In 1893, Dr. Henri Moissan, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist began studying fragments of a 50,000-year-old meteorite in Canyon Dianlo, Arizona, USA. In these fragments, Moissan believed he discovered diamonds from space possessing superior fire and brilliance. After extensive research, it was concluded that Moissan discovered a new mineral. In 1905, it was named Moissanite in his honour.

During the late 1980s, inspired by Moissan’s discovery and by the fact that natural Moissanite is incredibly rare, Charles & Colvard (Nasdaq: CTHR) developed a proprietary process for producing large crystals of Moissanite. And by 1995, Charles & Colvard were the sole source for Moissanite jewels, possessing two worldwide patents.

On the company’s website www.charlesandcolvard.com they say it is “a unique jewel with more brilliance and fire than any other; a jewel 2.4 times the fire of a diamond and 10% more brilliant; a jewel harder than sapphire, ruby and emerald.”

Since 1998, when the first moissanite reached the jewellery market, it has been regarded as an excellent, fine jewel, with optical properties exceeding those of diamond. Because it has its own unique appearance, it cannot be truly called a diamond simulant.

“Moissanite’s superior diamond-like appearance is incredible,” said Nat Hyman, president of Landau, the USA’s largest accessory boutique with more than 70 stores. “The customer is getting so much more for the money.”

“But once they leave the store, are they going to tell even their best friends?” asked Nick Baxevane, also of Landau. “Moissanite looks like what a beautiful diamond should look like, so what they tell their friends is their decision. They can have the million dollar look without the million dollar price tag.”

So when you look at my diamond earrings are they in fact Moissanite?