Almond Group Unveils Innovative, Light-Weight Collections at The JCK Show, Answering Rising Gold Prices; World Leading Jewelry Designer and Manufacturer Responds to $800/oz Gold Market

Business Wire, June 3, 2006

NEW YORK -- The Almond Group, a top manufacturer and designer of high-quality, fashion forward jewelry, today unveils two new light-weight collections at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, engineered through Almond's unique technology and design, a development driven by growing industry concern over the rising price of gold. By adopting these new light-weight collections retailers are able to avoid raising in-store prices, despite the fluctuating gold market.

The Almond Group proactively addressed the $800/oz gold market more than 25 years ago, and they are doing it again with a new technology that uses less material, but retains quality. Currently Almond is offering both basic hoops, growing an established jewelry category, and 'back to back' earrings, bringing back a lost category, in white and yellow gold with a variety of finishes. Almond's hoops have decreased costs by as much as 20% and the 'back to back' earrings have reduced costs by 40%. With labor costs increasing along with the price of gold, the collections give retailers and distributors the pricing flexibility that they so desperately need.

"We believe when a retailer sees what the new light-weight collections offer they will make counter space for it," said Jason Mandelbaum, vice president of sales and marketing with The Almond Group. "Through the innovations of Almond technology and design we are proud to provide two entire collections that will allow retailers to keep their costs down and business up."

For more information or to set up an appointment to view the new light-weight collections at the JCK Show, please call the Almond Group at 516-933-6000.

About Almond Group

Since its inception in 1975, Almond Group has been the manufacturer's manufacturer and a leading creator and designer of elegant, high-quality, and stylish, yet reasonably-priced jewelry. Founded by brothers Maurice and Jonathan Mandelbaum, the company provides continually-expanding product lines, ranging from gold earrings and charms to bangle bracelets and pendants. Headquartered in New York, the company has global facilities in regions including Israel and Thailand. To learn more about Almond Group call 516-933-6000.