do you want on your pretty little ring finger?

The post 6 Princess Cut Engagement Rings She’ll Love appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

*Does the 2-months salary rule still exist?
*What are the most sought after engagement ring styles for Fall 2013?
*How many couples shop for the ring together?
*Do I really need engagement ring insurance?
*Top 3 tips for planning the perfect proposal?
*What else do I need to know about getting engaged?

Find out all of these answers and more in Google’s Hangouts On Air hosted by The Man Registry.

The post Groom’s Guide to Getting Engaged appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Some engagement consultants encourage hopeful grooms to buy their fiance an engagement ring that accomplishes two goals: make her mother proud and her girlfriends jealous. Well we’ve come up with five gorgeous options that just might do the trick.

Engagement Ring #1
Rose Gold Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Setting Sku0399333

Engagement Ring #2
Joyful Twists to this Classic Engagement Ring Setting by Kirk Kara Sku0388200

Engagement Ring #3
Classic Three-Stone Engagement Ring Setting with a Glamorously Modern Twist by Michael M. Sku0372989

Engagement Ring #4
Perfect Princess-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Setting Sku0388475

Engagement Ring #5
Elegant Emerald Cut Platinum Engagement Ring Setting by Tacori Sku0390285

Which of these engagement rings do you absolutely adore and can see yourself wearing, thus making you the center of attention?

The post 5 Engagement Rings Your Girlfriends Will Envy appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

My big day isn’t for another 11 months, but something I think about almost daily at this point is what jewelry I’ll wear at my wedding.

Yes, I realize how crazy it sounds to admit that this detail preoccupies my thoughts—with tons of time before the actual event!—but with so many options to choose from, I want to make sure I have the perfect combo of bling.

Ideally, I want to do a mix of new (my engagement ring and wedding ring could technically take care of that category!) and old (to incorporate pieces I got from my parents and grandparents growing up).

But even though I have a loose plan, there are still so many different directions to go in: Do I buy an amazing statement necklace and offset it with the simple gold bracelet my grandmother gave me as a child? Or, do I wear the necklace my mom wore on her wedding day and buy a fabulous beaded belt to pair with it? And then we have the earrings: Dangly or stud, bling-y or more low-key?

As far as hard and fast “rules” go, there really aren’t any for what you have to wear for your bridal jewelry. But here are a couple guidelines I’ve set for myself to help me decide which way to go:

1. You can either have a fabulous headpiece or super sparkly earrings. Too much head bling could be way overwhelming. Same goes with a statement necklace and crazy earrings. One or the other.

2. On a similar note, you can have a glittering statement necklace or the aforementioned fab headpiece. Don’t want to be too top-heavy, right? I feel the same way about wearing a statement necklace and an amazing belt—too middle-heavy. Though, I think a headpiece and a belt can work together because they are far enough part.

3. Limit your ring bling: Honestly, I think wearing just your wedding and engagement rings is perfect. But if you want to accent with something special on your right hand, as long as it not bigger or more sparkly than you left hand jewelry, then go for it.

4. You don’t need jewelry everywhere. There’s a great quote attributed to Coco Chanel that says, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” I think that’s very applicable when contemplating wedding jewelry. Sure, you want to be the most decked out person at the event, but there is such thing as going overboard. Wearing earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace can be overkill so I’m going to aim to wear only two out of the three.

5. Make sure each piece is special, to you at least. My biggest reservation about buying new jewelry is that the pieces I have are very dear to me and I feel like they “deserve” to be part of my wedding look, as irrational as that might sound. But, if I can find a necklace or earrings that speak to me, they could end up being just as special–after all, I will be wearing them on my wedding day!

Tell me, ladies: How did you choose your wedding bling?

The post How to Choose Your Wedding Jewelry appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Stunning Kirk Kara engagement rings are perfect for the vintage bride. However, if vintage is too much for your classic style and you prefer a Kirk Kara engagement ring that has a little classic twist to it, here are some perfect examples. These rings were hand selected from one of the designers at Kirk Kara, Grace Terezian, Creative Director. The hand-engraved details of each ring set these apart from any other classic engagement ring.

