Ep. 92 - Part II: The Truth About Natural Diamonds: Beauty, Character & Meaning

Ever wonder how a diamond actually gets from deep in the earth… to a jeweler’s case… to her hand?

Part II of Andy’s conversation with Ari Jain from House of Diamonds uncovers the real, behind-the-scenes process of how natural diamonds are mined, cut, graded, and selected — long before a consumer ever sees them.

If you’ve ever held a diamond and thought, “Why does this tiny thing cost so much?” This episode gives you an honest, insider explanation.

Ari’s eight-generation lineage, starting in Jaipur’s royal courts, brings a rare perspective on craftsmanship, authenticity, and what truly determines a diamond’s value.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How a natural diamond gets to the showcase:
  The full journey — mining, sorting, rough planning, cutting, polishing, grading, and wholesale — and why each step matters for quality and value.

• Why two diamonds with the same certificate can be totally different:
  The human decisions, artistry, and limitations of grading systems that make every stone unique.

• What “value” in a diamond really means:
  How to look beyond price and paper to find a stone worth owning.

• The role of independent jewelers:
  Why reputable independents reject most stones they see, and how that benefits you as a buyer.

• How reputation drives the diamond industry:
  From miners to cutters to retailers, the best people only work with those they trust.

• Why a diamond should be personal, not perfect:
  Meaning, story, and character matter more than flawless specs.

Key Quotes from Ari:

“The consumer only sees the final diamond in the case. They never see the hundreds of hours and decisions that came before it.”

“A lower-color stone or a stone with visible inclusions can actually be more beautiful. It gives the diamond identity.”

“Reputation is the most valuable currency in the diamond industry.”

“When you buy from an independent jeweler, you’re getting accountability — and someone who actually cares.”

“Jewelry isn’t just financial. It centers you. It makes you feel something. That’s worth paying for.”

Why This Episode Matters for Engagement Ring Buyers:

If you're shopping for an engagement ring — or weighing natural vs. lab-grown — this episode will help you avoid:

• misunderstanding diamond pricing
• relying too much on certificates
• choosing the wrong stone based on specs alone
• falling for “perfect” stones that look average in person
• overlooking diamonds with true personality and beauty

Understanding the journey of a natural diamond will help you appreciate what you’re really buying — and why no two stones are ever the same.

Who Is Ari Jain?

Ari is part of an eight-generation jewelry legacy originating in Jaipur’s royal courts.
Today, he’s a key member of House of Diamonds, a New York–based natural diamond firm focused on authenticity, transparency, and ethical sourcing. He represents a new generation blending heritage with modern insight.

Resources Mentioned:

House of Diamonds: https://www.hod.live/
Contact Ari:  [e-mail]
Andy’s book: The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring, available on Amazon

Connect with Andy:

Need help finding a trusted jeweler?
Email Andy at [e-mail] and I’ll point you in the right direction.

 

Andy's Jewelry Store: Koehn & Koehn Jewelers
Instagram: @buylikeaguy, @koehnjewelers, @andykoehn

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987