Setting Guide

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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 CZ 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 CZ 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