Holiday shopping sparkles with launch of new Padis Gems site.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Steve Padis Jewelry Plus has launched a new e-commerce Web site (http://www.padisgems.com) offering prices up to 60% lower than traditional retailers. Developed by San Francisco integrated marketing firm Mortar, the new site lets customers select from an inventory of more than 10,000 diamonds and enjoy benefits like free same day overnight shipping.

San Francisco, CA, December 16, 2003 -- Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Steve Padis Jewelry Plus has launched a new e-commerce Web site (http://www.padisgems.com) offering prices up to 60% lower than traditional retailers. Developed by San Francisco integrated marketing firm Mortar, the new site lets customers select from an inventory of more than 10,000 diamonds and enjoy benefits like free same day overnight shipping.

Padis Gems is one of those great finds that insiders have known about for years," according to owner Steve Padis. Because we supply diamonds to traditional jewelers, weve always been known for exceptional quality. This site opens up our inventory to new customers who in the past had no access to wholesale jewelry but can now buy at a fraction of retail prices. And by giving on-line buyers the chance to chat with our expert staff in real time, we can duplicate the kind of superior personalized service theyd experience in our stores."

Padisgems.com is different in another important aspect" continues Steve unlike other Web sites every diamond advertised on our site is in stock, ready for shipping. Thats why we can guarantee next day delivery of the diamond or jewelry customers select."

According to Mortars Tim Spry, Buying jewelry is pretty intimidating- especially for men. When youre buying online, theres an even greater level of anxiety. After all, transactions can represent hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So our goal for this site is to make the whole process comfortable and completely user friendly. Its a great place to browse. When youre ready, you can buy at the site, or in person at one of three Steve Padis Jewelry Plus stores right here in San Francisco. This is really a perfect integration between the on-line and off-line worlds."

About Padis Gems

Padis Gems, a division of Steve Padis Jewelry Plus, (http://www.padisgems.com) is a full-service wholesale jeweler with three locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. As one of only a handful of companies that buy directly from the source, Padis Gems offers fine quality stones as well as exceptional jewelry selections-all at wholesale prices. With an inventory of more than 20,000 items, the company emphasizes personalized service and responsive customer support. Visit http://www.padisgems.com or call 1-888-500-GEMS (4367) for more information.

About Mortar

Mortar (http://www.mortaradvertising.com) is an integrated marketing firm that brings together expertise in consumer, business-to-business, employee, and investor communications. This strategy of holistic brand management helps companies establish and maintain emotional connections with audiences at every point of contact. Mortars services typically include print and broadcast advertising as well as Web and Interactive solutions. For further information, contact: Mark Williams, 415.764.1420 x112, mwilliams@mortaradvertising.com.