Are Lab Grown Diamonds A Girl’s Best Friend? Celebrity Jeweler Kyle Chan Answers

Summary

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Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: Are Lab Grown Diamonds A Girl’s Best Friend? Celebrity Jeweler Kyle Chan Answers
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Tom Schwartz
Guest: Celebrity jeweler Kyle Chan

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Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode of "Detox Retox," Tom Schwartz invites friend and renowned celebrity jeweler Kyle Chan to discuss one of the most hot-button topics in jewelry today: lab grown diamonds. Against the backdrop of peak wedding season and swirling cultural debates about tradition, authenticity, and ethics, Tom and Kyle dig deep into what diamonds mean—both naturally occurring and lab created—and whether the “origin story” of a diamond truly matters when it comes to love, symbolism, and investment. Expect lots of heart, insight, humor, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Diamond Debate: Tradition vs. Modernity

• Cultural legacy and Marketing Myths:
  • Tom opens by referencing Marilyn Monroe, classic movies, and the lasting legacy of slogans like “A diamond is forever.”
  • [00:53] Tom: “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
  • De Beers’ genius marketing, emotional manipulation, and shifting cultural norms about diamonds are dissected:
    • “That ad copy is truly genius… You created a billion dollar industry with four words.”
  • Tom points out the immense pressure that advertising has placed on romance proposals and the diamond industry’s complex ethical baggage.
• The “Real Thing” Feeling:
  • Tom gets lyrical about the supposed “soul” of natural diamonds vs. “synthetic” ones, comparing lab grown diamonds to using ChatGPT for wedding vows or like “recreating magic hour” on a movie set:
    • “Nothing compares to the awesome, magnificent, warm rich golden rays that wash over you during sunset magic hour… Ain’t nothing like the real thing.”
• Ethics & Budget:
  • The dark sides of the natural diamond industry (blood diamonds, labor, false scarcity, environmental concerns).
  • Lab grown diamonds are presented as both ethical and “70-80% more affordable.”
  • Despite growing acceptance, Tom admits some people feel lab diamonds are “a little soulless.”
• Audience Polls:
  • Tom polled listeners: 83–84% said lab grown diamonds were just fine for proposals; about 17% still wanted only the “real McCoy.”
    • “56,321 of you said, no, it wouldn’t matter. Our love is bigger than that.” [01:53]
    • But Tom muses some might be saying what’s expected: “Some of you had your significant other looking over your shoulder…”

2. Kyle Chan’s Story: From Kowloon Walled City to West Hollywood

• Early Life:
  • Kyle grew up in Hong Kong’s legendary Kowloon Walled City, one of the world’s densest and most notorious slums.
    • “That place is literally the scariest slum, I guess, in the world… That’s where I grew up.” [17:10]
  • Emigrated to the US at 13; first worked at a Chinese supermarket in LA.
• Finding His Path:
  • Experienced poverty, child labor, then a culture shock immigrating to LA.
  • Dabbed in many jobs (restaurant, airlines, music, makeup) before discovering jewelry through a high school metalsmith class.
    • “I stumbled across a jewelry making class…[it] actually struck a chord that I’m actually good at this.” [28:04]
• Industry Success:
  • 7 years retail, 7 years wholesale in jewelry—then a leap to his first store.
  • Became a certified gemologist (GIA); now runs a successful West Hollywood location.
    • “I always wanted to do my best no matter what I do.” [21:00]
    • “Never in a million years…would I think I’d own a jewelry store.” [31:22]
  • Kyle’s ethos: “If you don’t hit the wall many, many times, you’re not gonna be able to get to the top. I’m almost 100% sure that every great businessman went through hell.” [62:28]

3. The Facts: Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

• Science & Price:
  • Today, a 3-carat lab grown diamond can cost $2,000–$4,000 versus $100,000+ for natural. [35:04]
  • Lab grown diamonds are “chemically and physically identical” to mined ones:
    • “You would never know it was lab grown unless someone told you... Even if you’re a certified gemologist, you need the papers.” [07:40]
• Investment Value:
  • Kyle: “I do not think buying lab grown diamond will be a good investment. But...it will be a smart decision, a budget friendly decision.” [36:02]
  • Natural stones and minerals (like real estate and gold) are finite, giving them lasting value; lab grown stones can always be “reprinted” and will continue to drop in price.
• Ethical, Accessible, Socially Acceptable:
  • 80-90% of Kyle’s customers (across financial levels) consider lab grown diamonds for the cost savings and ethics—if there’s honest discussion with a partner.

4. The Emotional Realities and Symbolism

• Lore, Magic and Meaning:
  • Tom and Kyle riff on the emotional and cultural ancient meanings of gems:
    • “Ancient Hindus thought diamonds were splinters of fallen stars. In Greek lore, they were the tears of the gods.” [02:23]
    • “Rubies were believed to ward off evil... They buried their dead with rubies to aid their journey through the underworld.” [40:26]
  • Tom: “I want something mystical, something forged over eons. Something that’s made from the stars.”
• Etiquette and Stigma:
  • Kyle: “You shouldn’t ask your friend if [an engagement ring] was lab grown. Or how much it cost. That’s rude, taboo.” [42:30]
  • The main reason people hesitate? Worrying about how they’ll be judged by friends, not their preferences.
  • Kyle: “The most beautiful thing about jewelry, it’s because of the story behind it and who gave it to you.” [44:58]
• Personal Stories:
  • For both, inexpensive “story-rich” jewelry from loved ones carries the most meaning.
  • Tom: “Some of my favorite pieces ever...are just like, like little simple bracelets that my mom or dad got me that cost $5. But they mean more to me than anything in the world.” [45:54]

5. Advice & Gemstone Alternatives

• Budget-Smart Options:
  • For $3k: 2-carat lab grown, or sapphires/rubies as durable natural alternatives.
  • $6k: Small natural diamond, or larger sapphire/aquamarine.
  • “Sapphires… come in the most variety of color ever. You can have the whole spectrum.” [51:19]
• Color Gems, Trends, Rarity:
  • Most rare: Red diamonds (millions for a single carat, only a handful on earth). [53:10]
  • Up-and-coming: Alexandrite (color-changing, very rare), opals (but beware synthetics). [53:59]
• Investment Advice:
  • Lab grown diamonds are not good investments, but “a smart decision if you want maximum size/quality for the price.” [59:49]
  • Kyle’s rule: Always keep your original engagement stone for its memory and story, even if you later “upgrade.” [49:45]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On symbolism and authenticity:
  • Tom: “If you slipped a lab grown ring on Aphrodite’s finger, would she be cool with that?...I want salt of the earth with a few million—no, actually a few billion—years’ history.” [02:23]
• On the power of marketing:
  • Tom: “Mary, you really cooked with that one. You created a billion dollar industry with four words.” [05:36]
• On storytelling in jewelry:
  • Kyle: “The most beautiful thing about jewelry, it’s because of the story behind it and who gave it to you.” [44:58]
• On etiquette:
  • Kyle: “You should not ask your friend if it was [lab grown]. Or how much is it? Like, those two are questions that should be a big no-no.” [42:30]
• On lab diamonds and stigma:
  • Kyle: “People are totally happy and buy into the idea of lab grown...but they worry on how people judge them. I don’t think that’s a healthy culture.” [42:51]
• On investment:
  • Kyle: “Anything that’s reprintable...will not be the best investment, because if you can reprint it, somebody will find ways to make it...better and cheaper.” [36:37]
• On life and success:
  • Kyle: “If you don’t hit the wall many, many times, you’re not gonna be able to get to the top.” [62:28]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Poll Results (Lab Grown Diamond Acceptance): [00:14 – 08:14]
• Tom’s Diamond Musings/Mythology: [01:00 – 07:00]
• Kyle Chan Intro/Bio, Early Life: [12:16 – 22:08]
• Becoming a Jeweler Origin Story: [27:46 – 31:40]
• Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds—Deep Dive: [33:44 – 38:22]
• Symbolism, Storytelling & Lore: [39:05 – 45:44]
• Etiquette & Social Norms: [42:30 – 44:58]
• Gemstone Alternatives & Jewelry Advice: [50:39 – 53:06]
• Rarest Diamonds, Alexandrite, Opal: [53:06 – 54:39]
• Impact on Natural Diamond Market & Investment: [59:04 – 60:17]
• Kyle’s Reflections & Advice on Work, Happiness: [61:12 – 63:29]
• Closing Reflections & Takeaways: [64:00 – 66:43]

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Tone & Style

• The episode is playful, thoughtful, and warm, filled with irreverent humor and deep, personal storytelling.
• Both Tom and Kyle emphasize honesty, self-acceptance, and the importance of love’s meaning over material value.
• The conversation blends industry expertise, pop culture, nostalgia, and hard-earned life wisdom.

