Buy Like a Guy
102 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratingsThe tools you need to buy an engagement ring or other important jewelry with confidence.
Third generation jewelry store owner and diamond expert, Andy Koehn, will take you from confusion to confidence by opening his playbook of simple secrets, so you can get a ring that’ll knock her socks off.
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Episodes
Ep. 73 - The Bourbon Brotherhood: A Beginner's Guide From "A Guy" Who Knows His Sh*t
April 11, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBBourbon continues to be a "go to" for guys who want to move away from cheap beer and fruity drinks, and I support it. It's a crazy big world of choices that are mind boggling, even to seasoned bourbon hunters. My guest today is definitely a guy who can help us traverse the multi-leveled landscape of the bourbon world. Derek works in the heart of Bourbon Country at one of the premier distilleries on the Bourbon Trails of Kentucky. He'll explain the difference between whiskey and bourbo...
Ep. 72 - One for the Ladies: What NOT to Do When He's Picking Out His Wedding Ring
April 04, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.29 MBThis is an auspicious moment because in this episode, for the first time, I’m going to address "The Ladies." Specifically, I’m going to talk about what you, as a woman, should NOT do when you and your fella go to look for his wedding ring. When it’s time to pick out his wedding ring, he just might for your opinion. (Most likely he will!) And you should help him out by giving him one. (Or 2 or 3. This shouldn't be a problem for most of the women I know. Ha!) Picture this: A cute couple...
Ep. 71 - Ask Andy: What is the Custom Jewelry Design Process Like?
March 28, 2024 09:00 - 7 minutes - 9.88 MBCustomer involvement in designing jewelry is a growing trend in the jewelry business. Independent jewelry stores offer a range of options, from changing metals and gemstones to adding unique touches. However, there's a crucial balance between personalization and potentially compromising the integrity of the original design when people who don't know what they're doing want to get their hands dirty and help create a personal version of something they like. While we'll focus mainly on engag...
Ep. 70 - Ask Andy: What is a "Push Present?" and Why It's a Legendary Gift
March 21, 2024 09:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBA lot of guys have no idea what a “push present” is. I have to confess that until there was a baby in my future, I never heard of it, nor did I know what it was. (And I'm in "the business!") So what is a push present? Is it something you should consider when there’s a baby on the way? First, a push present is a gift that you present to your wife or girlfriend shortly after the baby is born, to celebrate the occasion. The term "push present" originated from the idea that the mother ha...
Ep. 69 - Beyond the Carat: A New Direction for Buy Like a Guy
March 14, 2024 09:00 - 4 minutes - 6.18 MB"The times they are a changin'..." I'm changing up the show and taking the podcast in a different direction! Buy Like a Guy will be exploring topics beyond fine jewelry to include other areas of interest for men. But before I go, I'll talk about diamond reports, and reiterate once again the importance of seeking expert guidance when buying diamonds. Grading reports are all well and good, but nothing compares to actually seeing the diamond, and using professionals to help you get what's ...
Ep. 68 - Timing is Everything: Navigating Jewelry Buying Decisions, the Paradox of Choice, and the Importance of a Plan B
March 07, 2024 09:00 - 9 minutes - 14 MBIn this episode of Buy Like a Guy, I revisit when the proverbial "right time" is to make your buying decisions, and the importance of having a Plan B. It's always best to buy important jewelry well before you're planning on giving it. Why? Because it's the best way to avoid undue anxiety about whether it's going to be done on time for your big reveal. Know what else happens? You won't have that nagging pressure hanging over your head as you wait for the final product. I'll touch on th...
Ep. 67 - Diamonds are NOT A Lot of Money, and The Top 3 Things to Consider When You're Buying Jewelry
February 29, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 23.4 MBIn Part 2 of my conversation with Shane Decker we discuss the role of jewelry in celebrating life's events and he shares the most important factors to consider when buying diamond jewelry. The conversation covers various aspects of buying an engagement ring and creating a memorable proposal. Shane emphasizes the importance of choosing the right diamond shape and metal, considering the style of mounting and color of metal, and creating a unique and unforgettable proposal experience. Ultim...
Ep. 66 - The Truth Behind Diamond Deals: Deciphering Beauty, Value, and Investment with Diamond Evangelist Shane Decker
February 22, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBIt seems like most, if not all, of the information and marketing messages coming out of the jewelry industry these days are geared toward women. It makes sense because oftentimes she is the driver when it comes to what sort of style she likes, and as men, we want to give her an engagement ring, or other fine jewelry that she will love. However, a lot of guys can feel invisible in the process, because not many people or companies are talking to you. You need some direction outside of what...
