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From the Ziamonds Vault
Some Knock Your Socks Off Cubic Zirconias
A few weeks ago I received a phone call
from Mr. Sarkis Kalandjian, President of Ziamond.com, Mr. Kalandjian
was very cordial and thanked me for the kind words I had written
on my website about his product. I told him that his products certainly
offered an affordable and attractive alternative for people who
didn’t want "the real thing". Mr. Kalandjian outlined
some new products that he was offering (such as the Asscher-inspired
cut; a Cushion Square and a Canary), and kindly sent me a few pieces
for evaluation. These are the results.
Asscher Inspired Cut
The Asscher inspired cut stone is very attractive, when clean, with
lots of pop. The two samples examined were cut to almost perfect
65/65 specs (impressive for a cubic zirconia).
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The polish was similar to other Ziamond
products I had seen (excellent to very good). Overall, the item
was very pleasing with one exception. Realizing that it is practically
impossible to keep any gemstone clean, I performed what I call a
smudge test. I take the volunteer (in this case the Ziamond Asscher)
and roll it around my fingers and then measure the light return.
With both samples the stones tended to cloud up very quickly and
looked washed out.
Of course, even "the real thing" (a diamond) can become
so overwhelmed with soot and dirt that it can mimic the cubic zirconia
Ziamond Asscher, but it is less rapid in its onset. Moreover, since
the Asscher cut returns less dispersed light versus other cuts,
the cubic zirconia version is at a disadvantage.
Conclusion: Consider the Ziamond Asscher only if the wearer is diligent
about keeping it clean. Otherwise it will be a disappointment.
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The Cushion Square
In a word, spectacular! I threw the smudge test at it, looked at
it in every light source possible
(daylight, incandescent, diffused) and the cushion square performed.
Also, the soft curves between its corners add a very finished and
sophisticated look. If you’re looking for a twist on a traditional
box radiant that doesn’t look so geometrical, this is a great
choice.
Conclusion: You won’t be disappointed. Worth every penny; maybe
more!
The Canary
I’ve saved the best for last.
In the past, Canary cubic zirconias have always had too much of
an orangey undertone (too tangerine).
Ziamond’s new canary would fool even the most knowledgeable
gemologist when viewed at a glance.
The canary color is so deep and so rich it takes your breathe away.
Of all the Ziamond products I have ever seen together with any other
diamond simulants, this is my favorite!
Conclusion: An absolute home run!
by Fred Cuellar, author of the best-selling book "How to Buy a Diamond."
More questions? Ask the Diamond Guy®
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