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Key Takeaways

• Lab grown diamonds are here to stay: Chemically identical, affordable, and increasingly accepted, especially if you and your partner are aligned.
• The story matters most: The best jewelry is imbued with memory, love, and meaning—not just dollar value or “naturalness.”
• Judgment is out, honesty is in: Don’t ask friends the price or origin of their stones. Celebrate their happiness.
• Spend what you can afford: Don’t fall for outdated rules about how much to spend or what you "should" buy.
• Life, like gemstones, is about resilience: Both men agree—hardships shape us, and the journey is as valuable as the jewel.

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Final Word (Tom, [64:56]):
“Do what’s right for you and your partner... What everyone else thinks—okay. Keeping up with the Joneses? Do what’s right for you.”

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Transcript

[A]

It's now time for your weekly retox with Tom Schwartz.

[B]

Ladies, can I ask your diamond still your besties? Guys, what are you thinking? You know that scene from Gentlemen Prefer blondes?

[A]

But I prefer a man who lives and gives expensive jewels. A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend.

[B]

I want to ask you, what do you think Marilyn Monroe would do if you put a ring on it? But that ring was growing in a lab. I don't know. And I get it. There's symbolism in the shape of your ring. Symbolizes your endless love. No beginning, no end. The perfect union between mind and body. But does the. Does the origin story of the rock on top really matter? Let's explore this a little bit. We're in the middle of peak wedding season. It's August. My God, it's August 16th. Oh, my God. I'm recording this after. By the way, I already did my interview when I sit down with Kyle chan. It's the 16th. That was me and Katie's wedding anniversary. Oh, but man. Yeah, I hear wedding bells. And I asked you guys, I did a poll and I asked you guys if your lover, your ride or die, the light of your life, proposed with a lab grown diamond, would you be a little bummed? I gotta be honest. The results are refreshing. I thought it would be like 50. 50. It was a landslide.

[A]

No.

[B]

83% of you, 56,321 of you said, no, it wouldn't matter. Our love is bigger than that. It's not defined by the size of our stone and where it came from, even if it was made in the lab. But 17%, 11,000 of you said, yeah, you better not. Not if you love me. Get that synthetic shit away from me. But I'm actually happy with these results. Like, wow, wow, guys, I'm proud. But are some of you guys lying? I'm gonna whisper. I think some of you had your significant other look over your shoulder. Looking over your shoulder and you had to say, face. It'd be noble, baby. Of course I don't mind. If it was growing in a lab, I'd even be happy with a ring on a string. But I know deep down. You want breakfast at Tiffany's. Yeah, I got you. No, I'm kind of ashamed to be part of the 17% that said, yeah, I don't. I don't want that. I don't want a lab growing diamond. I don't know. We got to talk about this part of it. I don't know. Maybe it's giving me similar energy to writing your vows with ChatGPT like which also I wouldn't judge you if you do but for the love of your life, one of the most romantic nights to secure your forever bond. It's okay to use it for like structure, get the creative juices flowing. But that should come from your heart naturally. I don't know, I think you'd be kind of bummed if you found out your so use chatgpt word for word. I don't know, maybe that's comparisons a stretch but not anti lab grown. They are the real McCoy. The real deal. They are chemically, optically, physically identical. It's really impressive. Are they sexy? I don't know. I have doubts about how romantic they are, but I don't know. I want salt of the earth with a few million. No, actually a few billion years history. Something mystical, something forged over ions eons, something that's made from the stars like us naturally has some sort of cosmic connection to all of history. That's cool. I like lore. You know, ancient Hindus thought diamonds were splinters of fallen stars. In Greek lore they thought tears of the gods were diamonds. Isn't that cool? They thought diamonds were the tears of gods. But like if you slipped a lab grown ring on Aphrodite's finger, would she be cool with that? I don't know, maybe this is like a little organic protest in the face of this AI wave that's coming over in an ever increasing digital world. I don't know, lab grown just kind of reminds me. It's like when you're on set and there I have to artificially recreate magic hour. It's so beautiful. Looks great on camera. But nothing compares to the awesome, magnificent, warm rich golden rays that wash over you during sunset magic hour. Everything is just a little more romantic. There's like an awesome calmness and ain't nothing like the real thing, I guess is what I'm saying. I don't know, maybe I would spend a little woo woo lately, but like crystals, rocks, meaning significance, symbolism. Lately, I don't know shit man. You give me like a big beautiful citrine stone and you say schwartzy, my man, prepare for financial abundance. I'd be like, hell yeah. Placebo, do your thing. This fy. FYI, I'm not like I don't think I've been completely brainwashed by De Beers propaganda, but you know, we've been eating that shit up since 1947. A diamond lasts forever. Like come on, what better way to show your Eternal love. Like that ad copy is truly genius. It was written by Mary Frances Garrett. Mary, you really cooked with that one. You created a billion dollar industry with four words. Let's give credit where credit's due. De Beers. Mary, we see you. You guys nailed it with the emotional hooks. You literally reshaped cultural norms. Also, you put immense pressure on cash trapped dudes since 1947. Ben Putin. What about their more recent one? I'm looking at this. Three billion years in the making. Real and rare. Damn, that's kind of sexy. Maybe I am brainwashed. I don't know. What about some of the more modern ones? You know, some of the old school ones? I know you guys know this one. Wait, let me fire it up. Every kiss begins with K. Every guest begins with K. Every guest begin. You guys know that one. I missed that shit. Yeah, but the marketing works. The marketing works. Okay? I want to make it clear, I'm not judging your lab grown. I'm not snooty. I love a lab growing diamond ring. If it makes you happy, it makes me happy. Maybe you saved enough to take a fabulous trip or to build that baby nursery. Even putting together on Pinterest. Or maybe you want to put A Dodgers future bet plus360 to win back to back World Series. No, don't do that. Also, the ethical stuff, natural diamonds. Let's not ignore the blood diamond industry, slave labor, horrific working conditions where they're sore sometimes. Carbon footprint overpricing, false scarcity. Yeah, they played us with standard diamonds. They're not that rare. And there's so many great alternatives. We're going to talk to Kyle about that. But yeah, lab grown diamonds, they are a budget friendly choice. Still beautiful. And you would never know it was lab grown unless someone told you. I don't care how good you think your eye is, even if you're a certified gemologist, you need the papers because they are again, chemically, optically, physically identical. Shit's impressive. Also like 70 to 80% more affordable. Yeah. Do they feel a little soulless? Mmm.

[A]

Explore it.

