Engagement Rings Episodes

In 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?...

In 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...

In 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,...

In 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...

Recently, 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,...

Gentleman, 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...

In 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...

In 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....

Customer 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...

While 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...

Just 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...

A 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...

In 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...

In 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."...

My 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...

Today 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...

There 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...

Some 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...

In 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....

Not 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...

Finding 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...

In 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....

Gold 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"...

So 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...