Episodes

March 28, 2024

Ep. 71 - Ask Andy: What is the Custom Jewelry Design Process Like?

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...

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March 21, 2024

Ep. 70 - Ask Andy: What is a "Push Present?" and Why It's a Legendary…

A 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 …

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March 14, 2024

Ep. 69 - Beyond the Carat: A New Direction for Buy Like a Guy

"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 …

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March 7, 2024

Ep. 68 - Timing is Everything: Navigating Jewelry Buying Decisions, t…

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 …

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Feb. 29, 2024

Ep. 67 - Diamonds are NOT A Lot of Money, and The Top 3 Things to Con…

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...

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Feb. 22, 2024

Ep. 66 - The Truth Behind Diamond Deals: Deciphering Beauty, Value, a…

It 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 …

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Feb. 15, 2024

Ep. 65 - Ask Andy: The Marks of Time and Why Scratches and Dings In Y…

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 …

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Feb. 8, 2024

Ep. 64 - You CAN Buy The Right Jewelry Without Sticking Your Head Up …

If 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. …

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Feb. 1, 2024

Ep. 63 - What's The Hardest Year of Marriage, And Why Jewelry Is The …

“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 …

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Jan. 25, 2024

Ep. 62 - Why Do We Wear Wedding Rings On The Ring Finger of Our Left …

As 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 …

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Jan. 18, 2024

Ep. 61 - Why It Makes Sense To Give "Impractical" Jewelry She Won't W…

There 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 …

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Jan. 11, 2024

Ep. 60 - Timing the Knot: Navigating the Timelines of An Engagement R…

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 …

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Jan. 4, 2024

Ep. 59 - Ask Andy: Are Diamonds A Bad Investment? Part 2

This 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 …

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Dec. 28, 2023

Ep. 58 - Ask Andy: Are Diamonds A Bad Investment? Part 1

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 …

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Dec. 21, 2023

Ep. 57 - "You're Never Broke When You Own a Rolex" and What That Mean…

I 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 …

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Dec. 14, 2023

Ep. 56 - What to Do If She Sends You Ring Pics When You've Already Bo…

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 …

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Dec. 7, 2023

Ep. 55 - How to Surprise Her with Jewelry You Know She'll Love So You…

In 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...

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Nov. 30, 2023

Ep. 54 - The Buy Like a Guy Top 10 List of Things You Should Know to …

Someone 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 …

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Nov. 23, 2023

Ep. 53 - Ask Andy: What's The One Thing You Should NOT Do When You're…

This 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?"...

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Nov. 16, 2023

Ep. 52 - How Soon Should You Plan The Ring Purchase Before The Propos…

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 …

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Nov. 9, 2023

Ep. 51 - 6 Factors That Explain Why a 1 Carat Diamond is the Best Bar…

In 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 …

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Nov. 2, 2023

Ep. 50 - "The Diamonds to Steak Conversion Chart." An Easy Guide to D…

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 …

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Oct. 26, 2023

Ep. 49 - The Hero's Journey and Jewelry Shopping: When to Listen and …

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 …

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Oct. 19, 2023

Ep. 48 - Shifting the Spotlight: Talking to Men About Buying Fine Jew…

Most 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...

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