please give me some info on asha, are they any good?

[ford8161]

Hello there lovley ladies!! I need some advise. My fiance and I have been together 4 and a half years, engaged for over a year. My original ring is lovley, its a hexagon with little diamonds set, kind of like the tudor rose. We didnt pay very much for it, (think under £200!, as we are both ex students with mountains of debt). The problem I have is this. First of all, there is a noticable crack in one of the diamonds (I darnt get it repaired, as it will prob cost more than the ring did!!). The second problem is finding a wedding ring to fit. None of the ones we have tried sit flush to the engagement ring, and that is something that we both want to achieve (bless him, he likes to get involved!!!)

I have been researching asha diamond simulants for a while, and I have seen a gorgous halo ring with a wedding band to match, and it what I have always dreamed off. DF has said that he can get me an upgrade for our 5 year anniversary, what do you ladies think? Is it worth going for a daimond simulant, what is the quality like? any pictures? We have been pricing up a ring in diamond in that size, and it is going to cost us over three times the amount of money, and the jewellers cant always guarantee where their diamonds are frrom, and that is scary, both ethically and in terms of the enviroment! Also, do you think that it is too soon to be upgrading? We were talking about having the original ring made into a necklace that I could wear on our wedding day. PLEASE HELP!!!!! THANK YOU.

 

[elizat]

There are quite a few threads about Asha and moissanite, I linked two. If you do a search, you'll find a bunch.

But, to address your questions, I think a simulant is just fine. I have a mountain of student loan debt too and if I ever meet that guy, I would prefer not to spend a lot on a ring b/c 10k or whatever amount on my hand makes no sense when that could be put to a smarter use at that time. Have you considered a colored stone- that is a great option too. Another idea I like is getting just a band for an ering w/ scattered stones of some sort and a plain band for the wedding band.

As for the upgrade, do whatever is right for the two of you. I don't think there are timelines on that sort of thing. There have been threads here on women that upgrade the stone before the wedding or change the setting. It is what works for you and your guy.

http://forum.purseblog.com/the-jewelry-box/moissanite-vs-asha-vs-cz-300689.html
http://forum.purseblog.com/the-jewelry-box/moissanite-294862.html

 

[Loganz]

^ The photo you posted is pretty but the URL says it is from the manufacturer's website - NOT your kitchen countertop (rt click photo then look at properties for evidence of this).

Also - this is your first post omn tPF - I am not trying to be accusatory but, it could be construed that you are just here to promote your product?

OP - there is nothing wrong with getting a diamond stimulant if that is what you like - you can search the threads like elizat suggested and then find a simulant dealer in your area to go and look at the stones.

Natural diamonds are gorgeous; but, there are lots of reasons people forego them. Do your homework, find what you like, and then don't compromise - whether your choice is natural or man-made just be sure the choice is yours!!

 

[Mrs. MC]

I would check craigslist, find a diamond that is a reasonable price have them meet you at your jeweler and have your jeweler check it out. There are tons of people right now that have rings that they want to get rid of so you could probably get a great deal on something. I don't know much about simulants but I love real diamonds. Even if it isn't big and you need to upgrade later it is always nice to have a real diamond and not have something manmade but if you don't care about that then I would go ahead.

 

[grammyr]

here's the deal: I've been married for 32 years and have spent a life's savings in upgrades! You are very smart to start now with the simulants. They look twice as good and they wont keep you bogged down for eternity! When you want a change you are free to do so, you aren't losing a bundle of money. I have stayed away from simulants for the most part because I have a large amount of diamond jewelry and it just seems wrong to have it and go for a simulant. To be honest, though, I would much rather have had the less expensive variety that I could change-up and have fun with than waste all the money I have on upgrades. I have moisenite earrings (they seem less "phoney" to me) and they are absolutely gorgeous! The only thing I would dvise is that you have whatever you buy made in the metal you would use for a real diamond ( yes, even plat!) Good luck, have fun and buy whatever is pretty to you now. You can always change it later!

 

[ford8161]

thank you for all the help ladies, I am going to keep lurking and having a look around before we buy anything!

ps, please feel free to post any pictures, we all love something shiny!!!xxx