I sit down with Chris Croteau from Rare and Forever Diamonds to talk about diamond grading reports generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Are they more accurate? Is this the wave of the future? Should I have sipped on tequila beforehand?

Sometimes guys kill the mood without even knowing it.  It's as true when you're in the wild, as it is when you're looking for engagement rings.   I'll tell you what kills her excitement buzz, and what to do about it, so you can be the bad *ss hero she's come to love.

When you’re looking for a diamond engagement ring or other important jewelry there are so many words and descriptions and certifications that are meant to replace what really matters when you buy an engagement ring: I’m talking about seeing it, live and in person. I was inspired to talk about this yet again when I stumbled on a reference to the power of words while reading, "The Instant Millionaire."  It reminded me of how words are used by all sorts of people and (mostly) online marketers to seduce you into buying their wares without actually seeing what you're getting.  Many times it won't turn out how you hope.  (And that really sucks.)

Too many people buy things based on descriptions and images on their computers or phones.  It doesn't always work does it?  Nothing compares with physically seeing and holding a diamond.  I'll address that, and then give 4 reasons why hooking up with your local jeweler is the only way a guy should buy a diamond engagement ring. 

"It is unwise to pay too much. But it is worse to pay too little." ~John Ruskin So how much should you spend on engagement ring?  I have some stats for you, and a couple of other pointers to help you decide what's best for your situation.   This is a spinoff from the YouTube conversation I had with some guys who are currently on the engagement ring hunt, and some of their friends who already bought their rings.  Budget came up briefly, and I thought I would spend a little time talking about it.  Here's a link to the video with the fella's: https://youtu.be/MkmlFnTmtkY

I was able to hang out with four guys and we asked each other questions about what it's like from the opposite sides of the counter.  We share a few bourbons, a few laughs, and a lot of useful information.  I learned about the social pressures of buying a ring, if there is a "fear factor," how they budget, if bringing your significant other in to shop with you is a must, and whether or not the people and places you shop are the best place to start.  (And finish.)   They ask me a few things about the jewelry business as well, and I loved it! This podcast is also available for viewing on Youtube: https://youtu.be/MkmlFnTmtkY A huge thank you to my buddy Tone, and his friends, Jason, Deron, and Logan.  

In this episode I talk about my foray into Reddit and why I am even more adamant about going to meet a diamond expert instead of working to do this through online searches and opinions of others.  This is also inspired by a gentleman named Joseph Rodrigues who has some killer YouTube vids on "personal development, mind stuff, and entrepreneurship."    You can find his videos here: http://www.youtube.com/c/JosephRodrigues  I swear a bit more than normal in this episode.  Not proud of it. 

I continue my discussion with legendary diamond cutter, Maarten de Witte, about whether diamonds are a "bad" investment.  We won't leave you hanging.  We have an answer.  

I'm super psyched to talk with the former Director of the American School of Diamond Cutting, "The Diamond Wizard," Maarten de Witte about whether or not diamonds are a "bad" investment. It's a behind-the-scenes listen between two guys in the diamond business, talking about diamonds in general, and the investment aspect so many people tend to bring up.  Maarten isn't shy, and teaches in his direct, heart felt style.   He's a legend in this business, and was part of the Hearts On Fire Diamond team that shook the diamond world when they dared to offer "The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond" to every day guys like you and me. In Part I we talk about what we think about diamonds as an investment, if they go up in value, and if that even matters.  He'll touch on De Beers, and why he feels diamonds are superior to all other gemstones.

You'll hear this again and again: find a "pro" in your backyard and put them to work!  (They live for it.) PLUS: The NEW Buy Like a Guy Instagram page is up and not for the faint of heart.  Alluring pics with diamond facts and a bit of inspiration are mixed in.  It's an exciting way to get information about the most important ring you'll ever buy.  You  can also see my ugly mug on Youtube if you want to see this impromptu episode.