What is an American Diamond?

To replace the real diamond several alternatives have been tried, for example
lead crystals, highly compressed graphite and carborundum. But the cubic zirconia
produced initially in the former Soviet Union received the most approval. Later in
the 70s, a US company perfected it by discarding as many impurities as possible to
bring it closest to the original gem.

The 4Cs, cut, colour, clarity and carat, apply to cubic zirconia too. The carat is
different since the specific gravity is higher as it is heavier. Besides, zirconia
is not as hard as a real diamond and so cannot be used for industrial purposes. On
the G scale, it measures approximately 6 while diamond is hardest measuring 10. As
an item of investment, the zirconia has no resale value. It is purely for aesthetic
purposes and only when set in jewellery can it be sold there are delicate bracelets,
dazzling necklaces and glittering sets that will catch the eye of many a
fashion-conscious woman. In fact, the cubic zirconia has been so indistinguishable
from a real diamond that it has at times even confused jewellers. The only foolproof
 way to tell the difference is by the thermal conductivity method, which is used at
international airports and customs sections. As far as the durability of this diamond
is concerned, it is comparable to the real thing. The normal standard precautions
applicable to a real diamond are followed. The zirconia is more brilliant than the
real diamond and in addition to other colours has flashes of red and yellow. The
stone does not blacken nor does it wear away.
 
What is a Freshwater Pearl?

Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are
produced in Japan and the United States on a limited scale, but are now almost
exclusive to China. Freshwater pearl harvests are typically bought while still
in the shell. After harvest the pearls are delivered to a first-stage factory,
which is responsible for cleaning and sorting the pearls by size and shape. After
this process has been completed, the pearls are considered ready material for
processing factories. These smaller factories perform the treatments [2] that are
nearly universal to all freshwater pearls. The pearls are pre-treated (maeshori)
in a warm and cold chemical solution and then bleached. The pearls that exhibit
strong coloration will only go through the maeshori. After the pearls are bleached
they are drilled and then polished with a mixture of cornmeal and wax.
 
What are Crystallized Swarovski Elements?

Swarovski also sells beads and rhinestones for use by manufacturers, artists
and consumers in their designs. Crystallized — Swarovski Elements is the new
product brand for Swarovski crystals in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours.
Products that are labelled with this brand guarantee the originality of Swarovski
crystals used in creations of international fashion houses and designers.
 
What metals are used for the jewellery?

At Lalgate we do not use precious metals within our jewellery ranges.
This enables us to deliver distinctive and design led jewellery to you at
a consistent cost. The metals used are generally alloy based coated with micron
technology so that the jewellery remains in its' original sparkling state for
longer periods. This makes the jewellery more practical and wearable for the
modern lady of today.