Buy Like a Guy Andy Koehn

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 of larger, gem-quality lab-grown diamonds, revolutionizing the world of fine jewelry with their remarkable beauty.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Actually Diamonds?
I'll answer this hot button question that I get all the time.  The fact is, lab grown diamonds have the same crystal structure, hardness, and optical properties of natural diamonds. So what do you think the answer is?
There ARE Differences:
I'll explore the distinct processes of lab grown and natural diamonds formation, trace their origins, and unravel the cost disparities that exist between the two.  Gain insights into the rarity, affordability, and sentimental value associated with each type, empowering you to make an enlightened decision aligned with your personal preferences.
The Power of Choice:
The fact is, you DO have a choice, and there's an easy way to make it: trust your gut.  Ultimately, the decision between lab-grown and natural diamonds rests with you, ensuring that the symbol of love and commitment you choose carries the significance and impact you want to deliver. 
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. Or if you'd like help finding a jewelry store closer to home, drop me a line 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 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 

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of platinum, one of the rarest elements on Earth and highly valued in the jewelry industry. Join me as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of choosing platinum for your fine jewelry.
Platinum's rarity is unparalleled. With an abundance of only 0.005 parts per million in the Earth's crust, it's truly a super rare metal. To put its density into perspective, a 1-inch cube of platinum weighs approximately a pound, while a 1-inch ball of platinum is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer. Ever wondered how much platinum would represent a man weighing 197 lbs? It would be roughly a 6.5-inch cube, highlighting the scarcity of this precious metal.
Unlike gold, which is mixed with other metals to enhance durability and alter its color, platinum is virtually untouched and is between 95%-98% pure when it's made into jewelry. Its natural white hue remains untarnished, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a timeless and pure aesthetic.
Durability is another notable advantage of platinum. This dense metal can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it perfect for engagement rings and anniversary bands. Additionally, platinum is hypoallergenic, making it the ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies. Avoid the discomfort and potential skin reactions that can arise from wearing other metals.
While platinum offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider other factors before making the decision to "go platinum." It tends to be pricier than other metals due to its rarity and higher production costs. However, it's worth noting that the cost can vary, and discussing your options with a jewelry professional is recommended.
The weight of platinum may also be a consideration, as some individuals prefer lighter pieces of jewelry. Keep in mind that platinum's density gives it a substantial feel, which may not be everyone's preference. Additionally, certain designs may not be available in platinum, as some designers specialize in other metals or find gold more suitable for specific pieces.
Metal color preferences play a role as well. If you prefer jewelry with colors other than white, platinum won't cut it for you. It's crucial to consider your personal style and preferences when deciding between metals.
Ultimately, platinum's rarity, durability, and purity contribute to its legendary status in the world of jewelry, especially for engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary rings. While it may not be the right choice for everyone due to factors like price and weight, it's an option worth considering. 
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. 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 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 

In this episode, Pat Finn and I continue our off-the-cuff exploration of the significance of fine jewelry, including a pretty sweet story about Pat's late friend, the legendary Chris Farley, and his love of gift-giving. We get a little sentimental, but it's cool, because that's one of the unexpected powers of jewelry:  it can connect us to our past and the people we love the most. 
Jewelry is more than just shiny trinkets, and we talk about how fine jewelry becomes physical representations of unforgettable moments and intense emotions.  
Okay, yeah...it's a bit deep, but you won't need a tissue.  No tears were shed in the recording of this episode.  This isn't about sad stories.  It's a more of a quick reality check about why jewelry is, in fact, a necessity in our lives.  
Grab a drink, sit back, and decide if you agree with us.
Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278156/
His company is Improv+Ability: https://www.improv-ability.com/
Reach out to him via email if you have questions: pat@improv-ability.com
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. 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.
Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
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 

Pat Finn is a well-known actor, comedian, and writer with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He's appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Middle, Seinfeld, “It’s Complicated,” and the “I Am Chris Farley” documentary.  He has an almost endless list of professional accomplishments, and I wanted him on the show because he’s also a husband, father, and regular guy who really seems to “get” the whole jewelry thing. 
Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278156/
We’re going to discuss his own experience of buying an engagement ring, how he was clueless about the whole process, and how sometimes you just have to trust the experts.   He called me a "Sherpa," in this episode, and you know what?  I kinda liked it. 
His company is Improv+Ability: https://www.improv-ability.com/
Reach out to him via email if you have questions: pat@improv-ability.com
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. 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.
Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
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 

Gold has been treasured for centuries for its rarity and beauty, but did you know that not all gold is the same? In this episode, we'll explore the different types of gold and what makes them unique. 
Understanding the "K" in Gold Jewelry
The "K" in gold jewelry stands for "karat", which refers to the purity of the gold. Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. The karat measurement indicates the percentage of pure gold in the alloy. For example, 24K gold is 100% pure gold, while 18K gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals.
18K, 14K, and 10K Gold
The most common types of gold used in engagement rings and fine jewelry are 18K, 14K, and 10K gold. 18K gold is the most pure of the three, with 75% gold and 25% other metals. It has a rich, warm color and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. 14K gold is 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals, making it more durable than 18K gold. It's also more affordable and has a slightly lighter color. 10K gold is the least pure of the three, with only 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals. It's the most durable and affordable option, but has a paler color.
Popular Gold Colors for Jewelry
Gold is available in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, and rose gold. Yellow gold is the most traditional and classic color for gold jewelry and engagement rings. White gold is created by mixing gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver. It has a sleek, modern look and is often used as a setting for diamonds. Rose gold is created by mixing gold with copper, giving it a warm, pinkish hue. It's become increasingly popular in recent years for its romantic and feminine look.
Choosing the right type of gold for your engagement ring or fine jewelry is a personal decision that depends on your style, budget, and preference for durability. Whether you prefer the warmth of yellow gold, the modern look of white gold, or the romantic hue of rose gold, there's a type of gold that's perfect for you. We hope this episode has helped you understand the different types of gold and make an informed decision for your next jewelry purchase. Thanks for listening!
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. 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.
Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
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 

If you're like most guys, you haven't spent much time thinking about what kind of wedding ring you'd like, and honestly, until you have a need for one, you don't really care. Most guys don't wear a lot of jewelry, if any, so when it's time to shop for your wedding ring, what are you supposed to do? (Besides, start thinking about it.)
However, having a wedding ring is important, yes...even for guys.  Is it life or death important? No. But neither is that watch you've been eyeing up, or that bike, sailboat or the hunting dog you just "have to have" because she's perfect.
While a guy's wedding ring can seem like an afterthought, I want you to know, she doesn't feel that way, and over time you won't either.
This is new to most of you, and it sounds simple, and it is, but it feels weird, and you're definitely not on your game when you're doing something as foreign as picking out a ring for yourself.  
Here's what you do: Surrender, then Start.
Surrender to the fact that you don't know much about this (yet), but you will learn as you go.  Especially when you go to a trusted independent jewelry store.  (The people there will teach you a ton.)   
And here's how you start. You just scan the rings in the case, give 'em the old up and down, and as you go along, look at the different styles.  As you do this, ask to try on the one's that grab your attention.  It's that simple. 
Here are a few questions to keep in mind as you're trying on rings: 
-What kind of metal is it? (Or, "What is this made from?")
-How much does it cost?
-Can I wear it to work?
-Can it be resized?
And where are you going to get those answers?  From your friendly sales associate at an independent jewelry store.  It's the easiest way to go about it. 
Today's episode is brought to you by https://www.perrysemporium.com/
If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. 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. Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
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