Episodes

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, but let me offer some guidelines that will help. First things first, decide when you want to pop the question, and work back from there. It's important to know what kind of ring style she/he wants, but it's not the end of the world if you don't. With that in...

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 the jewelry industry are truly remarkable. Shane's talk centered on the notion that diamonds, specifically 1-carat diamonds, are drastically undervalued. This might sound surprising given the substantial price tags attached to high-quality 1-carat di...

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 reference point. It's a practical "walking around tool" that can help you navigate the world of diamonds. I highlight the Four C's – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight – as the key factors that determine a diamond's price. Click here to listen to episode ...

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 to design some rings at the behest of her fiance, and it starts off beautifully. He surprises her with colored gemstones and sets the stage for a romantic journey. They discuss styles, metals, and diamonds - crucial details for all involved. However, the magic s...

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 onto your radar, and why would it? It's expensive and is mostly for women, right? That is until someone special comes along and steals your heart. Somewhere along the way, when things are going well, and you become a "couple," you'll start to WANT to buy jewel...

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 I tell you, "Don't tell her how much it cost. Not even a hint." Telling her what you paid for something can quickly turn a special moment into an awkward one. She's not going to feel cherished, loved, or appreciated if you disclose the price tag. It'll...

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 jewelry for that matter. Italian born, Ilaria Lanzoni, or Ila as she likes to be called, is a world renowned jewelry designer…with over 25 years of high-end jewelry design experience. Her creations have been worn by some pretty impressive celebrities like Bey...

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. However, he was unsure about purchasing without physically seeing the diamonds and was concerned about the accuracy of diamond reports. I explained that diamond reports from organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gem...

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...

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 personalization and potentially compromising the integrity of the original design when people who don't know what they're doing want to get their hands dirty and help create a personal version of something they like. While we'll focus mainly on engagement r...

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 t...

**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 may come as a surprise to many, given that diamonds are known as the hardest substance on Earth. But there's more to the story. Yes, diamonds are incredibly hard, making them highly resistant to scratches and abrasions. However, they lack toughness,...

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 h...

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 what you want the ring or jewelry to look like. - Exploring various sources of inspiration, including online platforms and jewelry stores. - Emphasizing the role of communication in conveying your ideas to the jeweler. Finding the Right Jeweler - The...

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 re...

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 t...

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 ch...

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 one...

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 we...

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. However, I realized that I hadn't fully addressed one of the most common questions I get: "Aren't lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds pretty much the same thing?" I'll share three brief, real-life client stories in this episode that brought me to th...

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 you...

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 a...