[B]

I'd much rather have like an inexpensive stone. Give me an amethyst, a jade opal. I don't know. That's just me. Again. If the love of my life proposed to me with a lab grown diamond, I wouldn't really be like, it's not a deal breaker. But maybe I'd just prefer to have natural. If there's a choice. But let's go talk to a pro. Let's go talk to a jeweler, a gemologist, someone who's devoted their life to this. An expert, One of my best friends on earth and just an all around wonderful human being, Kyle Chan. We're gonna go to the store. We did go to the store. I'm recording this afterwards. It was honestly beautiful conversation, eye opening. I'm curious to see what you guys think after this episode. But yeah, Kyle Chan, you might know him from Vanderbilt Rules shit. He's worked with celebrities all over the world. Beyonce, Taylor Swift, movies, La La Land. Yeah, man. But I don't know. Listen, his store is beautiful. I love it. It's on 3rd street in West Hollywood. Yeah. Yes. He's a jeweler of the stars, but he's a man of the people. You could go in there with 100 bucks and you will walk out happy. So, yeah, I sat down with him to talk about lab growing diamonds. Let's get into it. We'll pick up with Kyle Chan on the show here. I've been, we've been hopefully trying to level up mentally, physically, spiritually. Definitely more detox than Retox. We don't want a deficit looking for harmony. But also remember, we're not going to feel bad about feeling good. And remember, Retox isn't toxic. It's treating yourself, easing your mind, muting the madness of the day for a little bit. While there are many ways you can accomplish this, one of my most recent favorite ways is microdosing edibles. Yes. Inda Cloud has entered the chat. Just remember, if you've tried them, everybody knows edibles will humble you. You have to be careful and respect your doses. I just like to take a little bit to just sort of veg out and chill out at the end of the night. I also like taking it before I work out. I know it's insane and I love indicloud. One of my favorites are the peach sodas. And it's smooth sailing. No angst, no anxiety, no mind racing. They're super chill. This is just for me, okay? Also, I like the chronic crystals. They have little thc, cbn, melatonin. They have gaba in them. L theanine. Like I got the little packet by my bed. I take like maybe a third of the packet and I sleep like a dream. And I have the best dreams, by the way. Yes, indecloud. I know it sounds too smooth to be legal, right? But it is into. Cloud's products are farm bill compliant. Third party tests that have made for grown ups like me and you who want to buzz without having to go to the dispensary. That's 30 minutes away. So, yeah, we'll do a full episode on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC. And we'll do these hopefully with one of our friends here soon. But yes, so. So whether you're chasing deeper sleep, better focus, or just some peace between the madness of the day, this is how adults get elevated. Now, if you're 21 or older, now's your chance to float above the stress. Yes, float above the stress because IndyCloud is giving new customers 25% off their first order plus free shipping. Free shipping always feels good. A little W for the day. Use the code retox or click the link in the show notes to claim your discount. That's indecloud. I n d a C l o u d.co use code RETOX for free shipping plus 25% off your first order. Fill up the quick survey when you order to support this show and make your week a little more enjoyable. Thank you. Into cloud, you guys. Kyle Chan, can you hear me?

[A]

Yes, I can.

[B]

Here with my BFF hailing from Hong Kong. We're here in Kyle chan's Store, Kyle 3rd Street, West Hollywood, your brick and mortar jeweler to the stars and to everyone. Anyone with a few bucks in their pocket you've worked with. Let's see, where do we start? La La Land, Beyonce, Mariah Carey. Also, can I say that you might be the world's number one Mariah Carey fan?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Is that okay?

[A]

Definitely.

[B]

Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Tom Schwartz. Yay. Vanderpump rules.

[A]

My favorite, the Valley. I love the Valley also.

[B]

I mean, we could do an interview. I could just kind of boast about how much I love you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You're one of my dearest friends. Thank you for sitting down with me. We're upstairs right now. And by the way, I did a little poll before I came here. Controversial. I asked my audience, would you be a little bummed out if your lover, your significant other, proposed to you with a lab growing diamond? Do you want to see the stats where we are right now? We're going to come back. We're going to talk about this right now.

[A]

I would like to see it right now.

[B]

You guys. There are about 38,000 votes and wow, 32,000 of those. That's 84% say no. They wouldn't mind.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And about 6,000 say yes. Please don't do that. Save it for your situationship.

[A]

I'm so happy to see that.

[B]

So we're gonna get into that a little bit.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But before we do that. Can we take a second and maybe pour up a little Kyle chan Gold Bar 18 year whiskey?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You guys.

[A]

Definitely.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I'm super excited for this collaboration with the Copa Whiskey. I'm pretty sure some of you might have heard about it go by whiskey. It's a company who is actually the 20. They're in 26 countries, different duty free shop, and they're number one at all of them. And it is crazy because of their package. It's obviously luxurious looking. It's gold. And their first collaborator was with the 49ers and it was quite interesting that we have Joe Montana and then me being an Asian.

[B]

Well, it's a beautiful collaboration. It's a gorgeous body. It's got the swarovski crystal on there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

To commemorate you.

[A]

It's the 18 year diamond edition.

[B]

18 years. By the way, barrel finished in French oak cognac casks.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

By the way, barrel finished just means like, so they age it in oak barrels and then at the very end, they'll throw it in a nice French oak cognac cask to soak up all those other flavors.

[A]

And yeah, they burn a little bit of the wood chip and then they put it there to infuse that toasted flavor.

[B]

Kyle, where can we find it right now? Where. Where can we find Khao Chang gold bar wood chip?

[A]

It's crazy. It's in quite a lot of major retail locations such as Bethmo. It's in 37 locations of Southern California total wine, and I think they have 15 locations and Costco in San Francisco literally just got it. So we are excited to see them in every place.

[B]

Kyle, one of my favorite things about you, wherever you go, you go with all your heart. When you decide to commit to something, collaborate, any new business endeavor, you go in 100%. And I just wanted to say I'm proud of you.

[A]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

This is one of my favorite collaborations yet. It's delicious. Yeah, it's my go to whiskey.

[A]

Yay.

[B]

When I drink, it's in my kitchen. It's a great gift, by the way.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Wait, I don't want this to sound like an infomercial. I don't want it to sound like.

[A]

An info that sounds like one a little bit.

[B]

I have a lot of questions for you. Okay. Before we get into, you know, some of the other stuff, can we do like a little Kyle Chan origin story?

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Can we? Because, listen, you've come so far. You came here with. I won't say nothing. You came here with very little and you've worked your way almost to the top of your game, and you're thriving right now. To me, you're the American dream personified.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You really are. And I have so much admiration, love, and respect for you. But just for a second, if you're cool with it, is it okay to go back a little bit?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So when did you arrive? You. You were born in Hong Kong?

[A]

I was born in Hong Kong, but if you're familiar with Hong Kong. I'm actually. I actually grew up on the Kowloon side, which means the ghetto, the cheaper part of Hong Kong. And something that I haven't shared with a lot of people that I was actually. I actually grew up in this place in the city in Kowloon called Wall City. So if you look up on YouTube, they're actually one of the densest city in the world.

[B]

Did we go there when we went to Hong Kong?

[A]

No, they already. They busted it already. Now a park. But that place is literally the scariest slum, I guess, in the world. All the criminals, drug dealers, everybody who got in trouble, they will all hide in there. So that's actually where I grew up.

[B]

Is it kind of. Is it kind of like Hong Kong's underbelly, if you will?

[A]

Something like that? Yeah. They have, like, crazy, like, all the criminal activities and everything's on there. It's literally the scariest place on earth.

[B]

So you don't have fond memories? Let's just say.

[A]

You know what's funny? When I was young, I guess the criminals are not really interested, like, hurting little children. And. And I was only. I. I think I stayed there around 3 to 10 years old.

[B]

Yeah. And the dark side of humanity is not really on your radar. You're just everything shiny and new to me.

[A]

It was crazy because when I grew up there, I have no. I have no idea that I was. I was in the slum. I thought, that's life. Yeah. So I have no idea.

[B]

The fish is the last one to learn about water. When you're in it and you're surrounded by it, you don't know anything else.

[A]

You have no idea.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I guess that kind of give me. Now that I look back, I would say it's an advantage for me because I grew up with basically nothing until I started to see the world. And then I moved. And then I. From 10 to 13, I was more like a child Labor Day. Child labor for my dad's factory. He borrowed some money. Family, sort of like my mom's family, gather some money and Help him to take over the factory that his old boss had. So then that's when we finally have a little money. But we were very, very broke and I grew up really poor with probably nothing, like literally nothing we have to buy like scrap to eat. And yeah, it was, it was bad. But I, like I said, I have no idea. I thought I have everything that I needed because my grandmom loves me and I, I just, as a child, I just really thought that I have everything that I needed and I was happy. So I think that gives me a very, very important lesson because no matter what journey and no matter what part of my. Of my journey, I. I feel like I was always a happy person because I understand how to find happiness, not just solely counting on money or materialist things. But don't get me wrong, I love all. I love all the nice thing in the world.

