Bench Jewelers
Guide to Working with Asha�
Setting with Asha� is very
straightforward - if you have set CZ, you can set Asha�.
Due to its amorphous
diamond infusion, Asha� is stronger, harder, and
more durable
than CZ, but if you take the same care in
setting it as you would for CZ, you should experience
no
problems.
What
is it?: Asha� is a
patent pending combination of hand cut, high-end core infused with an outer layer of extremely pure man-made
amorphous diamond (pure carbon with ~85% diamond bonds). Just like a cultured pearl
uses an inner shell bead with an outer layer of pearl nacre, the Asha�
combines an inner core with an outer layer/infusion of extremely pure amorphous diamond.
Top
problem: The number one problem we have had with
jewelers setting Asha� - they often
forget that it is not diamond, which creates problems during polishing. Do not use metal polish that contains
diamond grit or use any aggressive types of rouge near the Asha� - you will run the
risk of
scratching the Asha� if so. Asha� is approximately as tough
as sapphire, and
thus softer than silicon carbide (moissanite)
and diamond. We highly recommend you pre-polish the prongs
before completing the
setting, in order to minimize any potential danger
of scratching
the
stone during polishing.
Identification: Asha� will not test positive on a
thermal diamond tester. Amorphous diamond, which is roughly 85% diamond bonds, has a different
heat signature than gem diamond which is 100% diamond bonds.
Heat
resistance: Great care must be taken when employing any
work on a setting involving
torch work - you must protect
the Asha�
from heat. If you heat the Asha�, you
will run
the risk of shattering the core, and blackening the
amorphous diamond as some
of the
internal bonding will convert to graphite (amount
depends on time time and intensity of
exposure to heat), leaving
you with a scorched
looking stone.
Setting
princess stones: We recommend you soften the
corners of the princess cut at
the point where it will meet
with the prong
or metal for your setting. This will greatly reduce
the chance of chipping during setting since the corners are
sharp.
If you
have other questions on Asha� or need other technical
advise, please feel free to contact us via our website at http://BetterThanDiamond.com
Asha is our
registered mark.