A glamorous ring from Kirk Kara’s Carmella Collection has a beautiful cushion halo giving this design a vintage touch. SKU #0388196:

Love the cushion halo but absolutely certain that you want a princess center diamond? This style from the Carmella Collection features just that. Absolutely stunning. SKU #0388206:

A beautiful princess cut diamond ring from Kirk Kara’s Stella Collection accented with round diamonds. SKU #0388209:

This unique engagement ring is set apart by the beautiful curved details. Not quite a split shank band, yet it has the same beautiful effect. SKU #0388225:

The ultimate classic Kirk Kara engagement ring. This beautiful ring from the Stella Collection has hand-engraved details that gives it a romantic touch. SKU #0388229:

The perfectly round halo on this engagement ring from the Carmella Collection definitely has the classic touch. This ring also features beautiful mini split shank details. SKU #0389913:

Which engagement ring can you picture on your finger? Let us know!!

The post Kirk Kara Engagement Rings For The Classic Woman appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

By guest blogger Michele Meyer, VIVmag’s Fashion Editor

They had us at the invitation’s “Diamonds and Desserts.” But Robbins Brothers’ fashion blogger party went beyond temptations to a worthy cause – Dress for Success Houston.

The booming 15-year-old non-profit has a new location in an easily reached gorgeous building on the inner loop’s Eastside Street. There DFS not only garbs job-ready women referred by 175 local non-profits, but arms them with interview skills and confidence. After gals are hired – as many are – they can join a networking group that offers mentoring, scholarships, financial literacy and even a book club.

Robbins Brothers donated $25 per invitee. We arrived not only bringing handbags, clothes and new hose for the charity, but also to have fun.

And we did. It felt like a pajama party gone uptown as girls tried on door-knocker sized diamonds and sashayed down store-aisles-turned-runways. Hey, if we over indulged in wine spritzers, fudge cake pops and diamond-ring sugar cookies from A Fare Extraordinaire, that’s OK. The treats were delish and a diamond ring fits no matter your size!

If that weren’t enough, we had ringside seats as master jewelers worked their craft nearby, and Robbins held a drawing for three gifts, including gorgeous diamond earrings, sterling silver teardrop pendant and pearl strand bracelet. We all left with gift bags of ring key chains, glitzy nail polish, a rhinestone tennis bracelet and manicure set.

Charming Robbins publicist (and all-important keeper of the jewels) Tracey Lyles led the festivities with co-host Joy Sewing, the Chronicle’s fashion writer. Sewing not only was passionate about the cause, but also bling. She smartly chose a portrait neckline just right to hang gorgeous gems she wore all evening. Alas, Chron’s ShopGirl Cinderella remembered to drop them off before departing!

Also sparkling were Fox 26 anchor Melinda Spaulding Chevalier (just as beautiful as on TV); Drama Scene Magazine editor Dahlia McCutchen (in diamante stilettos to match the baubles!) and hip We Wear Things blogger Melissa “Issa” Chou. Turns out diamonds look just as cute with comic-strip T-shirts as with cocktail dresses.

One astute guest (we’re not saying who!) instagrammed photos of her left hand wearing five fave rings should her beau need ideas!

Memo to moi: Next time, mani first and diamonds second. And to guys: Don’t forget your credit cards!

In the meantime, the city’s fashion bloggers vow to spread good cheer, by donating business attire to Dress for Success so 7,000 women this year will be well-suited! We propose to you: Please join in our efforts at dressforsuccess.org and facebook.com/dfshouston.

BIO: Michele Meyer, fashion editor for VIVmag, was a stringer for trade pub Women’s Wear Daily for 11 years. She can be found at @Meyer_Michele and VIVmag.com.

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In last night’s emotional episode of Braxton Family Values (love those singin’ sistas!), Towanda and Traci Braxton accompany Gabe to Robbins Brothers in Woodland Hills to help him find a new wedding ring for Trina. The group was helped by our lovely engagement ring consultant Rita Bhasin. Let’s just say the sisters didn’t go easy on Gabe’s budget. But of course…it was all in love. Take a look:

The post Braxton Sisters Ring Shop at Robbins Brothers Woodland Hills appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.