RAPAPORT... Charles & Colvard signed a new and expanded distribution agreement with Stuller, the terms of which afford Stuller the right to sell Charles & Colvard-created moissanite in the form of loose jewels or manufactured jewelry across North America through December 31, 2010.

Stuller and Charles & Colvard will collaborate to increase moissanite sales in the near-term and to build a foundation for a sustainable long-term partnership, according to the Charles & Colvard announcement.

George R. Cattermole, the interim chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of the board at Charles & Colvard, stated that “Stuller is a premier organization with an excellent reputation among its customer base and within the jewelry industry. We are very proud to be part of the Stuller distribution network. We look forward to working closely with the Stuller team to grow the Charles & Colvard brand and we believe the provisions of our new agreement will help us both to fulfill this objective.”

Kerry Hand, Stuller’s executive director of marketing and public relations, added, “We are extremely pleased to renew our agreement with Charles & Colvard. We believe many retail jewelers have come to truly appreciate the business opportunity created by Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite. For this reason, we look forward to re-establishing a strong brand among fashion-minded consumers in the North American jewelry market.”

LH