[B]

So, no, I think, yeah, those with the least have the greatest appreciation for what little they do have. Yeah.

[A]

Yes, yes. So after that, then I moved here to America at 13.

[B]

What year was that?

[A]

That was, I think 1989 or 1990. That was 37 or 38 years ago.

[B]

I was 37 years old.

[A]

It's so crazy. Yeah. When I moved here because even though I lived in a slum when I was in Hong Kong, but Hong Kong is such a futuristic city. We went there, you've seen it. We have everything in that city in that. Do you consider a country now? It belongs to China, so. Well, it's China, so it's one of a special city in China. So it was super futuristic. And. And so when I moved here, it was actually a little culture shock to me.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Moving from Hong Kong to here because basically Hong Kong has just have everything that you, you needed at any price point for, for the poor, for the rich, for the ultra rich.

[B]

So you had a little culture shock. Wait, where did you land in the US In.

[A]

In Los Angeles.

[B]

Los Angeles?

[A]

Yeah. So my dad said, I was like, hey, where are we? And he said, we're in Los Angeles. I'm like, we're not on the countryside. He's like, no, no, no offense. I love la. I love. This is where I call home. And I live here in America for 37. 37 years. And I'm fully like submerged and like, I love this country. I love everything that they have offer. And without this opportunity, I don't think I'll be who I am today because I feel like Asian people, it's cutthroat. If I stay in Hong Kong, I actually don't know if I would still be the best version of me. Because, you know, Asian people, it's like, if you get 99 points, somebody will have 99.9 points. If you get 100 points, somebody will find ways to be like 110 points. It's crazy. It's very cutthroat, especially in Hong Kong, because there's one little dot of the map. It's such a small city, and then they have like 7 or 8 million people lives there. So that's why it's really tricky. I think that's how it pushes me to who I am today. That I always wanted to do my best no matter what I do.

[B]

So that was. Yeah, that was a critical moment in your life, A life changing moment. Arriving in California, Los Angeles. Do you have a clear memory? Do you have fond memories of when you first came here? Did you have preconceived notions of what America might be like based on movies you've seen?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

What did you think it was gonna be like? So I thought in my mind that I'm gonna have all the whitest people as my best friend, like a white best friend, regardless if it's a girl or boy. And then at school, I would picture myself eating French fries and eating like all the good American food or whatever. But then it was a little different. It was obviously very different. And at my school, I think there's probably. We have a pretty diverse school. I was in the high school was Alhambra High. So we have a lot of Asians, a lot of Hispanic, very little white, very little black.

[B]

It was a melting pot.

[A]

Yeah, it was. And it was shocking to me because I was very excited to move to America because I thought, hey, it's the united color of Benetton. And I actually love culture and I love people. So then I go, you know what? I am going to be friends with every color and like, you know, learn every culture. But then I just realized, but 37 years ago, it was okay to make fun of people. It was okay to bully people. And there's no such words bullying back then. I guess there is, but people don't really use it.

[B]

They weren't cognizant of it. It was just part of life.

[A]

Yeah. So I was considered the fresh of the boat. I actually didn't know that because I don't really speak English and I try to be friends with people overly friendly and people's like this strange kid trying to be friends with me and don't even speak English and trying to Learn my language. So I was that guy.

[B]

Yeah, gang, we talk about cooking at home. Can we talk about hello Fresh? Have you guys been cooking at home lately? Are you a takeout junkie like me? Reformed because I'm staging an intervention with myself. Last month, I spent over a thousand dollars on takeout. And that was a conservative month, a mindful month. I gotta chill. Okay. I love cooking. I just don't love going to the store, you know, I don't like thinking about portions, all the different things I need to get. It's kind of a pain in the. You know what? So I love hello Fresh. Also. We should romanticize our lives a little. Romanticize cooking in the comfort of your own home. Yeah. Rocking the moomoo. Light some candles. Put your favorite show on. It's Monday as I'm recording this. So tonight I'm gonna watch Bachelor in Paradise. And I'm not gonna order takeout. I'm dead in it. Deading takeout. You only get that reference if you watch this season. But yeah, I like cooking. It's very soothing. It's kind of like a ritualistic, very Zen moment. You know, a little kitchen asmr. I almost go into like a Nara Smith moment when I'm in the kitchen. Tonight I'm making the hellofresh vegan spicy coconut curry soup with carrots, spinach and lime. It only takes 5 minutes of prep in 20 minutes total. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Actually, for this recipe, lime squeezy. All right, you get the idea. But I love hellofresh. It's the real deal. They doubled their menu. You can choose over, I think, a hundred options each week now, which is insane. New seasonal dishes and recipes from around the world. Like, forget about it. Yeah, they've doubled their menu. And I like that. It takes the guesswork out of your meal planning. It's perfectly portioned, step by step instructions. It saves you hassle of having to go to the store. It takes a load off. It takes a load off and I dig it. I think you're gonna dig it too. So, yeah, like I said, hellofresh. The best way to cook just got better. Go to hellofresh.com detox10fm. That's detox10fm now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life. Yes. One box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on first box. New subscribers only. Varies by plan. That's hellofresh.com detox10fm to get 10 meals free. And if we had them for life. Yes. HelloFresh is America's number one choice for home cooking. Easy and healthy. And one less thing to stress about during your day. So take a load off with hellofresh. Okay. So you just arrived in America.

[A]

Yeah. So it was a little different.

[B]

Do you remember your first job in Los Angeles? I know you've told me, but for the audience, it's crazy.

[A]

I got a school permit and I work at 99 Ranch Supermarket, which is a Chinese supermarket, collecting carts and bagging. Yeah. So I'm like doing packing and stuff. It was crazy.

[B]

And you've worked. I mean, you've worked all kinds of odds and end jobs.

[A]

Yes. I done restaurant. I've worked. I did hair makeup. I worked for China Airlines for seven years. I did singing at the weddings. I've done so much. It's crazy.

[B]

You've had such a fascinating life and career. Yeah. By the way, Kyle Chan is a great singer. Do you want to drop a few notes? No, we'll end with that. He's only had a sip of whiskey.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The interview is young, but can. Do you remember the moment where you realized maybe it's an epiphany or a realization like, I want to be a jeweler, I want to be a gemologist. What happened? Where, where, where's the, where's the origin story for that?

[A]

So it was crazy. When I was young, I obviously grew up in a very poor family. It was never even in my imagine, in my imagination that I would own a jewelry store or anywhere near with jewelry related. I just thought that I love anything beautiful. I thought I would be in fashion.

[B]

Champagne and caviar dreams.

[A]

Yeah. I really thought that I would be in fashion. But then little does people know that I'm allergic to everything. So then the fabric, everything, you know, it kind of like annoys me and I will be sneezing if I go into a new like store or fabric store. And also going to fashion school is actually very expensive. I realized I. Because after I enrolled in college, I realized, oh my God, I cannot afford.

[B]

It without a scholarship. It's very expensive. Yeah.

[A]

There's actually no way I can afford it, especially with my personality. I'm. I'm a shopaholic, in case you don't know. I would buy every fabric that I don't need. So I just don't see myself being able to afford it. But in high school, I stumbled across a jewelry making class. I thought it was putting some beats together, but it was like a full blown metalsmith class. And like that moment, it actually struck a chord that I'm actually good at this. But then my teacher told me, hey, you're always going to be a B student. I'm like, why? And. Yeah. And I just couldn't understand, like, no matter what my technique is, no matter the creativity. Then he said, well, jewelry and art, it's very subjective. And I said, okay, and the subjective opinion is yours. So I guess he just never liked me. And I'm always very. I actually won't consider myself rebellious. I'm more like a person with a lot of curiosity. And I challenge people.

