Plans for IRIDESSE Pearl Jewelry Stores Announced.

Business Editors/Retail Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2004

IRIDESSE:

Brand Vision

To develop a retail jewelry concept that will be recognized as the world's pearl authority and as the pre-eminent showcase for pearl jewelry for every occasion--from the everyday casual to the classically formal. In a retail jewelry marketplace where pearls are often under represented and poorly presented, IRIDESSE is a retail concept focused exclusively on celebrating the natural beauty of cultured pearls and thoroughly educating customers about pearl quality.

The name IRIDESSE is inspired by the complex play of color and light on the surface of a pearl. Pearls are the world's first precious gem and are interwoven throughout history, simultaneously evocative of passion, sensuality, religious devotions, purity, modesty and the perfection of the natural world.

The Designs and Collections

Reflected in the abstracted organic form of the IRIDESSE logo, expressed in an extraordinary store environment, and given form through a magnificent family of jewelry collections, design is at the very heart of our IRIDESSE retail jewelry stores. IRIDESSE will offer a diverse assortment of fresh new designs ranging from casual to contemporary to classic, but all will be timeless.

In addition to the brand's own designs, IRIDESSE will be collaborating with several well know designers. Each of these designers has earned praised from their peers as well as the public. Their exquisite works has been featured in the pages of America's leading fashion and beauty publications.

The collections will range in price from under $100.00 to $40,000.00, making the IRIDESSE pearl jewelry brand attainable to a wide range of customers.

The Store

Designed by Randy Ridless, the IRIDESSE environment is inspired by the timeless modernist architecture of Mies Van de Rohe updated and contrasted by the subtle colors of the sea. Translucent, transparent and iridescent materials reflect and refract light to highlight and showcase the natural beauty of pearls. Grace notes include a Pearl Bar for customer consultation, featuring apothecary style drawers to choose from a wide variety of pearl strands. The IRIDESSE is a destination, both welcoming and inviting--a luxurious and tranquil setting to discover and learn the beauty of pearl.

Store Openings

The first IRIDESSE store is expected to open McLean Virginia, at the Tysons Galleria Mall in October 2004. A second store is scheduled to open in Short Hills New Jersey at The Mall at Short Hills in November 2004. Robert Cepek, President of IRIDESSE adds, "We are extremely pleased to be opening our first two retail stores in the Washington DC area and northern New Jersey. These two important markets have always held a deep appreciation for fine jewelry design. We are looking forward to becoming and active member in both communities."

In concluding Mr. Cepek also commented, "We are confident in the IRIDESSE retail concept and believe our product collections will present pearl in an exciting and revolutionary manner, offering our customers a breadth of jewelry design that will appeal to every woman and styles for any occasion. We expect to open at least 20 IRIDESSE stores within the next five years".