Is it a Diamond or is it Forever Brilliant®?

MORRISVILLE, N.C., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CTHR), the sole manufacturer of created moissanite gemstones, The Most Brilliant Jewel in the World^® announces the availability of Forever Brilliant^®, the world's most stunning moissanite stone, just in time for holiday gift-giving and engagement season.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131008/NY93437 )

Created by Charles & Colvard^®, Forever Brilliant^® is the world's most brilliant gemstone.  More brilliant than a diamond and conventional moissanite, Forever Brilliant^® is one-tenth the price of a comparable quality diamond and requires less investment to make a more brilliant statement. Forever Brilliant^® offers consumers the most beauty for any budget including unique designs for men and women.  It is truly an innovative self-purchase for anyone who wants to treat themselves special all year round.

At a recent media event in New York City, the nation's top bloggers and fashion editors were amazed to see how closely a Forever Brilliant gemstone resembled a diamond.  Guests were invited to take "The Challenge" to see if they could tell a diamond amongst Forever Brilliant stones of similar size.  The results of the Challenge astonished all who attended.  Only one in 49 was able to identify the diamond.  

"I couldn't actually believe my eyes. The brilliant dazzle of the moissanite gems makes them the perfect choice for fine jewelry. All my private clients love them; they work with every outfit from the daytime drop-off to a dinner date," says world renowned fashion editor and celebrity stylist Jacqui Stafford, who attended "The Challenge" editor event.

"Time and time again we've witnessed the astonishment of consumers who can't tell a Forever Brilliant gemstone from a diamond of comparable size," said Charles & Colvard, Ltd. CEO Randy McCullough. "With recent technological advancements, Forever Brilliant is the finest gemstone we've ever produced making it a perfect alternative to a more expensive diamond.  Since Forever Brilliant's refraction and scintillation are off the charts, even professional jewelers have a tough time recognizing it.  In fact, we've recommended jewelers check stones closely with gemological testing to make sure they can tell the difference between a Forever Brilliant gemstone and a diamond."

With a wide assortment of shapes and sizes, Forever Brilliant is an ideal diamond alternative for consumers, whether they are buying a holiday gift or an engagement ring. Set in precious metals including platinum and gold, the gemstones have ten percent more brilliance than a diamond and explode with light and at a cost that is around one-tenth the price of a comparable quality diamond, the old diamond standard of three months salary for an engagement ring purchase may soon be a bygone tradition.

In addition, Charles & Colvard enlisted Harris Interactive to ask Americans for their thoughts and opinions on gemstones in an independent survey of more than 2,000 adults.  The survey found a majority of Americans (78 percent) believe it's completely appropriate to get engaged with a gemstone other than a diamond.

The survey also revealed that: 

• Nearly four in five (78 percent) think the cost of diamonds probably causes people to look for alternative stones for engagement rings. 
• Men are more than twice as likely as women to say at least one of them (in the couple) regrets spending too much money on the diamond engagement ring.  
• 60 percent of Americans own, or have ever owned, a piece of diamond jewelry.

With a hardness of 9.25, reflective index of 2.69 and luster of 20.4%, Forever Brilliant's icy white brilliance will last for generations. Each gemstone comes with a certificate of authenticity and a Limited Lifetime Warranty from Charles & Colvard. A laser inscription on the girdle of stones measuring larger than 5mm (1/2 carat diamond equivalent) confirms that each gem meets Charles & Colvard's high standards.

Made from a patented process that mimics nature, each crystal is grown slowly, subjecting silicon and carbon to tremendous heat and pressure for days until a precious crystal of moissanite takes shape. Each stone is cut and polished by Master craftsmen, then only the best color and clarity moissanite gems are chosen to become Forever Brilliant.

Check Charlesandcolvard.com to find Forever Brilliant retailers or visit www.moissanite.com where beautiful jewelry from the Forever Brilliant Jewelry Collection are available from $150 - $7,000. 

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Charles & Colvard from September 10-12, 2013 among 2,028 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact [email protected].

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^® and Forever Brilliant^® are currently incorporated into fine jewelry sold through domestic and international retailers and other sales channels. Charles & Colvard, Ltd.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "CTHR." For more information, please visit www.charlesandcolvard.com.

SOURCE Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

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