[B]

So.

[A]

So I guess when I challenge people and I have question, sometimes it doesn't rub people the right way.

[B]

But I think that's a beautiful moment because sometimes in your. In your younger years, in your formative years, something like that can be. It might just seem like something you dismiss. It goes in one year, out the other. But it really might plant a seed. Someone doubting your. Your potential.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Doubting your abilities, your capabilities.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Your potential. It can really change something and you spark something in you.

[A]

I actually think that helps me.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I'm the type of person that if you tell me a story or. Or the doctor tell me something, I go, fact check. Yeah. So that's just me.

[B]

Yeah. So that was. That was the moment you were like, wait, there's something to this. I like this. I want to explore this.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And then we'll skip a few. We'll skip. We'll skip a few beats.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Next thing you know, you started with farmers markets downtown.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Farmers markets downtown.

[A]

Yeah. I did seven years retail, seven years wholesale for jewelry business. And then I decided to go on my own, and I did downtown LA Art walk.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So that's how I started.

[B]

And you're a certified gemologist.

[A]

Yes, Yes. I went to GIA and studied quite a few of their classes.

[B]

That's right. And you've continued to work your way up. Now you've got the brick and mortar here in West Hollywood. Did you ever dream of this back when you first arrived Los Angeles?

[A]

Never.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Never in a million years that I would think that I would own a jewelry store every. Even for now. Like, a lot of the time, I look into the showcase, look at everything that I own. I'm like, wow, this is a lot of jewelry. A lot of jewelry.

[B]

A lot of jewelry. And a lot of hard work, dedication, sleepless nights.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You've really like. Your work ethic is something to be admired. And I just wanted to, you know, I wanted to say I'm proud of you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

I mean, That I love and respect your worth. Work ethic is unrivaled.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I want to say, you know, I was with Kyle chan when he got this space on 3rd street in West Hollywood. And I'm telling you, I wouldn't have believed it unless I witnessed it with my own eyes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

It was a blank space and a blank canvas.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

An empty room.

[A]

And within a month, 35 days.

[B]

35 days, it was fully set up, operational, all the permits, licensing, everything. And he was open for business.

[A]

Yes. Took me 35 days.

[B]

You might be one of the most efficient people I've ever met.

[A]

I was actually seven days behind because it took me seven days to figure out which gray I want to use. So that took up seven days of my time to go back and forth, back and forth with the swatches. So that took me seven days. That was the longest process.

[B]

We started from the bottom. Now we're here on the couch with labubus.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

We are surrounded by labubus and some of the most beautiful, precious gemstones.

[A]

And I have this giant simu moods from you. So just so you know, some people get confused. The one with the tail, it's called zemu moo.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, Zemumu.

[A]

The one without a tail, it's le booboo. Here at the zebra, research shows the average person would rather endure a root.

[B]

Canal than search for auto and home insurance. Just try to relax, okay? Or be trapped in a car for.

[A]

Eight hours with toddlers on a sugar high.

[B]

Or remove a nest of irate hornets.

[A]

That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can Compare. [e-mail] we do the searching, you do the saving. I think I'll wait inside.

[B]

Listen, I'm vibing. The whiskey's kicking in. A nice little healthy retalk session. Casey, at the top of the interview, I told you about the pole. Can we chat a little bit about the diamond business?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And like, the legacy of, like, some of the older quotes, some of the slogans. Like a diamond is forever, which is created by the De Beers Company back.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

1947.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

It's such a great freaking slogan. Diamonds are forever. It's like our love.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Symbol of our commitment and our dedication and our everlasting love.

[A]

I think that it's actually one of the smartest, smartest slogan, because everybody wants love. And if you could give your love or show your love with a single stone that people could actually wear it daily, who wouldn't want that?

[B]

Now it's one of the great marketing, I won't say gimmick, but strategies ever.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

One of the best diamonds are forever. But you know what, so are lab diamonds.

[A]

Yes, Lab con diamond. It's hitting it really, really hard right now in the market.

[B]

I want to get into that with you a little bit. So like they're chemically and physically identical to mine diamonds, they're ethically made? Yes, they're pretty much the same thing. I was looking online before I got here, it says they've surged in popularity and they are like on average like 70, 80% cheaper than a natural diamond.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Is that about right?

[A]

Yeah, it sounds about right. And then the price, it's continuously dropping as well.

[B]

Okay, what's your take right now on lab grown diamonds?

[A]

You know what, to me, let me put it this way. Ten years ago a 3 carat natural diamond will cost you about 70,000 to 100,000. Right. And then 10 years ago, lab grown diamond was still pretty expensive. It's about 50,000. So you thought for the rich people, they go, I say 50,000, so I'll buy it. But it's still not for the general public. But now they drop to a point that it's about a three carat. Probably only like maybe depend on where you buy and the quality of the stone and depending on what type of treatment that they use, then it will be like maybe around 2 to $4,000 for the stone.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So a lot of people, it's always asking me, do you think this is a good investment? I would tell them I do not think buying lab grown diamond will be a good investment. But I would tell you that buying lab grown diamond, it will be a.

[B]

Smart decision, a budget friendly decision.

[A]

Yes. Because let me put it this way, if you're buying a three carat natural diamond, by all means, if you have the means and if your girlfriend loves it, buy it. Because natural diamond, let me put it in a way that people will understand because earth money will not be able to reprint. So let's say real estate, gold, any natural material that you can find on earth, however much there is on earth, it's that much.

[B]

There's a limited supply, there's scarcity, sometimes false scarcity.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But we can come back to that later.

[A]

So. So then those will continue rise, just like gold.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But anything that's reprintable, then it will not be the best investment because if you can reprint it, somebody will find ways to make it and reprint it better and cheaper. So that's what happening right now to Lab grown diamond. So I would say it is not the best investment, but it's definitely the smartest decision that you'll make. To save that money, you're paying 3,4000 versus 100,000. So you could save that 100,000 to buy a car. You can buy a G wagon, probably. Or pay for your wedding.

[B]

A rental house, an Airbnb.

[A]

Yep. So from my understanding nowadays, I would say 80 to 90% of my customer, regardless of their financial status, as long as you're honest with your significant others that you tell them that, hey, I would really like to get you what you want and if you prefer to have a three carat natural diamond, I will buy it for you. But if it was a lab grown, this would be the price and we could actually spend it on honeymoon and all of the above. So what would you think? I think if you're honest and your girlfriend loves you as well as she wanted the money well spent, most of the people do make that decision. But like I said, I don't hate on people buying natural diamond either because as a gemologist and, and people in this industry, I do appreciate natural stones as well.

[B]

Yeah, me too. And, and to play devil's advocate, by the way, I'm a supporter of lab growing diamonds.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm just gonna be honest with you, Kyle. If someone got me one for, for a proposal, I might be slightly bummed.

[A]

You should know ahead of time.

[B]

That's. I think a healthy communication.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Is key.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But like, Kyle, you know me. How long have we known each other? 13 years, maybe 12 years.

[A]

Something. I think maybe 10, 20. 10, 10, 12. I don't know.

[B]

You know me well enough to know that I'm not superficial.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, I'm not shallow minded. I'm not a materialistic monster. Yes, I like nice things, but is it, is it wrong that I don't want a lab grown diamond?

[A]

No, it's not.

[B]

Is it wrong that I don't want a stone that was made in a lab to symbolize our love? Listen, it's like me and Taylor were talking about this earlier. Yes, I kind of want something.

[A]

Taylor's a brilliant videographer, by the way.

[B]

And we did a photo shoot earlier. But I kind of want something that's been forming in the earth geologically for millions of years. Like an emerald. Takes potentially millions of years to make. I think there's something profound about that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, to me, like precious gemstones, rubies. Yeah, emeralds and stuff. They're almost like mythological or mystical, Magical.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

To Me, they have like, they have lore to me, you know, even. And even if that's just like placebo or positive thinking to me, they kind of almost have a special power. They feel sacred to me. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like rubies. If you go back to Egyptian culture. I was, I was reading up on this earlier. Rubies were believed to ward off evil.

