From Ziamond’s 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).

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.

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®