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Old Lyme, CT, September 28, 2004—A Connecticut company today launched a website offering exquisite cultured pearl jewelry to buyers worldwide. The brainchild of John Ekegren and Peter and Bob Cashman, all successful Connecticut entrepreneurs, Old Lyme-based Moon River Pearls (www.moonriverpearls.com) offers exquisite, heirloom-quality cultured pearl jewelry for a fraction of the cost that retail stores demand. The 100 percent solid nacre pearls are imported from China, a country viewed by leading gemologists as the premier producer of fine cultured pearls.
Moon River Pearls’ customers can choose from necklaces (choker-length to opera-length and everything in between), bracelets, and several styles of earrings, including classic studs. The jewelry is made with round pearls in creamy white, soft rose or dramatic black; pearl sizes range from 6.5 mm to the larger, rarer 7.5 mm size. Each pearl is carefully matched for size, color, luster and shape, resulting in a beautiful finished piece.
The father and son Cashman team and Ekegren formed their partnership after recognizing a need for high-quality yet affordable pearls. Each brings unique strengths to the company. Peter Cashman, a former lieutenant governor, created the nation’s largest and most successful environmental risk management information firm, and has been involved in e-Commerce for over a decade. Bob Cashman, a computer consultant with more than two decades in the business, is the founder of Cashman Computer Associates, a computer and e-Commerce consulting company that provides a variety of internet-related services for companies doing business online. Ekegren, an engineer, runs PTI, a successful trading and outsourcing company that has been engaged in trade with China for over 15 years. During his tenure at PTI, Ekegren built lasting relationships with Chinese suppliers who are an integral part of his business success. By eliminating the middle men in the jewelry trade, the principals of Moon River Pearls and a gemologist colleague in China are able to source beautiful freshwater cultured pearls that offer tremendous value to customers.
The Moon River Pearls website, designed and maintained by Cashman Computer Associates, is visually arresting, easy to navigate, and secure. Consumers can browse jewelry styles, learn about pearls, including what makes a quality pearl, and shop for jewelry by category. Pearls are shipped free via FedEx, and come with a 30-day no hassle, money back guarantee. Each item comes in an elegant gift box.
Remarked Peter Cashman, “In researching the market, we found many jewelry stores and websites that were inviting and beautifully designed, but the pearls they offered, although beautifully packaged, were of disappointing quality. We also saw many pieces of jewelry that were excellent quality, but the packaging was at best non-descript, like a Ziploc baggie or plain bubble wrap in a cardboard box—hardly something you’d feel proud to give as a gift. We did not find what we were looking for at any store or website we tried—and we researched many sites. We did our homework, found out what customers wanted, and set out to fill a niche. While we feel our secure site, free shipping and money-back guarantee will make customers new to Moon River Pearls or e-Commerce feel comfortable trying us out, it is our pearls that will bring us success—they’re beautiful.”
Moon River Pearls plans to expand its classic jewelry line in the near future. The company is in talks with designers to create modern pearl jewelry for more casual, hip wearers; the company also has plans for a high-end line of jewelry made with rare pearls.
For more information on Moon River Pearls, or to order, visit www.moonriverpearls.com.
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