[A]

You've done such beautiful like research. It's just insane.

[B]

Well, I love, I love, I love. I'm so fascinated by Egyptian culture. But yes, rubies were believed to ward off evil, bring good fortune, enhance strength, encourage pharaohs and nobility. They were rocking rubies and they were using like sacred ceremonies, all that stuff.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And to me that's kind of romantic. They buried their dead with rubies.

[A]

I love, love, love a good story.

[B]

They. Yeah, they buried their dead with rubies to aid their journey through the underworld. But like, I don't know that that resonates with me. And then I don't know, I'm thinking, and not to be like snarky here, but the lore of a lab diamond. It's like a tech named Donnie from Long island made your diamond in a lab that's across from the Jersey mics. And it's like it took about six weeks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Not to say it's not special cuz it's still a tech.

[A]

It's getting way faster now.

[B]

It's a technological modern marvel. It's insane. Kyle's what's on average six to ten weeks right now?

[A]

I think they can do it. The newest technology can do it in 15 minutes, but. But it's not widely used yet. Obviously.

[B]

15 minutes.

[A]

Yeah. But that was the newest one that I saw.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

But I'm usually average. Probably one day to like couple weeks. They said.

[B]

Okay. So that's really impressive. If you know what it takes. We could do another episode on what it takes to actually from a scientific method to. Yeah, it's. It's amazing. Listen, it's great. And also it's great at lowering costs for like practical things like medical tools. Saw, stuff like that.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

But in my opinion, you. I don't have many hot takes, but I think you should save the lab growing diamonds for your situation chips. Wow. I'm just kidding. That's kind of harsh. I would never judge someone, but I listen instead of getting me a lab growing diamond, I would rather just have like a cool semi precious gemstone. Like an amethyst. Like citrine.

[A]

Yeah. I think in general public, I think people now needs to. I, I would encourage People to have, like, the gift and your friendship etiquette, such as you should not ask your friend if it was the second they show you engagement ring. Your friend show you an engagement ring. You shouldn't be like, is it lab grown or. So you. You kind of don't want to ask that. And you kind of don't want to ask how much is it? Like, those two are the question. That should be a big no. No.

[B]

Yeah. No. That's incredibly rude and taboo. And I would never. Honestly, for me, I think it would be a don't ask, don't tell.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

As long as I don't care. But I think, I don't know because.

[A]

Every time when people. The funny thing is, I think about at least 70% of my customer. Their only concern is, what if my friend asks me? Or what if people can tell?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But they. They are totally happy and buy into the idea of lab grown because of all of the other good reasons. And they're happy with their husband and they, like, I really don't care. But they worry on how people judge them. I think that it's actually played the biggest part of why. Because other people are shaming them. So I think that it's actually not. That part of it actually concern me more because I don't think that it's a healthy culture. I think worrying about what your friends or other people might judge on how much love there is or how much money that your fiance, future husband could afford or to give you and to doubt their love. I actually think this is kind of, like, sad to. To hear.

[B]

I like that the origin, the size of the ring I'm giving you is not a measure of my love. Yes, I like that.

[A]

Yeah. So I have one question that everybody always asks me. They're like, oh, when they see me, like, random people, they'll be like, oh, look at my engagement ring, or look at this jewelry. What do you think? Or people always come to my store and ask me, oh, you have so many nice jewelry. Which one is your favorite jewelry or, you know, the favorite stone? And I always tell people, don't be afraid, or don't worry about what diamond or what stone it is. I think the most beautiful thing about jewelry, it's because of the story behind it and who gave it to you. Because jewelry is so popular. And like I said, I grew up with nothing, and I would never thought in a million years that I would have all this jewelry. So then with our company, we have, like, all price. All price point from semi precious to precious. So I always tell people you should focus on the story of, you know, of that piece of jewelry. Because that's the most beautiful thing when it comes to jewelry. It's. Where did you get this ring? Or got it in. In Greece with my boyfriend on in the street fair. Or you got a string when you're visiting Mexico.

[B]

Oh, I thought that was a ring on the string.

[A]

J. I didn't mean to bring it up. You know how they braid it really nicely. Sleeve like complicated, like. Like very intricate knots and then they put like a little gemstone in it. Those type of jewelry. Yeah. I still have some like when I travel. So I always encourage and remind people that I think the most beautiful thing is the story behind that piece of jewelry that you own. So treasure that and don't compare it with obviously everybody like nice thing. If you get a big old diamond rings, celebrate it. And there's nothing wrong with it. But you should always celebrate every piece of jewelry that signifies something.

[B]

Some of my favorite pieces ever. I don't want to cry. Are just like, like little simple bracelets that my mom or dad got me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That cost $5. Do you know what I mean?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

But they mean more to me than anything in the world.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I see a lot of rich like businesswoman or customer. Like they have like this arm stack with diamonds and stuff. And once every blue moon you see one of them wearing like a little beaded bracelet made by the daughter or something. And it means something to her and it's beautiful. And I think that's. Yes. I think that's the most beautiful thing ever.

[B]

Go. That was downright poetic. You're dropping nuggets of wisdom. Wait, is there still. What is a cubic zirconium? I didn't google it. I have no idea what it is. I still don't understand what it is actually.

[A]

It's a crystal form. Oh. It is also man made. Yes. Lab grown.

[B]

Is it okay to get cubic zirconium?

[A]

I would say with the price point of lab grown diamond nowadays, they're obsolete. Yeah. You should really kind of save up to buy a lab grown. If not, you can go for moissanite. Moissanite is a lot cheaper.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then cubic zirconia. Cuz cubic zirconia is kind of like you can't really tell. Kind of.

[B]

I like that you're so conscientious of people's budgets.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Budgetary concerns and so can we.

[A]

Well, because I grew up with nothing.

[B]

Exactly. I love that about you. What do you Think about, okay, what do you think about the old. You should spend three months of your salary. Norm.

[A]

I think that it's, that it's the same marketing thing, comes from the beer, if I'm not wrong. It is, it comes from them. So I think it's a, it's a great way. Let me put it this way. I think it's a great way to show your sincerity because if you are not willing to sacrifice three months of your salary to an Asian person, we actually need to spend more. We talk about like the 3M, the Mercedes, the mansion and then the money, which is million. Yeah. So for Asian people, if you marry a Chinese person, you score because the groom, the husband pay for the wedding. Yeah, yeah. And they need to give your mom and your family a reassurance, like red envelope. Yeah. So they will bargain with you. They'll be like 8,000, $80,888. It's a negotiation, negotiation tactic. So you need to give that money to your mother in law. So then it's sort of like an insurance for the bride. What if you don't treat her well or whatever. And then they want to make sure that you guys get married. You better have a home to live together.

[B]

So it's a background check.

[A]

So I think so I think for American culture, three months salary, it's kind of like score.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the bride pay for the wedding also. Dang. Well, so, so, so I think it's.

[B]

Fair if, and if you're listening to this, obviously don't sweat that. You spend what you can afford at the time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Yeah. You can still do that. I think, I think social norms are shifting. Yes.

[B]

Like, like, especially with like Gen Z and the younger generations. Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Are they abiding by some of this outdated stuff?

[A]

I don't really think so. I don't really have a lot of Gen Z getting married and come to me and get a ring. So I don't really know because. Let me think. Why. Yeah.

[B]

Just really, just being in TomTom Schwartz and Sandy's and sir.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I've been lucky enough to like celebrate so many engagements and proposals. And I've seen a lot of beautiful stones.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The guy, the guy, the guy who wrote the song Dina Dudley, his sister sang it, remember he showed me his wife's diamond and he goes, you guys made this. You guys bought this for me. It was one of the most beautiful diamonds, but I got sidetracked. I've seen a lot of people who do this thing. They come in and they have like A modest but beautiful stone. And they're like, it's a great one, and they plan on upgrading it later.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I would always. When they say upgrade, I get nervous because I will always suggest them to keep that original one. Keep the original one and buy one. Like, buy a bigger one.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

To, you know, celebrate. But the very first one, that. That signified that story. You better keep it. That's, of course, what I would.

