MORRISVILLE, N.C. – January 27, 2012 – Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CTHR), the sole manufacturer of created moissanite gemstones, The Most Brilliant Jewel in the World®, today announced that it has exclusively partnered with Serenity Technologies, Inc., one of the world’s notable laboratories for gemstone enhancements, to create moissanite gemstones with optical properties that are remarkably whiter and brighter than ever before. Charles & Colvard is introducing these enhanced gemstones as FOREVER BRILLIANTTM, a new premier brand of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®, available on its e-commerce site Moissanite.com and soon through its current distributors.

In creating the FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gemstone, Charles & Colvard hand selects and expertly polishes only the world’s finest moissanite. Then, through a proprietary process using extraordinary, cutting-edge twenty-first century technology, Serenity Technologies transforms each stone to a higher standard of the Gemological Institute of America’s near-colorless spectrum, up to four color grades whiter.
“As a former jewelry retailer, I recognized the importance of being able to market a whiter gem and sought to provide one since joining Charles & Colvard. Serenity Technologies provided the solution that best maintains the integrity of our moissanite gemstone and I’m excited to be able to bring FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gems to market, opening a whole new chapter for moissanite sales,” stated Randy N. McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of Charles & Colvard, Ltd. “Consumers around the globe will be astonished at the transformation of our gemstone that is up to four color grades whiter. I can’t imagine a better platform for launching new jewelry brands that provide an affordable luxury experience like no other.”
Dr. Suneeta Neogi, President of Serenity Technologies, Inc., commented, “While moissanite can easily withstand very high temperatures and its covalent bonding, similar to diamond, allows it to withstand very high pressures, moissanite crystal does not respond to HPHT treatments in a fashion similar to Type IIa (virtually nitrogen-free) diamonds that can become near colorless after such treatments. Serenity has developed a radically different proprietary process of whitening moissanite that greatly improves the color and brilliance of moissanite without any residual negative effects. This partnership between Charles & Colvard and Serenity brings the best opportunity for consumers worldwide to experience this exciting new product with confidence, knowing that it is brought to the market directly from the sole manufacturer of created moissanite gems.”
300 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite A Morrisville, North Carolina 27560 919.468.0399
Company Contact:
Timothy Krist
Chief Financial Officer
919.468.0399, ext. 295
tkrist@charlesandcolvard.com
Investor Relations:
Christopher Schreiber
Taglich Brothers, Inc.
Investor Relations Counsel
800.383.8464
cs@taglichbrothers.com
Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®
Made of silicon carbide (SiC) and exhibiting overall properties that are close to that of diamonds but with nearly 2.5 times the fire of diamond, moissanite’s superior brilliance, luster, and optical properties rival even the highest quality diamonds. Created moissanite gemstones possess the quality, value, and resilience of fine diamonds while offering much more affordable price points. In partnership with Serenity Technologies, Charles & Colvard is bringing to the marketplace its exclusive trademarked brand of whiter moissanite gemstones – FOREVER BRILLIANTTM.
Limited Lifetime Warranty and Certificate of Authenticity
Charles & Colvard and Serenity Technologies are committed to ensuring the quality and longevity of FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gems. Each stone will be accompanied by a Charles & Colvard certification and laser inscribed on the girdle for easy identification. FOREVER BRILLIANTTM moissanite gemstones carry the same Limited Lifetime Warranty as all other Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® gemstones for maintaining their optical property of brilliance.
The process developed by Serenity Technologies is the only color alteration process that is included under Charles & Colvard’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Any other third-party alterations or treatments made to moissanite created gemstones are not supported by either Charles & Colvard or Serenity Technologies.
About Charles & Colvard, Ltd.
Charles & Colvard, Ltd., based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, is the global sole source of moissanite, a unique, near-colorless created gemstone that is distinct from other gemstones and jewels based on its exceptional fire, brilliance, luster, durability, and rarity. Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is currently incorporated into fine jewelry sold through domestic and international retailers and other sales channels. Charles & Colvard, Ltd. is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, and its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CTHR.” For more information, please visit www.charlesandcolvard.com.
About Serenity Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Temecula, California, Serenity Technologies has focused on bringing new ideas and innovation to emerging technologies that have potential for large-scale application. Serenity’s strong portfolio of intellectual property and diversification strategies have helped develop innovative products having wide commercial application. These products cover a gamut of fields relating to color enhancement technologies for diamonds and other gem materials, protective treatment technologies for precious metals and alloys, nanocrystalline diamond coatings, hydro-oleophobic treatments for gems and jewelry, personalization and branding of jewelry articles, micro-marking of diamonds, revolutionary chemical-mechanical polishing technology for diamonds, analog archival, custom optics, and beam-based polishing, to name a few. For more information, please visit www.serenitytechnology.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements expressing expectations regarding our future and projections relating to products, sales, revenues, and earnings are typical of such statements and are made under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations, and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.
All forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in predicting the future. You should be aware that although the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations, our actual results may differ materially from those projected, stated, or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors including, but not limited to, our dependence on consumer acceptance and growth of sales of our products; our dependence on third parties for the sales and marketing of our products to end consumers; dependence on a limited number of customers; our current customers’ potential perception of us as a competitor in the finished jewelry business; general economic and market conditions, including the current economic environment; dependence on Cree, Inc. as the current supplier of the raw material; intense competition in the worldwide jewelry industry; the financial condition of our major customers; risks of conducting business in foreign countries; the pricing of precious metals, which is beyond our control; our ability to protect our intellectual property; and possible adverse effects of governmental regulation and oversight, in addition to the other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur except as required by the federal securities laws, and you are urged to review and consider disclosures that we make in the reports that we file with the SEC that discuss other factors relevant to our business.
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And, the video below is in HD so click on the higher resolution setting and watch full screen! (to watch in HD: 1. Click Play. 2. mouse over the “360p” and choose “1080P”. 3. Click the full screen button next to the Plus sign (+).)

