The Four C's (Part 1)

Episode Overview

Andy breaks down the diamond industry's "sacred scripture" - the Four C's - but cuts through the BS to give you what you actually need to know. This is part one of a two-part deep dive into diamond grading, focusing on Cut and Color.

Key Takeaways

The Bottom Line on Diamond Education:

• You'll spend roughly 2 hours of your entire life discussing the Four C's
• Don't overthink it - learn enough to have an intelligent conversation with a pro
• Find someone you trust to guide you through the rest

Why the Four C's Exist:

• Created by GIA in the 1940s to standardize diamond grading
• Before this, buying diamonds was like the Wild West
• Gave everyone a common language (that's why color starts at D)

Cut - The King of the Four C's:

• Cut is everything - it's what makes a diamond come alive
• Not about shape (round, oval, etc.) - it's about proportions and craftsmanship
• A great cut can make a diamond worth twice as much as a poorly cut one
• Andy's advice: "Get the best damn cut you can afford. Everything else is negotiable."

Color Demystified:

• Scale runs D (colorless) to Z (noticeably yellow/brown)
• D-F: Exceptional white, priced accordingly
• G-H: Looks white to most people
• I-J: Still looks great, especially in yellow gold
• Most people can't tell D from H without training and special equipment

The Reality Check:

• Your fiancé won't be carrying master stones around to compare
• Don't pay for colorless if near colorless looks the same to you
• But some guys want top shelf just for the satisfaction of knowing what they have

Memorable Quote

"I'll know." - The client who taught Andy that sometimes it's not about what others can see, it's about personal satisfaction.

What's Next

Part 2 will cover Clarity and Carat Weight - the remaining two C's that complete the diamond grading system.

Contact Andy

Email: andy@koehnjewelry.com For personal jewelry and diamond consultation

About the Book

"The Inappropriate Guide to Buying An Engagement Ring" is available on Amazon. Andy is creating an audio version while keeping the podcast going by reading chapters on the show.

Warning: Contains raw language, unfiltered advice, and the kind of talk you'd get from your most honest friend after a few drinks.

Next Episode

Chapter 2-Part 2 coming soon - more straight talk and war stories from the jewelry trenches.

Connect with Buy Like A Guy:

• Available wherever you get your podcasts
• Book available on Amazon

Show notes compiled from episode transcript