[B]

Of course, you always keep the first.

[A]

I always tell them to keep it, but most people just go, hey, if we can upgrade a diamond from half a carrot to two carat, I'll do it. I'm like, no, no, no. Keep that half a carrot. If you can afford that 2 carat, you can afford to buy that to carry. You don't need the credit from that. 50, you know, 50 points.

[B]

I truly believe on, like a, I don't know, quantum level. Like the. That original stone is sort of imbued with the love and the history.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Not to get romantic.

[A]

Do not trade that.

[B]

Exactly. Can we go through some hypothetical scenarios real quick?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. Kyle, they come into your store, they're in love, okay. And this guy is gonna propose or this girl's gonna propose or whoever. And they only have 3k to spend. What would you recommend if it's 3k?

[A]

Depend on the quality, I think you can get a decent maybe around two karat.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Two carat. Lab grown. Yeah. But if it is natural diamond, one carat is already, like, at least 10 grand.

[B]

So would you consider sort of pushing them in a direction of something like morganite or emerald or another? What are some good alternatives off the top of your head?

[A]

Good alternative, natural stone. I would say sapphires or ruby.

[B]

I love those.

[A]

Because first of all, sapphire is one of the hardest stone after diamond. So then you don't have to worry about the durability. And it also signifies a lot of, like, different love and, like, royalty use them. And the most amazing thing about sapphire is because they actually comes in the most variety of color ever. So any color that you can think of, you can have the whole spectrum. The whole spectrum.

[B]

And Kyle has almost every color here.

[A]

I have actually. I actually covered the whole color. Yeah. The whole rainbow. Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I do.

[B]

All right. They come back. Actually, this is a new person. They were just at Tom. Tom.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Crushing Tom. Espressos.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Pump teenies at Sir.

[A]

I like.

[B]

And they have 6k to spend.

[A]

6K is a much better budget.

[B]

They're like, give me the best thing you got for 6k.

[A]

Okay. Well, then, are we talking about. What are we talking about a natural, Natural, natural stone, 6K. I would still suggest if it's diamond, you probably get a much smaller one. So sapphire would be a great, really good choice. Yeah, you can get aquamarine. Aquamarine, it's great too. The only thing about color stone, though, color stone is amazing. I love color stone. Don't get me wrong. But there's one reason why people don't buy color stone as much. Because it's harder to keep them clean because they don't have the fire like sapphire and diamond. So once they get dirty, they get foggy really quickly and you need to clean them. Yeah. So it requires more cleaning. So then it will look at the top, you know.

[B]

Can I ask you two questions? What's the rarest colored diamond?

[A]

The rarest color diamond would be red. Red, yes.

[B]

And is that like. Is that the hottest one, the most popular one? Right. Pink canaries are.

[A]

It's not the most popular one because a lot of people don't. They don't know it was the most most valuable.

[B]

I'll post a picture. I've never seen a red diamond. I'm sure it looks just like a red, beautiful stone.

[A]

Yeah. It's never crazy. One carrot will cost you like, I don't know how many millions. I forgot.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah, it's insane.

[B]

Wait, we're gonna. I'm gonna check this out.

[A]

I think it was. They've only find less than a handful. You can look it up, I think if I'm not wrong. But I would say pink, probably one of the most popular.

[B]

Pink's gorgeous.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What about. What about underrated or up and coming semi precious gemstones?

[A]

Up and coming. I think a lot of people started to learn what alexandrite is, but alexandrite is one of the rarest stone on earth. They're just as expensive, if not more than diamond. So it could be a hectic to get alexandrite. First of all, a lot of jewelers don't have it in stock.

[B]

It's scarce.

[A]

Yes. Super scared. And second of all, a lot of people don't know what they're looking for. So Alexandria is one of the stone that depend on the quality. They have the ability to change color from green to pink. It's almost under different lights.

[B]

Yes. Are they almost iridescent or am I thinking of something else?

[A]

They are not iridescent, but then a lot of synthetic stone appear to be iridescent when they change color. So it's very easy to spot a synthetic stone. Usually when people show you an alexandrite that is huge, it's already a big red flag because it's super rare. If you have a huge one, usually it's in the museum. So usually if you see it purple, it's also a red flag because synthetic alexandrite is always purple. And the third red flag is when they show it to you, they go, so proud. They go, look, it changes color. And then it changes color on its own when he moved the stone. Then it is a synthetic because it should only change color under different lighting.

[B]

Are you guys writing this down? Seriously? No. Google Alexandrite. It's one of the most beautiful stones.

[A]

Very, very pretty.

[B]

I know the opal mark. It's also ripe with synthetics.

[A]

I actually gave Kristen and alexandrite ring for her because. Yeah.

[B]

What?

[A]

Because Christian Doty. Yeah.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Well, obviously it's not like the big one. It's like smaller stone together because I can't afford it and it's hard to find a single big stone. So it's like a smaller beautiful band.

[B]

I gotta see this.

[A]

That represent her. Her baby.

[B]

You got it for Kaya?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Born in gin.

[B]

Wait for people who can't come to your fabulous store. It is gorgeous. I know. I'm partial because he's one of my best friends, but it's stunning here. I could sit here all day. I feel. It feels homey.

[A]

Everybody's welcome.

[B]

Everybody's welcome.

[A]

Everybody's welcome. Except we open 11 to 5, 6 hours a day only. So if you want a full experience, the best is to make an appointment.

[B]

Make an appointment for people who can't make it out here. Maybe they live in another country. But do you have any online resources or recommendations to find good deals on stones? I don't think the common. The common person's allowed to go to gemstone conventions. You have to be. What are the qualifications?

[A]

You have to be most of the bigger convention, like Gemstone Convention Center. You require like a resale license.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And they would for some that it's more strict. They would make sure that you own a jewelry store because for safety reason, they don't want anybody to just go in.

[B]

We learned about the three M's. Can you tell everybody about the four C's?

[A]

The four C's? It's color, clarity, cut. Carrot.

[B]

Yeah. Thank you. By the way, did you see Christian Ronaldo's ring he got for his fiance?

[A]

I saw it. Looks like a quail egg.

[B]

It's a boulder. It's 50 carats, 3 milli at least 50 carat, 48.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

What's the biggest diamond you've ever seen?

[A]

A lot of love that I've ever seen.

[B]

Yeah. I held in your hand.

[A]

I saw quite a few with you at those jewelry trade shows. Probably 50 karat.

[B]

We went to the Tucson show. It was one of the great experiences of my life. So fascinating.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's a subculture.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

And people are so passionate about their stones. By the way, not to put any bad energy out there, but have you ever had someone come get the ring and then have to bring it back because the person said no that they proposed to? Actually.

[A]

I don't recall having that maybe one time only. Long. Like that was a long time ago. Yeah, probably just one time, I think.

[B]

Okay, on that note, do you think none of. None of the marriages lasted on Vanderpump rules? Do you think it was your jewelry that jinxed them?

[A]

No, I have a lot of jewelry that other people works too. A lot of people. A lot of other celebrity that I made for still last. I think it's a Vanderpump curse. It's not a Kyle Chen curse. It's more like a Vanderpump curse.

[B]

Kyle. My favorite thing. Well, I'm wearing my favorite neck. My favorite thing is tanzanite.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'll post some pictures for you guys. But my favorite thing you ever made me personally was me. For me and Katie's second wedding at Caesars in Las Vegas, you made. We found a heart shaped tanzanite stone. I think it was 13 carats.

[A]

I don't remember. It was big.

[B]

It was big.

[A]

It was big.

[B]

And we set it in rose gold.

