|
|
Frequently Asked
Questions
|
Home > FAQ |
1. How do you package my order (I
don't want people to know I ordered a simulant!)
2. Instructions for my jeweler on setting an Asha® diamond simulant?
3. What is
the difference between version 4 Asha® and version 5?
4. What is the newest version of
Asha®?
5.
What
color
options are there for the Asha®?
6. How long until I receive my order?
7. Will Asha® test positive on a diamond tester?
8. Carat weight comparison
9. What is a Takara cultured diamond?
10. What alloys do you use to make your platinum?
11. Do you rhodium plate your white gold?
12. What is the type
of diamond used for Asha®?
13. Will the coating chip off?
If you can't find an answer
to your question, please feel free to
email us.
|
1.
How do you package my order (I don't want people to know I ordered a simulant)?
All orders are shipped discretely, not
only to protect your privacy, but also to minimize the chance of
theft.
Most orders are shipped using UPS supplied
boxes (UPS colors and logo), with the actual tracking label listing
the sender as either "BTD.com" or "BetterThan.com". It
is also shipped in an oversize box so as not to indicate that
jewelry is inside.
Orders shipping via UPS ground are shipped in
plain brown cardboard boxes, but 95% ship in the aforementioned UPS boxes.
Back to Top
|
2. Instructions for my jeweler
on setting an Asha® diamond simulant?
Q:
I would like to know if there are any precautions and/or instructions when
setting an Asha Diamond Simulant that my jeweler should be made aware?
A:
Good question! The answer is yes, there are a couple easy instructions.
First is to ensure your jeweler knows it is a simulant - our biggest problem with
other jewelers setting the Asha is that they are so accustomed to being able
to tell between diamond and simulant with their eyes...and that is not the
case
with the Asha. And if they think it is a diamond, it is highly likely they will
damage the stone because diamond is a stronger material than the Asha®.
Second, just let them know to treat it like a CZ. The Asha is a form of CZ
combined with amorphous diamond, but is tougher than regular cz. Thus, if
they
use the care they would have to do for setting a cz, the Asha will be just
fine.
This means for example, being extra careful when polishing platinum as many
platinum polishes contain diamond powder, which will scratch the Asha if polished
hard.
It also means protecting the stone from heat during items such as resizing.
Resizing requires the use of a torch, and if the Asha is heated
with a torch, the
cz
component will shatter and the amorphous diamond component will breakdown into graphite. Thus, you will now have a cracked, blackened stone, which will not
make you happy.
The final recommendation for your jeweler is only for princess cuts: for princess
cuts, we recommend softening the corners of the Asha (via a diamond wheel) where the prongs will contact the stone. This is to avoid chipping while
setting.
If your jeweler has other questions or concerns, they are welcome to
email us for further assistance!
|
3.
What is
the difference between version 4 Asha® and version 5?
Asha® is currently offered in both version 4 and version 5. Both versions
use an amorphous diamond infusion process. However, version 5 uses a
different coating process which offers a purer form of amorphous diamond, or a
higher percentage of diamond bonds (85% diamond bonds vs. version 4 having about
33% diamond bonds). Version 5's purity is such that it will show a diamond
signature under Raman spectroscopy, whereas version 4 will not.
The main difference on an everyday basis is
that version 5 has a slightly higher luster, of about 5% more than version 4 -
it is a slight visual improvement. However, version 5 Asha's are only
being made for a limited number of cuts, most notably rounds, so if you are
after fancy cuts, version 4 will be the only option.
|
4.
Newest version
of Asha®
Q:
What is the newest
version of Asha?
A: Version5
Asha is the latest version, and has been available since
August 2004.
|
5. Color
options for the Asha®
Q: What color options do I have for the Asha® I'm interested in? i.e.
Can I get a 2ct round in, say, D color?
A: All Asha® stones are color graded by
an independent GIA certified gemologist after they are created. The
stones are then listed on our website using the grading they received. We
do not have any color options for a specific size and cut stone other than what
is listed on our website. We also cannot predict when or if we will have a
certain size and cut stone of a specific color in the future.
|
6. How long until I receive my
order?
The delay between when you place an order and when you
receive it will vary
based on what you are ordering.
Loose stone orders for stones that are in stock normally
ship within two business
days.
For rings, earrings, etc: We stock the parts necessary to
our jewelry offerings,
but do not actually make the items until we receive an
order, as rings in
particular need to be sized to your ring size. This usually
entails 14 -21 business
days while we assemble your order, depending on how
backlogged our
workshop is.
Finally, we ship your order and email you the
UPS Tracking
number. We ship
US 2 day UPS for orders inside America,
UPS International (which typically
takes 5 business days shipping) to all other countries.
More
4
|
|
