Hi Guys,
I'm in need of some advice...
My boyfriend and I are currently looking for an engagement ring, he wants to get a diamond, as he said he'd feel like a cheapskate if he got a sim. But I've done my research and I'm loving the idea of an Asha. I just can't justify letting him spend $10,000 on a ring when we can put that money to good use elsewhere. I've read a lot of reviews which say there is no way you can tell the difference, with the naked eye, is this the general consensus?
Also, I'm wondering about the lifespan, or how often they may need to be replaced. I need some back up if I'm going to convince him

Now for the good stuff...
I'm in love with the Asha Cressida:
http://www.ashadiamonds.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=1633

And
the Asha Iva (with a 2ct OEC)
http://www.ashadiamonds.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=1129

But Im finding it hard to decide without seeing them on a hand. If anyone has pictures of Cressida's or Iva's I'd be eternally grateful!
Thanks guys

So I've just read some of the posts about how real Ashas look, especially OECs, which are my absolute favorite! So I'm convinced on that, sorry to ask the same questions as everyone else, I've only just joined up and hadn't had a big look around

Still can't find much on lifespan though.

And definitely need help with my band pick... so hard to choose! Even if noone has any pics I'm still happy for opinions

Dex,..did you also know that they can put a Asha OEC in ANY setting on the site?? Just wanted you to make sure you know that!!
You will LOVE your Asha OEC!!!!!!!!!!

Lifespan depends on how you wear it, and how rough you are on your hands and rings. Some here have to replace their stones every 1.5-2 years as they notice scratches and abrasions within that time. Others have worn them everyday for 4 years, and their stones are still perfect.

Exactly what jcent said, it is a very individual measurement that varies widely. Are you thinking about going with the Asha OEC over the Amora OEC because of color? Moissanite is quite a bit more durable, and would be much less likely to ever need replacing. It would be warmer, but if a little color doesn't bother you then it would be worth looking into.

I love the Cressida! That ring is so pretty!

Here's my 8mm Asha RB Iva ring:

Link to BTD forum about my Iva ring.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Iva. I just LOVE it! I'm already scheming to get an ACC, Asscher and OEC in the Iva.

I really like the gallery with the hearts on the Cressida, but I'm personally not a fan of all those prongs. it's too busy for my taste. I love the simplicity of the Iva. It's just perfect.

I was initially thinking of switching out the RB for an ACC, but the ring just needed a good cleaning to bring the RB back to life. That being said I am a HUGE fan of all the old cuts. I would have preferred this ring with an OEC, but do love the timelessness of the RB solitaire and this setting is perfect.

I still do want to get an ACC and an Asscher in the Iva one day.

Thanks everyone

Miss Cassie - I've read that the amora gems don't look as real as ashas, alittle warmth doesn't bother me too much. Maybe I should look into amora?

Kangaroocrazy - I love your profile pic, it's super cute! I'm Australian and I've never seen a kangaroo with a tiara hehehe

Lorrissey - Your Iva is beautiful! I really do love them, and it looks even better on! I really want to see a pic of the cressida though too, just to compare. I've always wanted something classic and simple, but there's something about the antique look of the cressida that I love... so undecided!

Jcent - I don't wear rings at the moment, so I'm not really sure how rough I'll be on them. I do spend a lot of time in a lab though, so I'm constantly washing my hands with chlorohexadine, I wonder if that might damage the stone quicker?

Would anyone suggest buying a few "back up" stones when we get the ring? Incase they stop stocking the OECs?

Oh wow! Lorrissey - I ust watched the video of your Iva! So much more beautiful in action... I'm really loving it. Do you find that it's low-set enough that it doesn't get knocked around?

As for looking more real, that is so subjective. Some will tell you Asha looks more diamond like, but then others say no, Asha is too glassy, and moissy looks more realistic. We all see things differerntly. There will be Amora Gem OECs in a few years, so you could always get the Asha for now, and maybe just one back up, and then swap it for the Amora GEM OEC later. Or regular Amora OECs are available now in certain sizes.

I don't know what that chemical is, but it could be damaging to the metal??? Not sure, if it is safe for your hands, it can't be that harsh, right?? I baby my rings, and if it were me, I doubt I would wear my rings if there was a chance of damage. I would either leave them at home or wear them on a chain on my neck.

That's a good idea actually, I guess I can check them out when they're available and see how my asha's are holding up.

Chlorohexadine's just a really harsh antiseptic, we use it to wash hands in labs/surgeries etc. Wearing it around my neck on lab days probably isn't a bad idea at all though, I couldn't wear it under my latex gloves anyway I expect... Hmm.. so much to think about!

I can't recall who it was (Grace from jBEG maybe?) who said that they thought that while the Asha OEC was good, that Amora-ized moisasnite OEC was just perfect. I would say for all cuts other than round brilliants, OEC's and cushions, Asha is more diamond like by far, but for those it's hard to say (in my opinion anyway) because even in diamonds, those cuts vary so much and no one would be able to tell the difference. I love the depth of my moissanite RB earrings, and that they sparkle like crazy even when dirty.

As for the chlorohexadine handwash, if you're just using the hand soap your jewels should be fine, but if it's the actual surgical scrubdown sponges out of the packet, I'd keep my rings away from those.

I'll have to have a better look at the amora moissanite, I can't seem to find any OEC's for sale though.
Just the handwash at the moment, but once I start having to scrub in for surgeries I'll definitely be removing it!


As far as the setting goes, I forgot to say that I'm thinking a light champagne eternity ring for the wedding band, so I seem to be leaning more towards the Iva because it might be too much with the Cressida? Any opinions?

Well, MoissaniteCo sells the Amora OEC's, here is the link to their current stock.

I don't think either of those settings is too much for wearing a champagne band with it, as they are both really dainty.

Apparently BTD aren't going to restock their OECs, now I don't know what to do...?

Get a wink or liz OEC, very nice!!

BTD are not restocking them, but AshaDiamonds.com will AD orders them from BTD, so it is the exact same stone.

Oh, oh oh. How do you see the Video's and picts mentioned in this thread?
Thanks