Ep. 65 - Ask Andy: The Marks of Time and Why Scratches and Dings In Your Rings are Not a Bad Thing
February 15, 2024 09:00 - 7 minutes - 9.94 MBIn this episode I'm going to talk about something that resonates with both men and women: When you glance down at your brand new ring, and see those first few scratches and dings. It can be disheartening, and you may even be surprised you even care. Whether it's a minor scratch, a ding, or a chip, it happens to everyone. It's kind of like those times when you discover a scratch on our car door or a chip in the windshield. (I'll cover a little something about a Rolling Stones song that...
Ep. 64 - You CAN Buy The Right Jewelry Without Sticking Your Head Up A Bulls A**
February 08, 2024 09:00 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBIf you’re the kind of person that doesn’t give a whole lotta’ "you know what’s" about fine jewelry or diamonds, or where the prices come from, I’m here to tell you, that’s okay. In fact, I think it’s perfectly normal. If diamonds, gemstones, precious metals and fine jewelry don’t interest you…don’t learn about them. I believe this is true for pretty much all things. If something doesn’t interest you, find someone who knows their stuff, and let them do the work for you. This is a comm...
Ep. 63 - What's The Hardest Year of Marriage, And Why Jewelry Is The Right Gift To Give For Your Anniversary?
February 01, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.57 MB“So what’s the hardest year of marriage?” You may be surprised to hear that I've been asked that question more than once. (Unless you're married. Then you know it's not an uncommon question, especially when you're talking to young men who are about to get married.) I actually used to ask that same question as a young lad working behind the jewelry counter. It was a nice ice breaker when someone was in the store looking for an anniversary gift. One day I asked a certain gentleman that quest...
Ep. 62 - Why Do We Wear Wedding Rings On The Ring Finger of Our Left Hand?
January 25, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.61 MBAs human beings we have an innate need to express ourselves to the rest of the world. Whether through our clothes, our time pieces, sharing our tastes in music, wearing our favorite team's merch…and of course, wearing a ring on the ring finger of our left hand, to tell others that, “Hey! Hands off. This girl or guy is spoken for.” But how did this come to be an almost universal practice in Western cultures? You may have never thought about it because it’s pretty much a non-negotiable t...
Ep. 61 - Why It Makes Sense To Give "Impractical" Jewelry She Won't Wear Everyday
January 18, 2024 09:00 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MBThere are some fantastic pieces of jewelry that are beautiful and impactful, and they tend to cost a lot of money, and it's also the kind of jewelry that she won't wear "all the time." It begs the question, “Why would I spend a lot of money on something that she won’t wear that often? It's not 'practical.'" That makes some sense I suppose, and it can seem like a valid reason not to buy that fancy bracelet or those diamond hoop earrings for an anniversary, a birthday, or certain holidays ...
Ep. 60 - Timing the Knot: Navigating the Timelines of An Engagement Ring Purchase
January 11, 2024 09:00 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBIn this episode I'm going to clue you in on something that I learned last week after talking with the girls here at the jewelry store. First time listeners, if you don’t already know, I get a wealth of information about women from Lindsay, Susan, Kristyn, Katie, Morgan, Ali and my wife, Jenn. (Yes, I’m the only guy here.) A guy came in to meet with Lindsay for the second time, to decide which engagement ring he was going to buy. He had a list of characteristics that he wanted to review, ...
Ep. 59 - Ask Andy: Are Diamonds A Bad Investment? Part 2
January 04, 2024 16:21 - 26 minutes - 20.1 MBThis the second half of a discussion I had with my friend and hero, Maarten de Witte, aka "The Diamond Wizard." He's a living legend in the diamond cutting world, and he decided to tackle the oft repeated (and crazy cynical) idea that "diamonds are a bad investment." Are they? Some people think there is no question that diamonds are a "bad" investment. That the entire diamond industry was created by DeBeer's and they're diabolical marketing campaign that causes people to believe there ...
Ep. 58 - Ask Andy: Are Diamonds A Bad Investment? Part 1
December 28, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBSo I ran across a video where the guy in the video said that engagement rings were a scam and a rip-off and I just had to address it. But rather then answer it myself I brought in an expert jeweler and former director of the American Institute of Diamond Cutting to discuss this in an exclusive two-part interview. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts! If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at [email protected]. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewe...
