Episodes

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. If diamonds,...

“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...

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 the ring finger of...

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 would I spend a lot of money on...

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,...

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 cynical) idea that "diamonds...

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...

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 I would share it with you in today's podcast. Certain...

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...

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...

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 money I want it to feel good, and...

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?"...

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,...

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 for diamonds and unwavering respect for...

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...

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...

In 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...

We 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...

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....

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...

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...

**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...