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CHARLES & COLVARD ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC SHIFT WITHIN ITS TRADITIONAL BUSINESS SEGMENT; LAUNCHES CHARLESANDCOLVARDDIRECT.COM

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Charles & Colvard, launches Charles & Colvard Direct, a new digital B2B trade portal, enabling independent jewelers to purchase loose gems directly. The portal offers premium moissanite gems and a new gemstone brand, Forever Bright™, aiming to support retailers by cutting out middlemen and offering competitive prices.
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The introduction of Charles & Colvard's B2B digital trade portal represents a strategic pivot in the company's distribution model. By moving away from traditional distribution channels and allowing independent jewelers direct access to their products, the company is positioning itself to potentially increase market penetration and reduce costs associated with middlemen. This direct-to-consumer approach aligns with broader retail trends where manufacturers seek to streamline distribution and build closer relationships with retailers.

From a market perspective, this could enhance Charles & Colvard's competitive edge by offering better pricing to retailers. The shift may also result in improved inventory management and faster response to market changes. However, it's essential to monitor how this transition will affect the company's relationships with existing distributors and any potential channel conflict that could arise.

The launch of the new B2B portal by Charles & Colvard could have significant financial implications. Direct sales models can lead to higher margins as the cost savings from bypassing intermediaries are substantial. This could result in an improved bottom line for the company. Additionally, the move to direct sales could attract a larger customer base of independent jewelers, driving revenue growth.

However, it is important to consider the initial costs of developing and marketing the new platform, as well as the potential risk of disrupting existing sales channels. Investors should watch for upcoming financial statements for indications of how these changes are affecting the company's revenue and expenses.

Charles & Colvard's decision to offer a new line of moissanite, Forever Bright™, targets cost-conscious consumers while maintaining the brand's reputation for quality. This move is likely in response to the increasing competition from foreign-developed moissanite and the current market's downward pricing pressure on gems. By positioning Forever Bright™ as a more affordable alternative, the company may be able to capture a broader customer base without diluting its premium brand, Forever One™.

It's important to note that the success of this strategy hinges on the company's ability to communicate the value proposition of Forever Bright™ effectively, ensuring consumers understand the minor trade-offs in cut, clarity, or polish that come with the lower price point. This could help in maintaining brand integrity in a market where false grading claims and counterfeit products are concerns.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTHR) (the "Company"), a globally recognized fine jewelry company specializing in lab-created Made, Not Mined™ gems, is proud to unveil its new digital B2B trade-portal, charlesandcolvarddirect.com. This portal will support the Company's significant shift away from its current distributor model, creating a pathway for tens of thousands of independent jewelers and retailers to purchase its loose gems directly from the Company for the first time in its nearly three-decade history.

"We are excited to formally announce the launch of Charles & Colvard Direct, which, we believe, will be a catalyst for future growth based on this significant shift in our Company's traditional business model," said Don O'Connell, President and CEO of Charles & Colvard.

Approved Charles & Colvard Direct retailers and independent jewelers can now browse and purchase the full catalog of Charles & Colvard's premium brand of moissanite gems, Forever One™, along with the Company's newest gemstone brand, Forever Bright™ moissanite, on the self-service portal.

"We understand the challenges faced by independent jewelers and retailers to remain competitive in the face of downward pricing pressure on gems in the current environment," said O'Connell. "By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to these businesses, we can offer better prices on our gems, supporting the independents and maintaining brand integrity in a market saturated with misinformation, false grading claims and counterfeit moissanite," O'Connell concluded.

Forever Bright™ will replace Moissanite by Charles & Colvard® as the Company's offering for the price-conscious consumer. While generally invisible to the naked eye, magnifying these gems may reveal ever-slight cut, clarity, or polish imperfections. Forever Bright™ competes with the cost of foreign-developed moissanite while maintaining exceptional quality standards synonymous with the Charles & Colvard brand.  To learn more about Charles & Colvard Direct visit www.charlesandcolvarddirect.com.

About Charles & Colvard, Ltd. 
Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTHR) believes that fine jewelry should be as ethical as it is exquisite. Charles & Colvard is the original creator of lab grown moissanite (a rare gemstone formed from silicon carbide). The Company brings revolutionary gems and fine jewelry to market by using exclusively Made, not Mined™ above ground gemstones and a dedication to 100% recycled precious metals. The Company's Forever One™ moissanite and Caydia® lab grown diamond brands provide exceptional quality, incredible value and a conscious approach to bridal, high fashion, and everyday jewelry. Charles & Colvard was founded in 1995 and is based in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park region. For more information, please visit www.charlesandcolvard.com.

 

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SOURCE Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

FAQ

What is the new digital B2B trade portal launched by Charles & Colvard, ?

Charles & Colvard, has launched Charles & Colvard Direct, a new digital B2B trade portal.

What type of gems can independent jewelers purchase directly from Charles & Colvard?

Independent jewelers can purchase loose gems, including premium moissanite gems and the new gemstone brand, Forever Bright™, directly from Charles & Colvard.

What is the purpose of launching Charles & Colvard Direct?

The launch of Charles & Colvard Direct aims to support independent jewelers by offering better prices on gems, cutting out middlemen, and maintaining brand integrity.

What gemstone brand will replace Moissanite by Charles & Colvard®?

Forever Bright™ will replace Moissanite by Charles & Colvard® as the Company's offering for price-conscious consumers.

Why is Forever Bright™ positioned as a competitive option in the market?

Forever Bright™ competes with the cost of foreign-developed moissanite while maintaining exceptional quality standards synonymous with the Charles & Colvard brand.

Charles & Colvard Ltd

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About CTHR

charles & colvard, ltd. is the original and leading worldwide source of forever classic™, forever brilliant®, and forever one™ moissanite, a created gem used in fine jewelry. moissanite is near-colorless, with more fire, brilliance, and sparkle than a fine diamond, but retails for only a fraction of the cost. charles & colvard® produces moissanite gems from silicon carbide (sic) crystals, which it sells loose and set in jewelry at wholesale to distributors, manufacturers, and retailers and at retail to end consumers through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries moissanite.com, llc and charles & colvard direct, llc., d.b.a. lulu avenue®. moissanite jewelry is sold in fine jewelry stores, on domestic and international shopping networks, in catalogs and home parties, and online.