Buy Like a Guy Andy Koehn

In this episode, we delve into the last two of the Four C's of diamond quality, Clarity and Carat weight. While the 4C's may seem boring, they play a significant role in determining the price you'll pay for a diamond, making it crucial to understand them. But don't worry, we'll get through it together!
I'll discuss the details of the Gemological Institute of America's Clarity System, which looks like this: 

Once we've covered the basics of Clarity and Carat weight, I'll share a Fifth C with you that will simplify everything. While knowing about the 4 C's is helpful, it won't necessarily make buying an engagement ring or other diamond jewelry any easier. But with the Fifth C, you'll have a clear understanding of what to look for when purchasing diamonds.
And what is the Fifth C?  Collaboration.  It's magic. 
The link for the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast: https://pod.link/1454867240
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 

Did you know when we're talking about the 'color grade' of a diamond, we're actually referring to the lack of color? Did you also know that the top grade a diamond can achieve is a 'D'? Did you further know it is really hard to distinguish colorless diamonds from near colorless diamonds? Do you know how hard it is to say 'colorless'? Haha, I kid but I really said it far more often then I should have this episode.

When we're talking about color grade, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) uses this scale:

- Colorless (Grade D, E, F)
- Near Colorless (Grade G, H, I, J)
- Faint (Grade K, L, M)
- Very Light (Grade N, O, P, Q, R)
- Light (Grade S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z)

That's why my best recommendation is in the Near Colorless scale, because you can get the best bang for your buck and get her a dazzling diamond she will love.  
The link for the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast: https://pod.link/1454867240
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 

So, what should you do when you've found the perfect gift for someone and the salesperson is assuring you that it's a no-brainer, or "she's gonna love it!" but you still have a little doubt? 
Too often, guys ruin the magic moment by talking too much when they give a gift. They apologize as she's opening it or looking at the ring, saying things like "I hope you like it. You can exchange it if you don't."  It's not the best way to present something as impactful and important as diamonds and jewelry, especially when you're excited about giving it.
This is a simple solution, and it's magic. Don't apologize or tell her she can exchange it. If she asks about the money, tell her the truth: "I saw these and I wanted you to have them because I love you."
Then be quiet and let her take it all in. Give her time to accept the gift without rushing or spoiling the moment.  
The link for the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast: https://pod.link/1454867240
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 I'm going to explain why not all diamonds are cut for maximum fire, brilliance, and scintillation.  I'll be talking a little about my quest to be a tennis pro, and how it relates to diamond cutting.  
Spoiler alert: I am not a tennis pro, and the real reason diamonds are not cut equally, is becuase it's a choice made by the diamond companies and cutters. Some companies prioritize beauty and performance over cost and other factors and invest in their tools and facilities to consistently produce diamonds that look bigger, brighter, bolder, and more beautiful. Other companies may not have the resources, or the natural talent to cut diamonds to exacting standards.
Additionally, the natural talent of diamond cutters and adherence to tight cutting parameters can affect the final product. It's a matter of choice, and the ability to produce the desired outcome as set by the diamond manufacturers, and the cutters who do the work. 
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 Episode 13 I discussed how “Cut is King” when it comes to diamonds, and how a better cut can make a diamond look brighter, bolder, bigger, and more beautiful. But what exactly are the visual properties that contribute to a diamond's appearance? There are three: fire, brilliance, and scintillation. The intensity of each of these properties varies based on how well the diamond is cut.
Fire refers to the way a diamond breaks up white light into its spectral colors, creating a rainbow effect. Brilliance describes the amount of white light that a diamond reflects back to us, creating a brighter look. Scintillation refers to the flashes of light that come off the diamond when it moves, creating that dazzling effect we all love.
Together, these properties determine a diamond's beauty and value compared to other diamonds. And that's why Cut is so important - it's the most visual aspect of a diamond's quality. Which means, the next time you're admiring a diamond, keep these properties in mind and know that a well-cut diamond will look more
beautiful and therefore cost more.
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 

The way diamonds come out of the ground, (or growing chambers in the case of lab grown diamonds) is far different than what we see in jewelry stores, engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. 
Before they're cut, natural diamonds look like clear crystals or rocks, and lab grown diamonds can be blocky looking dark cubes.  (At least the ones I've seen.)
In this episode, we're going to talk about how the cutting process is the human element that transforms these "rough" diamonds into sparkling gems that catch our eyes, imaginations, and the hearts of the people we love.
The cutting process is how a natural or lab grown diamond goes from "meh," to "wow!" Ultimately it's the most important factor when it comes to the beauty and performance of every diamond.  The better a diamond is cut, the bigger, better, brighter, and more beautiful it will look.  And that's why we say, "Cut is King."
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