Ep. 57 - "You're Never Broke When You Own a Rolex" and What That Means to You
December 21, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 13.8 MBI wore a Rolex as I recorded this episode. Not to impress anyone, but because I had a certain memory, and a revelation a bit earlier in the week that is wrapped up in the Rolex brand, so I thought I would share it with you in today's podcast. Certain possessions in our lives, especially the ones we’ve earned, or that were given to us from people we have a strong affection for or a bond with, have great meaning and significance. Not just now, but later on down the road, when we least expe...
Ep. 56 - What to Do If She Sends You Ring Pics When You've Already Bought The Ring
December 14, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode I'm going to address something that is rare, but it DOES happen, and if it happens to you, it can bring on a not-so-slight feeling of dread. And I don’t think I’m being overly dramatic when I use that word. I'm talking about a simple text from your girlfriend or significant other, and it’s a picture of a ring that she sends you, AFTER you’ve already ordered, or bought, the ring that she told you was the perfect one. Now if you’re already married and this is a second r...
Ep. 55 - How to Surprise Her with Jewelry You Know She'll Love So You Won't Feel Like an Idiot
December 07, 2023 09:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode I'll address another great question from a listener. He asked, “What are some best-sellers or guaranteed things I can get that fall in the range of a 'safe surprise gift'? I’m asked this question in one form or another all the time, and it sounds something like this, "What sort of jewelry should I get if I want to surprise her, and KNOW that she’s going to love it and I’m not going to look like an idiot? How do I know that she’s going to love what I pick? Jeez, where ...
Ep. 54 - The Buy Like a Guy Top 10 List of Things You Should Know to Make Buying Jewelry Easy and Less Painful
November 30, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBSomeone asked me to put together a Top 10 list of the things a guy (or girl) should know to make buying jewelry less painful, and maybe even fun. I personally believe buying jewelry should be fun. When I spend money I want it to feel good, and I'd guess you feel the same way. There is no pleasure in paying an electric bill or that speeding ticket, but there is certainly a feeling of excitement and anticipation when you find something wonderful that you know she’s gonna love, and you jus...
Ep. 53 - Ask Andy: What's The One Thing You Should NOT Do When You're Buying Jewelry
November 23, 2023 09:00 - 3 minutes - 4.99 MBThis episode was originally published in December, 2022. Picking the "right" engagement ring or other fine jewelry can be unnerving as hell. Questions start flooding your head..."what if she doesn't like it?" "Is it the right color?" "Is it big enough?" Those kinds of things. A lot of guys fold at this point, and say something like, "I think I'll bring her in and let her pick it out." This may seem like a good idea , but there's a reason why it's not, and what it means to her when...
Ep. 52 - How Soon Should You Plan The Ring Purchase Before The Proposal?
November 16, 2023 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.3 MBRecently, a question was sent to me by a listener named Taylor. He asked, "How far in advance should I plan the ring purchase before proposing?" It's not the easiest of questions I've ever been asked since there are a lot of moving parts, but let me offer some guidelines that will help. First things first, decide when you want to pop the question, and work back from there. It's important to know what kind of ring style she/he wants, but it's not the end of the world if you don't. W...
Ep. 51 - 6 Factors That Explain Why a 1 Carat Diamond is the Best Bargain on Earth
November 09, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode, I'm going to summarize a brilliant talk I heard "way back when," from a legend in our industry, Shane Decker. (I got his permission, and one day I'll have him on as a guest.) His profound love for diamonds and unwavering respect for the jewelry industry are truly remarkable. Shane's talk centered on the notion that diamonds, specifically 1-carat diamonds, are drastically undervalued. This might sound surprising given the substantial price tags attached to high-quality 1-...
Ep. 50 - "The Diamonds to Steak Conversion Chart." An Easy Guide to Diamond Prices
November 02, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MBGentleman, in this episode I present the official "Buy Like a Guy Diamond to Steak Conversion Chart." It's a tool designed to help you relate the 4 C's of diamond quality to the final price you'll pay, using the analogy of a great steak as a reference point. It's a practical "walking around tool" that can help you navigate the world of diamonds. I highlight the Four C's – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight – as the key factors that determine a diamond's price. Click here to listen to...
