Diamonique or Absolute: Which simulated diamond line is better? The answer is simple. It depends upon what you want in the jewelry design that holds the stone because, in reality, these two quality CZ stones are pretty much equal.
Diamonique is the trademarked name for the cubic zirconia (CZ) stone sold exclusively by QVC. Absolute is the trademarked name for the Home Shopping Network (HSN) simulated diamond stone. Both of these lines feature flawless, high clarity, beautifully cut and durable CZs. Both are made into everything from necklaces to toe rings. Both are set in multiple metals like sterling silver, platinum, vermeil, gold (white, yellow, and rose), and combinations thereof. Neither is set into base metal.
HSN often sets its beautiful Absolute into technibond settings. Technibond is HSN’s own patented process that bonds 18-carat gold over sterling silver in a process so durable that they give it a lifetime guarantee. It generally comes in yellow gold, but occasionally is offered in rose gold as well. They have a similar process that bonds platinum over sterling silver. It also carries a lifetimes guarantee (on both stone and metal).
QVC uses a similar bonding process to bond platinum over sterling silver in a specialty line of jewelry called Epiphany. The mating of Diamonique with platinum is sheer brilliance; fooling even the best jeweler without a loop in hand. Again, both the Epiphany process and the Diamonique stones carry a lifetime guarantee.
Both Diamonique and Absolute stones come in the traditional diamond cuts like: round brilliant, pear, marquise, princess, cushion, oval, baguette, emerald, and radiant. However, HSN regularly offers more unusual cuts like the rose, stella, concave, brilliante (1 ½ times the standard round brilliant facets), checkerboard, celebration, maltese, and trilliant as well as both standard heart and hearts afire. Some of these cuts are exclusive only to HSN while others are commonly done, but generally only in diamonds.
QVC has added the heart, checkerboard and asscher cuts to their Diamonique line over the last few years. They are also experimenting with a multifaceted round brilliant cut similar in nature to HSN’s brillante.
HSN traditionally has a much larger selection of bridal sets than that of QVC. However, QVC continues to add more to that popular line each year. Wedding sets range from the more traditional band and solitaire engagement ring to fancy three ring sets and multi-cut choices to a multitude of eternity bands. These are generally done in traditional, modern, and vintage styles, providing something to suit just about anyone’s taste.
Both shopping networks have well known jewelry designers that work with their simulated diamond products. All of them produce one-of-kind exclusive designs just for that network’s customers.
HSN’s most notable Absolute designer is Victoria Wieck of Beverly Hills. Victoria is the diamond guru to the stars. Her designs are very architectural in nature, unique, and unmatched by anyone else on the market. They are often multi-layered and combine pave work with both standard and specialty diamond cuts. However, the Xavier is also gaining ground with reproductions of vintage pieces done in Absolute.
QVC boasts three popular designers that work in Diamonique. These are Joseph Espisito, Jose Hess, and Nancy Davis. All of these designers are also well known within the diamond and/or gem industries and all have their own unique and memorable style.
In overall variety and design choice, I think HSN manages to edge out QVC. They offer many more vintage pieces, wedding sets, and matching pieces (necklaces matching earrings matching rings, etc.) than does QVC. They also provide a good cross section of designs from simple to highly elaborate.
Where QVC excels over HSN is in the area of colored CZ stones. QVC has perfected the look of canary, pink, and blue diamonds as well as the look of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, blue topaz, aquamarine, and even tanzanite. HSN offers lab created stones in a vast variety, which includes all of those stones plus many others, but do not offer that many colored Absolutes.
Price wise, the two lines are comparable. In some instances, one network is cheaper than the other is; generally HSN because they sell more gems (including Absolute) than any other single source retailer. Both generally offer flex pay or easy pay programs for higher priced items. However, QVC‘s easy pay generally only runs for the day in which it is originally offered. HSN, on the other hand, will typically allow flex pay for an extended period of time.
Both Absolute and Diamonique stones are easy care. They can be washed with a little soap and warm water or cleaned in a mild jewelry solution. Neither stone clouds easily or loses its luster over time. But, if for some reason, it does, both networks honor their money back guarantee. However, QVC out distances HSN with regard to customer service by a country mile.
I have jewelry pieces – – both Diamonique and Absolute – – that are at least 10 years old. They look just as beautiful today as the day I received them. No one has ever questioned their authenticity. In fact, most people simply assume they are real diamonds and gasp or giggle in utter delight at their beauty.
I honestly couldn’t pick one of these stones above the other. I think both are amazing. My favorite designer, by far, is Victoria Wieck. I have a lot of her pieces. I truly feel like a queen whenever I wear them. Plus, I’m guaranteed that no local jeweler has anything that can match them. Victoria’s architectural designs are absolutely one of a kind.
I personally doubt that I’ll ever own a diamond. I don’t feel the need to. Just give me my Diamonique or Absolute and I’ll be a totally happy woman.
