Post # 1
Member
639 posts
Busy bee
So, my Fiance and I went into one of these Shh .. Secrets Store the other day and I tried on some of the bridal sets I fell in love with that I saw in the window. I nearly fell over myself when I saw the price, but then the sales guy was saying they were diamond stimulants or something like that .. i actually didnt know there were actually store dedicated for these things, cause i saw them on ebay alot.
Regardless, I really love the bridal set rings and WAY within budget and these rings are meant to have a lifetime guarantee.
Im just not sure if I’m paying to much for an enhanced “CZ” or they are really made from diamond elements and are way worth the price
Post # 3
Member
680 posts
Busy bee
You may get a very mixed response from this post… I have a secrets shhh ring, it may not necessarily be my forever ring but I am head over heels in love with it and to be honest if we had have bought a real diamond that wouldn’t have been my forever ring either because we would only have been able to afford something a lot smaller than what I really want. So it was either wait to get engaged til we could afford the ring I really wanted as a real diamond, or get one now as a secrets ring. I believe it is a diamond simulant, it has similar properties as a CZ but I think it rates as an 8.5 on the hardness scale? Don’t quote me on that, check the website, there’s lots of info. You’re right there is a lifetime guarantee on them if they did go cloudy or chip or anything like that. I’ve only had mine 6 months but it’s as sparkly and pretty as the day I got it!
I’m not exactly trying to pass it off as real diamond but at the same time no one has ever asked me – is that a diamond so I’ve never had to tell anyone it’s not, I don’t go around telling anyone what it is but if someone asked I may tell them? Mind you mine is not some big huge rock that people might assume isn’t real anyway… If you have any questions at all please feel free to pm me.
In closing I have no regrets whatsoever about my secrets ring and stoked that it means I may well get a 5 year anniversary upgrade!
Where in Aus are you?
Post # 4
Member
198 posts
Blushing bee
Cubic Zirconia has a Maid/Matron of Honor hardness of approximately 8. I had a look on the Shh Secrets website, and they did not specify whether or not they sell CZ or enhanced CZ (i.e. Asha diamonds).
At the end of the day, it really depends on your lifestyle and preference. The posters on Betterthandiamond have mentioned that with CZ rings, even the Asha ones, you would want to replace the stone every 5 years or so (b/c of scratches and whatnot) so you may have to factor in the extra cost and time.
Some go for moissanite (and it seems to be a popular option here on weddingbee). Moissanite has a hardness of 9.5 and I must admit, a lab-created gemstone seems to be of greater value than CZ, but since Charles and Covard has patent right until 2015, I would be curious to see if and how much the price would drop in a few years’ time.
Sorry OP, wish I can have a more definite response, but it really is a personal choice, and whatever you choose, just double check with the store on whether the ring’s setting allow for changes should you ever wish to switch the stones.
Post # 5
Member
2576 posts
Sugar bee
Secrets is not the same as Asha.
It is a LOT of money to pay for CZ in my opinion. I have seen two rings from them after about 3-5 years of wear and they looked pretty darn average.
Post # 6
Member
639 posts
Busy bee
@Missy_Star: Yeah ive done a bit of research and there seemed to be many mixed reviews on it, so i thought id ask my fellow bees. Plenty of reviews saying it stays just as brilliant years down the track. It great that you still love your secrets ring !! thats what I hope people will say because I do really love this bridal set that I have my eye on. The fact that its not a DIAMOND doesnt really bother me. Like you, i may get a 5 year anniversary upgrade too! (=
Im in QLD. I was looking at the Chermside Westfield (=
Post # 7
Member
639 posts
Busy bee
@bluespinach: Thats a really good point, Ill remember to ask them next time i’m in, whether they will switch the stones – especially because they have a “lifetime guaratee” and so they say.
Lifestyle wise I think it’ll do me alright. I’m a ER nurse which involves intense clinical activity and constant handwashing – hence we are not allowed to wear rings esp ones with stones in it. I work 10 shifts a fortnight, so technically I’ll only being wearing my rings 4 full days a fortnight =/ those 10 days, they just be sitting at home.. I suppose it makes it worth it? =/
Post # 8
Member
639 posts
Busy bee
@MrsOliveBird: ohhh no.. thats exactly what i was afraid of.. buying a REALLY expensive CZ. :/
Post # 9
Member
238 posts
Helper bee
Bit of an old topic, but still relevant to others I think! (especially if I just searched for it…) I have a gorgeous 2ct ring from secrets shhh, and I am in love with it. I have been wearing it for aboutsix months now, and still looks as good as the day I got it! (which, with how I treat my hands and how CZ’s have performed in the past for me, I am going to guess it is enhanced .)
My only problem is my older sister (who isn’t yet engaged, and I think a little annoyed that I found the man who I want to spend my life with so soon) who likes to look at my hand and laugh… Makes me self concious to wear it…
Post # 10
Member
4657 posts
Honey bee
i think it if it is Asha, they would say so. I think it’s just a high quality CZ.
has anyone asked them straight up what it is? if they are selling something, they should be willing to divulge what they’re really selling, right?
Post # 11
Member
14 posts
Newbee
@Missy_Star: Hi Missy Star. I recently got a ring from secrets shhh (see my thread). I LOVE it – the centre stone is 1.5 and the two sidestones are 0.3. My reasons for buying it were EXACTLY the same as yours. Just wondering if you think it’s silly to not mention to people that it is CZ and do you think they’ll know ? I want people to take us seriousely.
Post # 12
Member
7977 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I think that’s far, far too much to pay for what is essentially CZ. If you are struggling to afford diamonds, why not try:
– Moissianite
– Black diamonds
– White sapphires
– Second hand jewellery/ estate sale jewellery
– Jewellery from pawn shops etc.
– Ask around your family and his to see if there are any heirloom rings you can use (I wish I had done this, because I have since found my Great, Great Grandmother’s ring, and it is stunning).
Personally I’d look for a second hand set/ heirloom set. If nothing crops up, and you don’t like black diamonds, I would probably be tempted by white sapphires, myself (cheaper than moissy).
Post # 13
Member
3823 posts
Honey bee
I think they are very expensive for what they are selling. I looked at their product and felt I could find something of better value online. I was concerned about the CZ ability to last….any CZ I’ve owned just hasn’t stood up to everyday wear. I’d check out their life time guarantee and see if it does cover stone loss, chips and discoloration.
you have to love it…….and if you are thinking of an upgrade in 5yrs then it may be a really great option for you. (i’d just do more research on alternatives to make sure you are getting what you want)
Post # 15
Member
680 posts
Busy bee
@allybee2013: I’m so glad you love your ring =) If someone asked me if it was a diamond I would say it wasn’t and tell them it was from secrets but we have been engaged for 7 months and no-one has ever asked me what the stone is. I wouldn’t feel the need to tell everyone who commented on my ring what it is, but if someone asked, absolutely. A few of my friends and family know but thats because i told them before i got it. For what it’s worth my ring still looks as good as the day I got it, it’s white gold so it needs redipping already but it’s still as shiny as ever!
Post # 15
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
princessggg: I was wondering how your rings are now? Do you still have them? Do you have a picture? Im thinking of buying rings to update my set.
Thanks
