Wisdom Episodes

In 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 applies. ...

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 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 want ...

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 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 Diamond Qual...

In , 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...

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 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 monetary worth, time...

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." 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 that reso...

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 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 simpler ...

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 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 your ...

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 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 getting on...

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 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 with the w...

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 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 asks y...

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 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 talk ab...

In 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 of unf...

Pat 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.imdb.com/...

If you're like most guys, you haven't spent much time thinking about what kind of wedding ring you'd like, and honestly, until you have a need for one, you don't really care. Most guys don't wear a lot of jewelry, if any, so when it's time to shop for your wedding ring, what are you supposed to do? (Besides, start thinking about it.) However, having a wedding ring is important, yes...even for guys. Is it life or death important? No. But neither is that watch you've been eyeing up, or that bike,...

One of the most common questions I get is, how much does an engagement ring cost? Or how much should I spend to get a decent ring? Now there is no single answer to that, but today I'll share some numbers that might help you and then give you the single best answer I know of. If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to hom...

What do you do when you ask her what she wants for her birthday, anniversary, or the Holidays, and she says, "Nothing." We've all been there, and it's a tough spot, but there IS an answer, and it's simple. I'll share the greatest and most obvious secret in the world when it comes to gift giving. (I learned it from an old "Ad Man," and I've never forgotten it, and neither will you. It's a huge help.) If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to ...