[A]

Or we said it in rose gold. Yes.

[B]

And Katie still has it. It's one of the most beautiful. Not. I'm not flexing here. I just think objectively it is one.

[A]

Of the beautiful, beautiful ring. Yes. I love, love, love that ring. I still want to see it on her.

[B]

Well, the, the times are a change. And if lab growing prices like you said, keep going down, do you think it'll have a significant impact on natural.

[A]

I think it's already impacting the natural diamond industry quite a lot. So a lot of jeweler, I mean a lot of diamond dealer who sell natural diamond, obviously they're having a different opinion about it. But to me, I never fight trend. I never fight what people want and I never fight what good for the people. Like if everybody can finally afford it and have a taste of bigger diamond, nicer and more affordable pricing. I'm all for it. It's almost like Lapubu. You can't fight it, you can't hit it with might.

[B]

But just. Just don't be caught holding the bag when the bubble bursts.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Just kidding.

[A]

Like I said, you just have to be extra. You just as long as you're aware. I told every single one of my customer and my friend that this is not going to be a good investment because the money, the value is going to continue to decrease. But it is a smart decision that you're going to make and you don't have to spend 10 grand, 100 grand, you know, right now. So it is a decision for you and your partner to make. And as long as you're both happy and you feel like you spend the money wisely, then so be it.

[B]

As long as you're both happy. Kyle Chan.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Can I ask you what makes you happy lately?

[A]

What makes me happy?

[B]

Yeah. Besides the boo boos and gold bar 18 year aged whiskey.

[A]

Well, it's crazy. As long as I'm happy and not too heavy because I'm, you know, I'm very picky on myself so that I can be happy pretty easily. I. I'm naturally a happy person and a lot of people don't know. I probably. I went into the hospital a couple of times because of my back issues and you know, that you took me to the hospital. Thank you. And then I have my heart issues that I never really announced. It was like two days before the Bath Mode launch. So then to me, if. If you're healthy and if nothing horrible happened, then it's a great day for me.

[B]

Health is wealth.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Do you think? Okay. Recently, by the way, I had one of the great trips of my life. We went to Japan.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

We went to the Goto Kuji. The lucky cat temple.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh my God, you guys, check it out. It's a lucky cat temple in Japan. And it said if you go there and you pray, you, you, you, you do your prayers and you take one of the cats.

[A]

Yes. You get to buy one cat home. Each person. Just one.

[B]

One. And. And if you bring it back, it might help you prosper.

[A]

Yep. So so far I think it helped me and then helped Michael know. And was it doing good for you as well?

[B]

It's currently helping me right now.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm bouncing back in a major way and I think. I think we're going to have to go back.

[A]

We have to go back, return our cat and buy another one.

[B]

Not quite yet though.

[A]

No.

[B]

But I'm grateful for Everything that's happening.

[A]

I think if I go back, I'm gonna get the same size cat. I don't want to break the. I don't want to be greedy. I don't want to break the spell.

[B]

Got medium sized, medium to small size cats.

[A]

Medium.

[B]

They have big ones that are like 16 inches tall. But we felt like that was greedy.

[A]

Yes, that looked a little greedy. So.

[B]

And we were already pretty blessed. We've. Even though you've worked your ass off and you've overcome insurmountable obstacles, we're still blessed. We're lucky.

[A]

We're very lucky. And a lot of people think that, oh, he's been like, great with the vanderpump and with all of the celebrity. Just so you guys know, I hit the wall so many times, just like everybody to be successful. It's not like a one day thing. And if you ask any, any entrepreneur, any business owner, there are so many times that we cry in the backstairs or you cry alone, or you thought you're gonna close your business and you fail and you hit the wall. If you don't hit the wall many, many times, you're not gonna be able to get to the top. I'm almost, I'm almost positive, I'm almost 100% sure that every great businessman went through hell.

[B]

Every failure is one step closer to success.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

It's a cliche, but it's true.

[A]

It's true. It's almost like when you, when you, when you learn how to roller skate or ice skate. If you don't fall 100 times, you're not gonna be. You won't see greatness.

[B]

You fall off the horse, you wipe yourself off and you get back up on again.

[A]

Back up.

[B]

You are on the horse and you are galloping. Yes, you are galloping.

[A]

And oh my God, I cry so many times in the back of the stairs. You have no idea. At the trade show.

[B]

I've been with you through a lot of the highs and the lows. Fortunately, mostly highs lately. I'm very grateful. Grateful to have you in my life. And I'll say it again, I don't want to cry, but you are the American dream.

[A]

Oh, thank you. I'm grateful to have you.

[B]

You are an amazing human being and I love you. And there's other stuff I have, but I feel like this is a nice moment to end.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Unless you want to talk about Labubus.

[A]

No, I think we're okay. I think I'm surrounded by all the Labubus. So I'm Good.

[B]

Let's have one more glass of Kyle Chan gold bar whiskey. Where can we get it again? Any other collabs you want to plug that you're allowed to plug? I know you got some stuff you working on. Anything you want to besides Kyle Chan? Kyle Chan Design Dot com.

[A]

I think we're going to leave it here for now so we have more exciting news later.

[B]

Let's not tarnish our love with plugs.

[A]

Yes, yes, yes. I don't want to. I don't want it to become like a, you know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Advertisement thing. But I am very blessed and I'm very grateful that we have all these Bravo universe people supporting all of us and. Yeah, you guys happy?

[B]

You guys, come check it out. It's an experience. It's not just a store. I love it here. Make an appointment. I'll come meet you and we'll get drinks afterwards at TomTom. Yes, Kyle, I love you.

[A]

I love you too.

[B]

Thank you, brother.

[A]

And thank you, everybody.

[B]

This was fun.

[A]

See you later.

[B]

Bye, guys. Thank you for tuning in. The takeaway here. Do what's right for you. What's right for you and your partner for your budget. What everyone else thinks. Okay. Keeping up with the Joneses. Do what's right for you. And before I leave you, by the way, when I say do what's right for you, I meant everything we talked about, aside from writing your vows with Chat GPT. Don't do that. Not verbatim. Should we do like a little hypothetical? See what happens? Okay. Hold on a sec. Oh, my God. I'm freaking out. I'm marrying the love of my life in two hours. I haven't written my vows and that's all I know about her is she likes Love island and Taco Bell. Can you please help me?

[A]

Absolutely. Let's get you some vows that are as epic as a Love island recoupling and as satisfying as a Taco Bell late night run. So here's a fun idea. You can start by saying something like, my love, I may not have an island villa to offer you, but I promise a lifetime of reality show level adventures. Then you can weave in something like. And just like our favorite Taco Bell runs, I vow to always keep our life flavorful, a little spicy, and full of surprises.

[B]

Wait, that was kind of good. She slayed with that. Oh, that's all. Okay. Damn, that actually wasn't bad. Anyways, love you guys. Love you guys. Like I said, we're keeping it together so we can fall apart. Thank you for tuning in to another episode of detox. Retox. When I say fall apart, I mean responsive, responsibly, mindfully, and we're leveling up. We're leveling up, but we're not going to feel bad about feeling good. All right, love you guys.

[A]

Bye. Retoxification complete.

[C]

Hi, I'm Adam Rippon and this is Intrusive Thoughts, the podcast where I finally say the stuff out loud that's been living rent free in my head for years. From dumb decisions to awkward moments I probably should have kept to myself. Nothing's off limits. Yes, I'm talking about the time I lost my phone mid flight and still haven't truly emotionally recovered from that. There might be too many sound effects. I've been told to chill. Will I Unclear, but if you've ever laid awake at night cringing at something you said five years ago, congratulations. You found your people. Intrusive Thoughts with Adam Rippon is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

Just when you thought summer couldn't get any hotter, Pluto TV is turning up the heat with thousands of free movies presenting Summer of Cinema. Stream your favorite blockbuster films like Gladiator, Not Will have My Vineyards, Good Burger.

[A]

This is what I do.

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Bon Appetit.

[B]

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