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The average American engagement ring costs $5,200. That’s just one of the results of the just-released 2011 Engagement & Jewelry Survey from XO Group Inc., formerly The Knot Inc., and owners of TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com. The survey polled more than 10,000 U.S. brides and 1,000 U.S. grooms who were either engaged or married in the past year.

Below are highlights of survey data, featuring average prices, carat weights, and more:

1.		Engagement ring cost: $5,200
2.		Carat size: 1 ct. for center stone; 1.4 cts. t.w.
3.		Most popular diamond shapes: round (53%) and princess (30%)
4.		Most popular engagement ring metal: white gold (73%)
5.		Time it takes for groom to find engagement ring: 3 months
6.		Wedding band cost: $1,126 for brides; $491 for grooms
7.		Most popular wedding band metal: white gold (70% for brides, 34% for grooms)
8.		Luxury ring segment: About 12% of couples spend more than $8,000 on the engagement ring
9.		Luxury engagement ring cost: $13,500
10.		Luxury engagement ring carat size: 1.5 cts. for center stone; more than 2 cts. t.w.
11.		Luxury wedding band cost: $1,560 for brides; $731 for grooms

Other data reveals that just 14 percent of grooms claimed to have scaled down the size and cost of engagement rings purchased due to the economy, while 1 in 4 grooms spent more than he originally budgeted. Buyers are, however, still spending less than they did a few years ago; today, couples are spending just under $5,200 on the ring, compared with $5,800 for engaged couples in 2008.

Read more at JCK.

Style 10214-6.5mm Twisted Shank Engagement Ring With Side Stones Twisted shank engagement ring with just under 2/5ct t.w. pave’ side stones. Fits a 6.5mm (1ct) round center stone. (setting only, does not include center stone)

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Men planning their weddings are cutting back on what they spend on an engagement ring – and their fiancees are not happy. Traditionally, a ring has tended to cost around up to three months’ salary – but now many grooms-to-be are devoting only three weeks’ income to the crucial purchase. Research by home insurance firm LV found that nearly two-thirds of grooms are paying less than a month’s salary.  John O’Roarke, LV’s managing director, said: ‘It’s not surprising to see men tightening their belts in these tough economic times.

Regardless of how much a ring is worth, it is still a treasured possession.’ More than half of the women surveyed said they did not how much their engagement ring was worth. But most said they expected their man to spend at least one month’s salary on the ring. Nearly four in ten grooms refused to reveal what they paid, and three per cent admitted that they exaggerated the cost.

Source: GalTime

Cathedral engagement ring with two bezel set round brilliant diamonds. Fits a 6.5mm (1ct) round center stone. (setting only, does not include center stone)

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From our side of the counter, we’ve also seen countless customers who were able to pick out their favorite piece of jewelry because of moissanite’s affordability. But people remain skeptical, thinking moissanite is just a poor man’s diamond simulant. Think again: it is a diamond. It’s simply a lab-produced diamond. 

