Celestina,
The Asha coating is a diamond film, not a dust, that is coated onto the CZ core. It does make a difference: http://betterthandiamond.com/discussion/...T_ma#Post311217

There are members here who have kept their Asha for years:
http://betterthandiamond.com/discussion/ubbthreads.php/topics/371784/Asha_Flanders_Ring_Since_03

and http://betterthandiamond.com/discussion/ubbthreads.php/topics/577648/Re_More_questions#Post577648

It is a very well cut stone, and the coating does make it look "wetter" than an equally well cut CZ (such as a WinkCZ). I personally think the coating is worth the extra price (and I'm guessing Wink does too, since he sells both his CZs and Ashas!).

(Heehee, sorry to disagree with you, Poppyseed! But you're right, a well cut CZ can be a standout on its own.)