The Bert Show – “Vault: Is This Ring Fake Or Not?”
Date: December 30, 2025
Host: The Bert Show Cast (Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, others)
Special Guest: Annette Esposito, Holly Springs Jewelers
Episode Overview
In this playful yet emotionally charged episode, The Bert Show crew investigates a universally relatable question: “How do you really know if your jewelry is real?” With the help of gemologist Annette Esposito, they examine pieces brought in by listeners who aren’t sure about the authenticity – and implications – of their most sentimental jewelry. The show explores the motivations and trepidations behind asking "is it fake or not?" with two listener case studies, mixing genuine curiosity, humor, and real talk about relationships and trust.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Would You Want To Know? (01:24–02:36)
- Background: Most women who called the show said they’d want to know if their jewelry—specifically engagement rings—was real, even if they had to find out behind their spouse’s back.
- Quote:
- “80% of those calls from women said, ‘yeah, I would want to know one way or another—even if I did it without my husband knowing that I went and I got the education.’” – D (01:27)
- Insight: Many want the peace of mind but hesitate when faced with actually finding out, fearing the emotional fallout if the truth is disappointing.
2. Case #1: Tracy’s Diamond Earring-Necklace (03:04–05:04)
- Story: Tracy inherited a diamond earring from her parents, given by her father to her mother at age 16. Unsure of its authenticity, she had it made into a necklace.
- Emotion: Tracy treasures it more for the story than the possible carat value but confesses the truth might change how she feels.
- Quote:
- “Isn’t it more of a romantic story that my dad gave my mom a diamond at 16 rather than a cubic zirconium?” – Tracy (04:14)
- Revelation: Gemologist Annette examines it and confirms it’s a natural diamond with an “i1” inclusion level: “It’s a diamond. It’s white, but it’s got a little bit of inclusions in it.” – Annette (04:52)
- Education Moment:
- Annette explains inclusions, the “4 Cs,” and that many men learn about diamonds only through purchasing them for significant others.
3. How Do Experts Spot Fakes? (07:28–07:58)
- Question: Can jewelers spot fake stones at a glance?
- Quote:
- “If somebody’s wearing a big old three-carat cubic zirconia, can you tell in passing?” – C (07:28)
- “Oh, yeah. Cubic zirconia... is going to look a little purpley to us... As soon as the cubic zirconia gets dirty, it gets like a haze and oily surface to it. So it’s easier for us to tell.” – Annette (07:40)
- Insight: While a clean fake can fool the eye at a distance, wear and dirt give it away.
4. Listener Call-in: Diamonds That Glow (08:07–09:07)
- Caller Question: Kelly notices some of her diamonds glow under black light—is this a sign of authenticity?
- Gemologist Response: Annette explains this is normal fluorescence, even joking about “disco diamonds” from the 1970s. (08:19)
- Humor: The team jokes about “disco diamonds” and why someone would spend so much time under black lights.
5. Case #2: Kristen’s Mystery Ring (09:31–15:44)
- Background: Kristen, using a voice disguiser, received a ring as a Christmas gift taped to the tree, with no box, paperwork, or clear purchase story. Her husband provides no details, claiming ignorance when asked.
- Dilemma:
- “What do you say to your husband? Thanks for the fake ring. Love you, too.” – Kristen (11:29)
- Kristen admits she’d be hurt if it’s fake and suspicious even if it’s real, due to her husband’s evasiveness.
- Financial Mystery: Kristen details that there was no evidence of a purchase or financing, deepening her suspicion. (11:44)
- Relationship Discussion: The cast jokes about husbands’ ability to turn blame (“That's years and years of training. Like her genealogy training.” – F, 12:53) and how trust intertwines with the value and origins of jewelry.
- Gemologist’s Verdict:
- Annette declares, “It’s real.” (13:22)
- The ring is a carat and a half, with clean but slightly off-color diamonds. The mount is new, but one stone is an older cut (open culet), suggesting mixed origins. (13:34–15:09)
- Jokes & Relief:
- "The good news is you’ve got a real ring. The bad news is it’s probably stolen." – C (13:43)
- Value: Annette estimates the ring’s value at $4,700–$5,000. (14:14–14:23)
- Aftermath:
- Kristen feels a mix of relief and new questions: where did it really come from? Is it an heirloom, an old engagement ring, or something else? The show jokes that women will always find new questions to worry about.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Reluctance to Know the Truth:
- “Would you just rather not know and just assume?” – D (02:09)
- On Sentimentality vs. Authenticity:
- “I’d kind of be a little bummed, I guess... Isn’t it more of a romantic story that my dad gave my mom a diamond at 16 rather than a cubic zirconium?” – Tracy (04:13)
- On the Habits of Men Shopping for Diamonds:
- “I think most guys know more about diamonds than women do. Because I have to be educated to buy one.” – C (05:23–05:29)
- On Relationship Fallout:
- “First, you’re offended that he gives you a fake ring. Then he's offended that you didn’t trust him enough... what do you say? Or do you say anything at all?” – D (12:23)
- On Getting the Truth:
- “It’s real. Nice. Thank you.” – Annette & Kristen (13:22–13:24)
- Kristen’s Honest Reaction:
- “Even if it is stolen, honestly, if it’s real, I don’t really care.” – Kristen (14:03)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 01:24 – Introduction to topic, why people care about real vs. fake jewelry
- 03:04 – Tracy’s inherited diamond backstory
- 04:52 – Annette Esposito examines Tracy’s diamond
- 07:28 – How jewelers spot fakes
- 08:07 – Caller Kelly asks about glowing diamonds
- 09:31 – Kristen joins (voice disguised) to reveal her ring story
- 13:22 – Live diamond appraisal: Kristen’s ring is real!
- 14:14 – Value estimation and further discussion
- 15:44 – Reflection on new questions and trust in relationships
Tone & Style
The Bert Show blends humor, relatable banter, and real-life drama. The cast freely jokes about themselves (and gender stereotypes), but also listens to and validates the concerns of their guests. Emotional moments—like the relief and ambiguity felt by Tracy and Kristen—are treated with sensitivity but balanced by levity from the cast and guests.
Takeaway
The episode delivers both reassurance and humanity: sometimes the treasures we worry about are the real deal, but what we value is as much about the story and trust behind the jewelry as the price tag. Trust, communication, and sentimentality—all come into play when it comes to relationships... and rings.