Difference between Moissanite and Diamond

• The properties of Moissanite can be compared with diamond, and it has been found that this wonder material outperforms diamond on nearly all counts.

• If refractive index of diamond is 2.42, Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69.

• Dispersion, also called fire by jewelers, is higher for Moissanite (0.104) than diamond (0.044). Even in luster index, Moissanite (20.4%) is much ahead of diamond (17.2%).

• It is only in hardness that diamond is ahead of Moissanite, but that too is just a little bit.

• Diamond has been given a perfect 10 on Mohs scale, whereas Moissanite is given 9.25.

• When it comes to toughness, Moissanite is labeled as excellent, whereas diamond is given a good on this count.

• Moissanite is also comparable to diamond in specific gravity.

Read more: http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-moissanite-and-vs-diamond/#ixzz1RzZOXFIi

Save 30% Now!! Round Moissanite Oval Cluster Design Necklace - Click on image for more information.

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Classic Prong Set Moissanite Tennis Bracelet - Click on image for more information.

 

 

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Recently we were approached by DiamondRing.com, who asked us for our best moissanite stories. Where to begin? There are hundreds to tell: couples who saved money on their wedding costs while never compromising taste or a dream piece of jewelry created by our custom jewelery designers that just wouldn’t have been possible with naturally mined diamonds.

So what’s your story? We figure it this way: the more positive moissanite stories that are shared, the more people can realize their jewelry dream affordably, without sacrificing quality and contributing to a healthier environment.

Drop by DiamondRing.com if you have a story to tell.

Style 9920 Round Engagement Moissanite Ring With Side Stones Engagement ring with 2/5ct t.w. pave' round brilliant side stones. Fits a 7.5mm round center stone.

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I’m going to go out on a limb here. And I’m sure you’ll send me comments if you disagree. But when it comes to engagement and wedding rings, men don’t care to the same extent that women do. Yes, yes…they care. But they’re a little more flexible. Women often have a very fixed idea of what they want whereas men need a bit more guidance.

It got me thinking of an engaged couple I encountered a few months ago.  They were on a tight budget. She wanted a very specific pear-shaped diamond engagement ring. He wanted…whatever she thought was best. Though he did want a little sparkle. I suggested moissanite for him, diamond for her.

If you’re unfamiliar with moissanite, here’s a good definition:

Moissanite was first identified as a rare natural substance in meteorites. In the late 1800’s, Dr. Henri Moissan discovered the substance associated with a fallen meteor in Arizona. But it is only recently that moissanite was on the market for purchase. Today, moissanite gemstones are synthetically produced for jewelry. Moissanite’s durability and resistance to heat create it straightforward to figure with for jewelers. Many individuals are drawn to the stone’s original “otherworldly” origins, and diamond-like appearance.

Charles & Colvard is the sole manufacturer of moissanite. JC Penney now sells the line, calling it “one among the fastest growing decisions for jewels today.”

Moissanite also come with a lifetime warranty.

In short, it’s an ideal choice for a couple preparing for marriage who are on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality. The durability factor of moissanite is a real plus for the hard-working guy as well.

Source: DatingRomanceRelationships.com

Gent's Two Tone Five Stone Moissanite Wedding Band - $1005

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Cubic zirconia is a colorless, lab grown diamond simulan while moissanite is more durable and provides more brilliance.

According to The Moissanite Buyers Guide:

Unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite jewels are doubly refractive. This means that light is bent twice as it passes through the moissanite jewel. This double refraction is directly responsible for moissanite’s superior brilliance. You can see this with a 10x loupe. Viewing through the crown or pavilion facets is recommended. Do not look directly through the table of a moissanite stone; the double refraction is less apparent as seen from this angle.

Comparison Chart: Beauty, Durability, Specific Gravity

So if you’re searching for that perfect engagement ring that’s both eco-friendly and still maintains the qualities of a natural diamond, it might be time to give moissanite a try. Because its priced so much better than a mined diamond, you just opened up the possiblities to all sorts of amazing rings, like the one below:

Style 9501M

Tension Set Engagement Ring With Side Diamonds

Tension set ring with .70ct t.w. natural side diamonds (setting only, does not include center stone)

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