Diamonds As Bad Investments
Buy Like a Guy
Episode Overview Andy takes on the YouTube critics and industry cynics head-on, delivering a family legacy perspective on why dismissing diamonds as "bad investments" completely misses the fucking point. From his grandfather's 1919 start in the business to today's lab-grown revolution, this episode cuts through the financial advisor bullshit to reveal what diamonds are really worth. Key Takeaways The Investment Reality Check: Not once has Andy heard someone say "I'd like your finest appreciating asset, please" Diamonds end up on fingers of teachers, truck drivers, accountants - people marking...
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The Four C's (Part 2)-Clarity and Carat Weight
Buy Like a Guy
Chapter 2: The Four C's (Part 2) Episode Overview Andy finishes the Four C's conversation with Clarity and Carat Weight, delivers his legendary Diamond-to-Steak conversion chart, and cuts through the industry's microscopic bullshit to give you what actually matters when you're standing in that jewelry store. Key Takeaways The Clarity Reality Check: She doesn't need a flawless diamond unless she specifically asked for one - she just wants it to look that way Clarity grades are determined by gemologists with microscopes, not naked eyes in natural lighting The difference between...
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The Four C's (Part 1)
Buy Like a Guy
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...
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Finding Your Guy on the Inside
Buy Like a Guy
Episode Overview Andy reads Chapter 1 from his new book, "The Inappropriate Guide to Buying An Engagement Ring" - a no-bullshit diamond and ring buying guide for guys who'd rather be anywhere else than a jewelry store. This episode covers the single most important piece of advice for buying an engagement ring without getting screwed over. Key Takeaways The Golden Rule: Find a jewelry store where you feel comfortable going. That's it. That's the secret. Why This Matters: Walking into most jewelry stores feels unnatural for guys Everything's behind glass, salespeople hover like vultures...
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The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring
Buy Like a Guy
This is the first installment of the audiobook version of my book The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring. I’ll be releasing one chapter a week, right here in the podcast feed. If you'd rather read the whole thing now (because waiting is for people in line at the DMV), you can grab the full book on Kindle or paperback by clicking . Full transcript below (Oh and hey! This is all copyrighted so don't steal my shit.) This is the "Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring- Irreverent Wisdom From an Industry Insider. Short, Simple, and Straight to the Point."...
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Ep. 88 - Taking A Break
Buy Like a Guy
Andy here with an announcement. I'm taking a break for the next couple of months so I can line up some guests I plan on having on the show. I plan on being back in October, ready with new episodes hot off the press so stay tuned for that. I want to make sure I'm delivering value in these episodes, so if you've learned something or know of someone who would be a great fit for the show definitely let me know! If you'd like help finding a jeweler closer to home, email me at and I'll do my best to put you in touch with some of the best jewelers on earth. Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles...
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Ep. 87 - Ask Andy: A Quick and Easy Way to Ruin The Moment
Buy Like a Guy
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 be more along the lines of uncomfortable embarrassment. I want to be clear, this isn't one of those...
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Ep. 86 - Love Unscripted: Bridging the "In-Between" with a Commitment Ring
Buy Like a Guy
In this episode, I'll talk about the concept of the commitment ring, that beautiful bridge between dating and engagement. Whether you’re sipping beers at a cookout or pondering your future, this episode dives into the emotional significance of giving and receiving a ring that says, “We’re in this together.” Join me as I discuss why a commitment ring is more than just jewelry—it’s a powerful declaration of love and dedication. Here's the link to If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at . Or if you'd like help finding a jewelry store closer to home,...
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Ep. 85 - Ask Andy: Lab-Grown Diamonds or Natural Diamonds?
Buy Like a Guy
In this episode we're going to dip our toes into the realm of lab-grown diamonds. I'll shed a little light on the ever-evolving diamond industry, exploring the distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds, their formation processes, and the ongoing debate surrounding their place in the fine jewelry world. Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Historical Perspective It may come as a surprise, but lab-grown diamonds trace their beginnings to the 1950s when General Electric crafted the first industrial-grade diamond crystals. Technological advancements have propelled the creation...
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Ep. 84 - Ask Andy: How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?
Buy Like a Guy
One of the most common questions I get is, how much does an engagement ring cost? Or how much should I spend to get a decent ring? Now there is no single answer to that, but today I'll share some numbers that might help you and then give you the single best answer I know of. If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at . I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home. Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with...
info_outlineEpisode Overview
Andy takes on the YouTube critics and industry cynics head-on, delivering a family legacy perspective on why dismissing diamonds as "bad investments" completely misses the fucking point. From his grandfather's 1919 start in the business to today's lab-grown revolution, this episode cuts through the financial advisor bullshit to reveal what diamonds are really worth.
Key Takeaways
The Investment Reality Check:
- Not once has Andy heard someone say "I'd like your finest appreciating asset, please"
- Diamonds end up on fingers of teachers, truck drivers, accountants - people marking moments, not building portfolios
- That "worthless investment" often outlasts first houses, careers, and everything else people own
- Ask anyone celebrating their golden anniversary if their diamond was a good investment
Historical Truth Bomb:
- Diamonds in engagement rings since the 1400s - Archduke Maximilian started the trend in 1477
- That's 400 years before De Beers existed, 500 years before marketing executives were even a thing
- "A Diamond is Forever" amplified the tradition but didn't create it
- Humans have always been drawn to rare, beautiful shit that lasts - it's why the Louvre isn't full of Dollar Store crap
The Hidden Logic:
- Hardest natural substance on the planet (perfect 10 on Mohs scale)
- Transparent - light passes through without distortion
- Forged under intense pressure deep within the earth
- Unlike other gems that fade or cloud, diamonds stay brilliant for generations
- Customer brought in grandmother's 1923 diamond - after cleaning, sparkled like brand new
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Investment Reality:
- Lab-grown are chemically identical but prices are in free fall
- Natural diamonds: billions of years to form, millions to find and extract
- They're finite, ancient, with history predating humanity
- Natural values historically increase; lab-grown prices dropping fast
- Like owning a Monet vs. owning a poster of a Monet
The Artistry Factor:
- Diamond cutting isn't automated factory process - it's generational craft
- Cutters visualize how to release a rough diamond's potential
- Weeks of precise cuts to maximize brilliance
- One wrong move = thousands lost in value
- Gabi Tolkowsky: "I imagine myself inside the crystal and see where I want the light to go"
Value Beyond Balance Sheets:
- Sold diamonds to multimillionaires and kids who saved forever
- Sometimes big-ass diamonds carry expected weight, sometimes tiny stones pack the biggest punch
- Favorite customers return yearly, sharing proposal stories and struggles to afford their ring
- Diamond becomes physical embodiment of shared history
Memorable Quote
"Some things in life aren't meant to be measured on a balance sheet. When you're 90 years old, you won't be calculating compound interest you missed out on - you'll be remembering the moment you proposed and all the years that followed."
The Bottom Line
When you're 90, that diamond will still be sparkling, still carrying the weight of your shared history. Whatever you paid will seem like the bargain of a lifetime because some investments pay dividends that can't be measured in dollars.
What's Next
Lab-grown diamonds: The new kid on the block - time to clear up what they actually are and if they're right for you.
Contact Andy Email: [email protected] 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 4 coming soon - Lab-grown diamonds: The new kid on the block.
Connect with Buy Like A Guy:
- Available wherever you get your podcasts.
- Book available on Amazon
Show notes compiled from episode transcript