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Getting the Dish on Diamond Simulants By Amy Kirst  |
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The Internet is flooded with information about how and where to buy a diamond ring. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for look-alikes such as cubic zirconia (CZ) and Moissanite. Buried under prejudices and false promises, these gems remain a mystery to most – except to the women who own them.
Now, jewelry-lovers are coming forward with their diamond simulants on the message board at www.betterthandiamond.com, a website that retails diamond-infused cubic zirconias known as Asha®.
The forum titled “Simulants and Synthetics” covers practically everything you’d want to know about cubic zirconias and Moissanites: settings, stones, and more. If you don’t see an answer to your question, search by keyword or post a question of your own. You’ll need to register to post, but it’s free and grants access to the site almost immediately.
When it comes to where to buy, users generally recommend one of four retailers:
 BetterThanDiamond.com:
Specializing in the above-mentioned Asha®, BetterThanDiamond.com offers a more affordable alternative to genuine diamonds. Their stones are made with pure carbon diamond bonds for a more realistic look and have unparalleled sparkle, color, and shine. Site user Grigsby72 says of the Asha®, “It mimics natural diamonds perfectly. The coating helps with the luster of the stones, and mine seem to hold up much better between cleanings than other simulants.”
FreeCZ.com
Operated by Wink Jones, FreeCZ.com covers the entire jewelry spectrum: gemstones, diamonds, Moissanite, and interlap CZ’s of the Winfield’s brand. Site users rave about Wink’s work, including Grigsby72, who says, “They are very well cut CZ’s in tons of colors and are inexpensive.” Roogirl agrees, saying “You will love the Winfield’s stone. Wink is a true professional.”
 Bella Jewelers (www.bellajewelryco.com)
This jeweler sells Moissanite that is handpicked for the consumer so that only the highest quality Moissanites are used. They also offer free lifetime stone tightening and gold polishing. Grisby72 says, “I have two rings and a pair of earrings from them and all are absolutely incredible.”
The Gem Shoppe (www.gemshoppe.com)
Here you can buy custom made jewelry featuring hand cut diamonds, gemstones and synthetics. View samples of proprietor Michael E’s work on his website or search for his name in the forum to see related threads.
If there’s another retailer you’re considering, visit the following threads and read reviews from previous customers: Recommended Online Merchants and Avoid These Online Merchants. Because the retailer could be discussed in other forums as well, search for the merchant name using the Search feature at the top of the Main Index page or post a question of your own.
When buying a ring online, read the return policy carefully. Make sure that you can send the ring back should there be any defects in the workmanship or stone. Most retailers do not accept returns on custom orders.
Also, check out the rings for sale on the message board, located in the section titled “Buy, Sell, Trade, and Auction.” You could get the ring of your dreams for less than retail price or nab a setting in which to place your favorite gem.
Simulants aren’t for everyone, but for those who want a diamond-like stone without the cost or controversy of the real thing, www.betterthandiamond.com is an invaluable resource for customer reviews and tips.
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