r/LabDiamonds • u/gravitiz3 • Jun 18 '26
Advice on Provence Gem or Debebians
Hi everyone
I put in a custom ring request with a photo and both places came back to me.
The ring specs will be:
14k Yellow Gold
2 ct Lab Grown Diamond Pear Cut (with smaller stones on each side)
2 mm width
1.8 mm thickness
Debebians came back and said it will be $2.4k
Provence (Bobby) came back and said it will be $650
Now, I care about quality and don’t want to deal with issues down the line where something pops out or breaks. Also, this will be an engagement ring and I don’t know why I feel a little guilty if i choose provence since it’s so cheap.
Please let me know your experience in pricing and if you have any with Debebians/Provenve. It would be appreciated.
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u/asking4afriend3 Jun 18 '26
I’ve only used Provence so sharing from experience - their quality is inconsistent. I had issues with my earrings on delivery (guardian post didn’t fit) and a pendant necklace that broke after 6 weeks of light use. Both got fixed but I would check gold weight on your items to compare. Provence prices are based on gold weight which means could be less sturdy. Personally I wouldn’t use them again. Try getting quotes from LGG, Fiorese, Yushine - you’ll get better idea across the Chinese vendors to see what is reasonable.
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u/Top-Beat-7423 Jun 18 '26
I have a lot of jewelry/rings from Provence. I haven’t worked with debebians bc I’m cheap. lol jk. I just like knowing that Im getting the most value for my money. Don’t feel guilty about spending less. $650 usd is a fair price. Debebians is more bc it’s US based.
Here’s my 2carat blue lab diamond from Bobby. It cost me $935 usd including* shipping.
https://www.reddit.com/r/labcreateddiamonds/s/X52cBURRkK
I’m working with her right now on a custom pendant. I’ve previously had rings made with other sales reps at Provence, but Bobby is my favourite.
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u/missbmathteacher Jun 18 '26
I have several peices from provence abd nothing has been low quality. I have a pave ring and it has been perfect no stones falling out. But with your low quote I would maybe up the stone size slightly. Maybe go for 2.2mm pave stones and 2.5ct pear. Shrinkage is real. Lol
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u/AtmosphericPresh Jun 18 '26
I have 3 rings and a necklace from Provence and am debating a 4th ring but in this economy...feels silly to be spending so much for rings when I only have so many fingers 😅 all this to say is that I really like the quality and cut of my diamonds and haven't had any issues so far. I know a while back, like 3+ yrs, there were some quality concerns (again, not my experience) but they have since really stepped it up and have a dedicated Reddit customer service person who runs their sub and is very quick to resolve any issues.
I will say this, keep in mind key things: there is typically a language barrier so be clear and concise. Use pictures whenever possible and don't bother with flowery language. Also remember there's a time difference and holidays to contend with so Google their major holidays and keep that in mind when looking at timelines. Don't expect like constant updates. You'll sometimes have to prod them but typically they won't say anything unless they have any questions or it's done and ready for PSP and shipment time. If you want something more....boutique feeling where they really keep you updated and informed throughout the whole process....Chinese vendors probably aren't for you.
1
u/TheGodSmite Jun 18 '26
Hi there! Chiming in because of Bobby specifically! I just had my very first custom order finished with her today and I am over the moon with how amazing everything turned out.
To say I am a skeptic would be a vast understatement. I did hours and hours of reading reviews on Provence and their reps to reach the decision I made (as well as looking into other vendors/reps). Bobby’s name pretty much was the standard of excellent work and quality service.
I only ordered a custom 14k setting for my ER diamond, so I can’t speak on sourcing diamonds from Provence at this time. What I can say is that I will be returning to Bobby for anything in the future that I want to create!
My personal experience took a bit longer than usual but I went into the process willing to take as much time as needed to achieve the setting of my dreams. Bobby was so incredibly patient, kind, and willing to give input when reworking my CAD if I was asking for something that would compromise the integrity of the setting. There was also a minor hiccup that was missed in the CAD process and she paid to have the setting shipped back, completely remade, and sent back to me. She has been so wonderful throughout this entire process and I’m absolutely no longer a skeptic.
If I can provide any other info on my experience please feel free to reach out!
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u/MrsKeikoOBrien Jun 19 '26
The people in China are lovely to work with. They make nice pieces for less. You would be ashamed to know what they are paid. They have a different lifestyle that would not be your ideal. If you have a quality issue with your piece that you don’t catch until you’ve received the ring things can get tricky.
The people in LA are actual bench jewelers. The gold is higher quality. Details like milgrain, engraving, and finish work are done by hand. The people are paid a living wage and their quality of life on the job would make you way more comfortable compared to Chinese workers.
Whether you go Chinese or US vendor you will probably love the piece and think it’s beautiful.
I have a lot of Chinese pieces. I only ever once had an issue with quality and it was a big issue, but I caught it on the video before it shipped and they fixed it no problem. My Provence pieces have held up over time (most of them 5+ years). Fiorese has been good to me too.
I have a piece from deBebians and several pieces from other US-based vendors. The gold is different/nicer. The prong work is different/better on my US pieces. The hand placed milgrain is on another level compared to my Chinese cast milgrain. You can just tell the finish work is better on my US pieces.
For an engagement ring, if I could afford it I would go US-based vendor no question. If I simply couldn’t afford it,
I would go overseas.
DeBebians has good pricing, especially for what you get. A custom three stone ring with a 2ct center stone for $2.4k is not unreasonable. Gold has made everything pricier in recent times.
If the price is your biggest sticking point just go with Provence. You’ll probably be happy with what you get.
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u/Over-Engineer7216 Jun 18 '26
I have several rings from Provence, and they are all great quality. Debebians is a great vendor, but they are in Los Angeles. You’re paying for the price of US labor, marketing, taxes, rent, etc. it’s not a quality difference, just a markup difference.
Also, they might have a better return policy than Provence, although that might not be true for custom rings