Ep. 49 - The Hero's Journey and Jewelry Shopping: When to Listen and When to Lead
October 26, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBIn this episode, we're going to clue you in on a valuable lesson about knowing how much to involve your partner in decisions, especially when it comes to something as significant as fine jewelry. The story begins with a couple who wanted to design some rings at the behest of her fiance, and it starts off beautifully. He surprises her with colored gemstones and sets the stage for a romantic journey. They discuss styles, metals, and diamonds - crucial details for all involved. However, ...
Ep. 48 - Shifting the Spotlight: Talking to Men About Buying Fine Jewelry. (And Why I Started Buy Like a Guy)
October 19, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.27 MBMost men's day-to-day revolves around work, making money, hitting the gym, maybe managing fantasy football teams, getting ready for hunting season, or getting sweet tickets to the game. You know..."guy stuff." Jewelry rarely makes its way onto your radar, and why would it? It's expensive and is mostly for women, right? That is until someone special comes along and steals your heart. Somewhere along the way, when things are going well, and you become a "couple," you'll start to WANT to ...
Ep. 47 - For Guys and Girls: A Quick and Easy Way to Ruin The Moment
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 8.5 MBIn this episode I'm going to share something I learned first hand about what you should not do when you buy and give something as special as an engagement ring, an anniversary gift...hell...any gift for that matter. I get right to the point when I tell you, "Don't tell her how much it cost. Not even a hint." Telling her what you paid for something can quickly turn a special moment into an awkward one. She's not going to feel cherished, loved, or appreciated if you disclose the price tag. ...
Ep. 46 - The Art of Timeless Jewelry: An Interview with World Renowned Designer Ilaria Lanzoni
October 05, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBWe live in the age of fast fashion and convenience, where we can pretty much get everything we want with the click of a button. My guest would say that this is exactly the wrong way to buy something as important as an engagement ring or any jewelry for that matter. Italian born, Ilaria Lanzoni, or Ila as she likes to be called, is a world renowned jewelry designer…with over 25 years of high-end jewelry design experience. Her creations have been worn by some pretty impressive celebritie...
Ep. 45 - Shop For Diamonds With Your Eyes, Not Your Ears: My Answer to a Listener's Question
September 28, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.44 MBIn this episode I discuss a listener's questions and concerns about buying a lab grown diamond online, among other things. He had already gone "ring lookin'" with his girlfriend and had a solid budget and preference for lab-grown diamonds. However, he was unsure about purchasing without physically seeing the diamonds and was concerned about the accuracy of diamond reports. I explained that diamond reports from organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Internat...
Ep. 44 - The Marks of Time: Why Scratches and Dings In Your Rings are Not a Bad Thing
September 21, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 9.94 MBIn this episode I'm going to talk about something that resonates with both men and women: When you glance down at your brand new ring, and see those first few scratches and dings. It can be disheartening, and you may even be surprised you even care. Whether it's a minor scratch, a ding, or a chip, it happens to everyone. It's kind of like those times when you discover a scratch on our car door or a chip in the windshield. (I'll cover a little something about a Rolling Stones song that...
Ep. 43 - The Jewelry Design Process: Balancing Your Personal Input with Expert Guidance
September 14, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 9.88 MBCustomer involvement in designing jewelry is a growing trend in the jewelry business. Independent jewelry stores offer a range of options, from changing metals and gemstones to adding unique touches. However, there's a crucial balance between personalization and potentially compromising the integrity of the original design when people who don't know what they're doing want to get their hands dirty and help create a personal version of something they like. While we'll focus mainly on engag...
Ep. 42 - Stay Manly My Friends: Why You Need To Pick Up The Ring When It's Ready
September 07, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 7.28 MBWhile some may not immediately associate jewelry shopping with noble acts, we do. Think about it; you're trading your hard-earned dollars for something small and valuable, something you might not fully understand. And why? You're doing it all in the name of love and commitment. Buying jewelry, especially engagement rings, is more than just a transaction; it's a meaningful gesture. As men, we take pride in providing for and cherishing our loved ones, particularly that one special person we ...
Ep. 41 - The Diamond Dilemma: Why The World's Hardest Gemstone Can Still Break
August 31, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.29 MB**The Truth About Diamonds** Diamonds, often touted as "forever," have a mystique of invincibility. However, the reality is that they are not indestructible. Much like everything else in our physical world, diamonds can chip or break. This revelation may come as a surprise to many, given that diamonds are known as the hardest substance on Earth. But there's more to the story. Yes, diamonds are incredibly hard, making them highly resistant to scratches and abrasions. However, they lack ...
