Nov. 27, 2025
Ep. 91 - Natural Diamonds: Nature's Greatest Masterpiece with Ari Jain
Thinking about buying an engagement ring — or trying to decide between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond? This episode cuts through all the noise, hype, and half-truths in the diamond world.
Part I of Andy's conversation with Ari from House of Diamonds (an eight-generation diamond expert with roots in Jaipur's royal gemstone trade) dives into the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of buying a natural diamond — from the meaning behind natural stones to why warmer colors are making a comeback.
If you're a guy trying to buy the right stone for the woman you love, this episode will calm the nerves and sharpen your instincts.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- The story behind natural diamonds: Why Ari calls them "nature's greatest masterpiece," and why the story matters
- Natural vs. lab-grown — the truth: Is one "better"? Or are consumers being pushed in the wrong direction?
- Why J-color or K-color natural diamonds might be your best choice: How guys are saving thousands by choosing warmer stones with real character
- The spiritual side of diamonds: Yes, energy is real — and Ari has the stories to back it up
- How to choose a jeweler you can trust: Why independent jewelers beat mass-market retailers every time
Key Quotes from Ari:
"Natural diamonds are nature's greatest artwork — billions of years old. When a man is making a sacred bond with a woman, he should give her something rare, real, and born of the earth."
"People have been preferring warmer color diamonds. They want G to J color because they want to show it's natural."
"The jeweler you buy from matters more than the certificate. Trust the person who does this every day."
"The world has become too financial and not personal enough. Jewelry is still personal — it's emotional. And that matters."
Natural vs. Lab-Grown (The Real Difference):
Natural diamonds:
- Billions of years old, finite supply
- Hold value over time due to rarity
- Carry emotional and symbolic weight
- Can be passed down with a real story
Lab-grown diamonds:
- Created in weeks in a factory
- Unlimited supply, depreciating value
- Chemically identical, but no origin story
Ari's take: "When a man is making a sacred bond with a woman, he should give her something rare, real, and born of the earth."
The Warmer Diamond Secret:
Warmer natural diamonds (J, K, L color) are becoming more desirable because they have character and look distinctly natural. They're significantly less expensive than colorless stones and look beautiful in yellow gold or vintage settings.
Ari's insight: "People are calling me for three-carat-plus stones, but they don't want G color. They'll pay me more for J to K color."
Why Independent Jewelers Matter:
Ari's take: "I think all consumers should prioritize independent retailers. The owners are always in the store. They care about the store. That shows you the owner actually cares about it."
The difference:
- Independent jewelers build lifelong relationships
- They have accountability — reputation is everything
- They personalize and customize jewelry
- Mass-market retailers only push profit, not education or trust
Who Is Ari?
Ari is part of an eight-generation gemstone and diamond family whose roots trace back to Jaipur's royal courts. Today, his company House of Diamonds specializes in natural diamonds, rare color stones, and ethical sourcing.
Resources Mentioned:
House of Diamonds: https://www.hod.live/
Contact Ari: sales@hod.live
Want Personal Help?
Email Andy directly: andy@buylikeaguy.com
Read the book: The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring - available on Amazon.
Subscribe to Buy Like A Guy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987