Ok I tried a search but I'm not really finding anything. I want to start getting stones set in silver settings. I've found settings. I've found a local jeweler that will set them for $25-$40. Now I need stones. I've heard that both Wink and ChrisUK are great but what is the quality difference like? It it HUGE? I'm on a serious budget here which is why I'm thinking of using Chris stones. I've heard that Wink stones look just like diamonds. What about Chris stones? Anyone walking into a jewelry store and fooling ppl with those? I just want a better quality CZ than I find in my little city. (The stones here are craptastic).

Wink's cz is the top of the top when it comes to cz. His cut is fabulous.
Chriz's cz is better than your average cz, but some of his cuts are a bit wonky, but he usually indicates that and discounts them. I would do a specific search for him on whatever cut you're considering.
Both are cz, so they'll have the typical issues with clouding, scratching, etc. over time.
As far as which one is better, I think it really just comes down to getting the best that your budget can afford at the time. For some people that's Amora, for some people that's Berricle. There's no shame in either, and I think that enough people have been happy with their Wink and Chris stones for you to feel confident going with either and knowing that you'll have better than the average cz.

i have both, and love both. honestly, i think it depends on the cut/shape you're after and the colour stone you prefer.

Thanks guys. Right now I'm wanting radiant, princess, oval and pear stones, so I've been trying to find pics of Chris stones for those. And for colors I'm thinking white, pink and yellow to start. I would also love an OEC but I've heard various reviews about his OEC cut.

I really want to make a lot of pieces so I think I'll just buy up a few Chris stones to see what I like best and take it from there.

Is there anything you find he does really well that I should look at?

Lol I'm having such a productive day at work...

MrsW..I like his OEC's!!
My favorite Chris colors are warm white and champagne!

Oh also, what about his lab created sapphires and rubies etc. anyone enjoying those?

I think Dana has the sapphire!

yep. the warm white (especially in the radiant!) and the Light Champagne.
and i LOVE the OEC ChrisCZ!

i have one of his lab sapphires on DB (it was too small for what i ordered it for - i really needed a 9mm, but i thought it was worth trying!) and attempted to share pictures of it in the ChrisCZ thread.... last week, i think?

i'm not a fan of radiant cuts OR square cuts in general. BUT the Square Modern Radiant ChrisCZ is sooooooooo pretty.

i remember not being overly impressed by the oval, though, to be honest. but at his prices, if you're considering an oval, it'd still be worth ordering just so you can see sizes on your own hand, y'know?

if you're unsure about his OEC, you might like his Transitional cut better. it's more RB-ish around the edges and OEC-y in the center.

Thanks guys, you're right the OEC is REALLY nice. I think that I'm going to try to do my pieces with his sapphires. It's my birthstone so I figure I will do some in blue and yellow with some of those lovely pink rubies thrown in for good measure! I dont mind paying a bit more for sapphires and just getting the pieces slower. You guys are the greatest.

someone recently commented on his rubies, that they didn't like them.

well, i LOVE them. i've only got a couple of teeny ones (so far) but they just glow, they're mesmerizing! they may not be the dark, Hawaiian Punch colour, or whatever, but what matters is if the person wearing it likes it... right?