Growing up in Del Mar, California, Robyn's family was deeply involved in the theater business. Her parents managed the Del Mar Drive-In, where a young Robyn Burton could often be found behind the snack bar preparing batches of popcorn on bustling Friday and Saturday nights. As she grew into young adulthood, Robyn's mother, Dixie Burton, assumed to the role of manager at the iconic Pantages Theatre in the heart of Hollywood.

It was here at the Pantages that a storybook encounter occurred, one that would shape Robyn's future into the world of luxury diamonds and jewelry. A chance meeting with the world renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor in the Green Room of the Pantages sparked something within Robyn igniting her passion for diamonds and fine jewelry.

In Robyn's own words: "My mother had struck up a friendship with Elizabeth Taylor. It was 1989, after a captivating performance by the Russian Bolshoi Ballet, when my mother formally introduced me to Elizabeth Taylor backstage. As I admired the breathtaking diamond ring adorning Mrs. Taylor's finger, she jovially exclaimed, 'For heaven's sake, Robyn, just hold it!' With a swift motion, she removed the ring and placed it gently in the palm of my hand. It was the most massive diamond I had ever laid eyes on, and its weight was palpable. I'm quite certain it was the legendary Krupp diamond I was holding! In that moment, I knew with unwavering certainty that I would be a part of the diamond business for the rest of my life."

Here is a much more detailed version of this story of Elizabeth Taylor and the Krupp Diamond.

It would be several more years, however, before Robyn stepped foot into the prestigious Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California, to pursue the dream of working in the diamond business.