Ep. 40 - The Best Way to Choose a Diamond When She Doesn't Tell You What She Wants
August 24, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 7.42 MBJust last week, there was a guy who was agonizing a bit over what quality and size of diamond he should get. He was clear on the ring style, and he had his budget set, so all was moving along smoothly; until he started to worry and wonder a bit about what his girlfriend might want for the center diamond. He'd done a little research (enough to be dangerous), but not enough to really know what he was talking about. Susan, one of my sales associates, helped clarify what the Four Cs of Dia...
Ep. 39 - Guided by Mysticism: An Ancient Sage Unveils the Sensual Bond Between Women and Diamonds
August 17, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 7.98 MBIn the last episode, I explored the question of why diamonds hold such a special place in the hearts of women. In today's episode I'm venturing into the world of mysticism surrounding diamonds. This exploration is based on a passage from a book written over 140 years ago—a book that still holds relevance and wisdom today. I'll be reading a section that caught my eye from a book called "Acres of Diamonds" by Reverend Russell Conwell, a remarkable individual who not only wrote inspiring w...
Ep. 38 - Diamonds and Desires: Accepting the Mystery of Women's Love for Sparkling Treasures
August 10, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBA common question among men (and some women) is "Why do women love diamonds?" There are countless theories on the internet, but I'm not here to give you more to think about, but give you advice that will make the jewelry buying experience EASIER. I get a tad philosophical as I talk about the immense value of time in the realm of shopping for jewelry. The core purpose of Buy Like a Guy is to equip you with the necessary information to make informed decisions quickly. Beyond monetar...
Ep. 37 - Custom Rings and Jewelry: Design, Inspiration, and The Timeline to Your Perfect Piece
August 03, 2023 09:00 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode, we're going to explore the process of customizing an engagement ring, along with other pieces of custom jewelry, from start to finish. Some highlights worthy of note are... Defining Your Vision - Understand the importance of knowing what you want the ring or jewelry to look like. - Exploring various sources of inspiration, including online platforms and jewelry stores. - Emphasizing the role of communication in conveying your ideas to the jeweler. Finding the Right ...
Ep. 36 - Diamonds, Heroes, and A Simple Answer: The Best Advice for Making Jewelry Buying Easy
July 27, 2023 17:05 - 4 minutes - 6.03 MBIn this episode I'll give you a small piece of advice that pretty much never fails. Pretend we're sitting at a bar and we've just ordered our first pint of Guinness, and you want to know how to find the best "deal," and not get "ripped off." This is what I'd tell you. (As I've told so many before. Find the Perfect Place: I can't emphasize this the importance of choosing a jewelry store where you feel comfortable and at ease. It's not just about the diamonds; it's about finding a place...
Ep. 35 - Ask Dad. He Knows. Why Independent Jewelry Stores Are Better Than Chain Stores and Online Joints
July 20, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.79 MBMy dad was blunt, honest, and as funny as can be. He was a "character." We worked together for years in the jewelry business, and I learned more about people than I did about diamonds and jewelry from him. He had a unique way of getting his point across (sometimes by yelling, ha!) and it left a lasting impact on me. He often told stories about what it was like owning a jewelry store back in his day...how men would walk into his store with a mission to buy an engagement ring. "They were sim...
Ep. 34 - The Perfect Engagement Ring vs. Your Budget: 3 Strategies for A Better Fit
July 13, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBToday I'm going to address a classic problem: finding the perfect engagement ring, then finding out it's out of your price range. It's a drag, but it's not "game over." You just need to call a different play, and use one of the following strategies to keep you on track with your favorite store and salesperson, which will lead you to that perfect ring without breaking the bank. Episode Highlights: Picture this: you and your partner are on the hunt for the ultimate ring. As you narrow down...
Ep. 33 - Timing Matters: When Not to Buy An Engagement Ring or Other Fine Jewelry
July 06, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 6.98 MBThere are some scenarios when you should absolutely not give her an engagement ring, or any other jewelry for that matter. I'm not giving relationship advice in this episode, I'm here to tell you how to buy jewelry like a champ, and nothing more. In this case, how (or when) not to buy jewelry, because sometimes it's flat out the wrong time to do it. Let's Start with an engagement ring. When should you hold off and not get an engagement ring, even though you suddenly feel urgent about getti...
