Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CTHR), the sole manufacturer of moissanite jewels, The Most Brilliant Jewel in the World, announced today the appointment of Dr. Charles D. Lein to the company’s board of directors. Dr. Lein, retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Stuller, Inc., a world leader in jewelry manufacturing and wholesaling, has more than 27 years of experience in the jewelry, wholesale and retail industries. Dr. Lein’s appointment increases the size of the company’s board of directors to five.

George R. Cattermole, Chairman of the Board, commented, “Dr. Lein’s extensive qualifications, leadership skills, proven business acumen and in-depth understanding of the global jewelry industry, markets, and customers make him a very unique and valued addition to our board. We welcome Dr. Lein to our team and look forward to working with him to expand our markets worldwide and grow our business.”

Charles & Colvard’s strategy is to market moissanite very broadly around the world as a jewel to be desired by everyone for every occasion.

Prior to Stuller, Inc., Dr. Lein spent 12 years in the jewelry industry as Chairman, President and CEO of Black Hills Jewelry Manufacturing Co. in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he was responsible for all operations, including the development of substantial domestic and international markets and account relationships with thousands of independent jewelry retailers and almost all major retail jewelry chains. Prior to the jewelry industry, Dr. Lein held various positions in education, including Dean of the College of Business at Boise State University and became the youngest state university president in the United States, when he was appointed President of The University of South Dakota in 1977.

Dr. Lein has served on a wide range of business and education boards including Albertson’s Inc., where he served for 28 years.

About Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CTHR), based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, is the global sole source of lab-created moissanite, a unique, near-colorless jewel that is distinct from other gemstones and jewels based on its exceptional fire, brilliance, luster, durability and rarity. Charles & Colvard created Moissanite^® is currently used in fine jewelry sold primarily through domestic and international retailers.