Ep. 32 - An Engagement Ring with A Side of Wedding Ring: Why Two Rings are On The Menu
June 29, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.5 MBSome people are caught completely off guard when they go to buy an engagement ring because they didn't get the memo that they're also probably gonna need a wedding ring to go with it. It seems most guys find this out when they're ready to buy an engagement ring, and it can come as a shock to be sure. So I wanted to give you a heads up in this episode so you can be prepared. It's pretty simple and crazy symbolic. The engagement ring says, "I'm getting married," and when you couple it w...
Ep. 31 - Unified Brilliance: The Shared Language of Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
June 22, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 8.88 MBIn a previous episode, I explored lab-grown and natural diamonds, and explained that lab-grown diamonds are indeed diamonds, but with a few differences from their natural counterparts. Ultimately, I believe the choice should be left to the buyer. However, I realized that I hadn't fully addressed one of the most common questions I get: "Aren't lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds pretty much the same thing?" I'll share three brief, real-life client stories in this episode that brought ...
Ep. 30 - The Solitaire: The Perfect Engagement Ring When She Doesn't Know What She Wants
June 15, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBNot every guy knows what kind of engagement ring his girl wants, and that's totally OK. A lot of couples don't specifically talk about the style of the ring. It's all about keeping that romantic, nostalgic symbolism intact. You're presenting this ring, asking for her hand in marriage, and showing your commitment to each other. The selection process may seem overwhelming with countless ring styles out there. You definitely don't want to disappoint her when you propose. It's like when she ...
Ep. 29 - 5 Ways to Get Her Ring Size Without Tipping Her Off That You're Going to Propose
June 08, 2023 09:00 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBFinding your partner's finger size for an engagement ring may not be on the top of your "must haves" list, but it looms large when you don't have a clue what it is. Picture this: you've found the perfect ring, you're ready to buy it, and then your Jewelry Sales Associate drops the bombshell question, "Do you know her finger size?" Damn. Panic sets in, but it doesn't have to, because there are a few solutions that don't need to get in the way of her dream ring. If you're just starting to ...
Ep. 28 - Diamonds: Lab-Grown vs. Natural - Let The Sparks Fly!
June 01, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode we're going to dip our toes into the realm of lab-grown diamonds. I'll shed a little light on the ever-evolving diamond industry, exploring the distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds, their formation processes, and the ongoing debate surrounding their place in the fine jewelry world. Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Historical Perspective It may come as a surprise, but lab-grown diamonds trace their beginnings to the 1950s when General Electric crafted the first indus...
Ep. 27 - Decoding Platinum: From Weight to Rarity, Durability to Price-Unveiling the Ultimate Precious Metal Choice
May 25, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 15.2 MBIn this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of platinum, one of the rarest elements on Earth and highly valued in the jewelry industry. Join me as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of choosing platinum for your fine jewelry. Platinum's rarity is unparalleled. With an abundance of only 0.005 parts per million in the Earth's crust, it's truly a super rare metal. To put its density into perspective, a 1-inch cube of platinum weighs approximately a pound, while a 1-inch ball o...
Ep. 26 - The Regular Guy's Guide to Jewelry with Guest Pat Finn: Unveiling Necessity, Friendship, and a Quick Story about Chris Farley
May 18, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBIn this episode, Pat Finn and I continue our off-the-cuff exploration of the significance of fine jewelry, including a pretty sweet story about Pat's late friend, the legendary Chris Farley, and his love of gift-giving. We get a little sentimental, but it's cool, because that's one of the unexpected powers of jewelry: it can connect us to our past and the people we love the most. Jewelry is more than just shiny trinkets, and we talk about how fine jewelry becomes physical representations...
Ep. 25 - A Real Guy's Jewelry Buying Experience: Tips and Tales with Actor Pat Finn
May 11, 2023 18:28 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBPat Finn is a well-known actor, comedian, and writer with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He's appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Middle, Seinfeld, “It’s Complicated,” and the “I Am Chris Farley” documentary. He has an almost endless list of professional accomplishments, and I wanted him on the show because he’s also a husband, father, and regular guy who really seems to “get” the whole jewelry thing. Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.im...
Ep. 24 - All That Glitters: A Guide to the Different Types of Gold for Your Engagement Ring and Fine Jewelry
May 04, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBGold has been treasured for centuries for its rarity and beauty, but did you know that not all gold is the same? In this episode, we'll explore the different types of gold and what makes them unique. Understanding the "K" in Gold Jewelry The "K" in gold jewelry stands for "karat", which refers to the purity of the gold. Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. The karat measurement indicates the percentage of pure ...