LONDON, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Signet , the world's largest speciality retail jeweller, today announced that its UK subsidiary, Ernest Jones, the diamond & watch specialist, has launched online shopping at its website http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/.

The site offers a broad selection of jewellery with over 2,000 products -- including diamond jewellery, watches, other jewellery and gifts. Features include a comprehensive selection of prestige, contemporary and traditional watch brands; expert guides on purchasing diamonds and watches; a custom design enquiry facility; and a gift packaging service. The site has a highly flexible and easy-to-use search and navigation system, as well as secure payment and fraud prevention procedures.

Ernest Jones' pricing and returns policies are the same for online shopping as for in-store purchases. Customers can choose between collecting their merchandise from one of 207 Ernest Jones stores nationwide and having it delivered by first class or Special Delivery to any UK address. Similarly returns can be made by post, or in-store with immediate refunds. Customer telephone support is provided by a dedicated team in the Group's existing Birmingham call centre facility.

This transactional capability is fully integrated into Ernest Jones' store operations, merchandising systems and marketing. The launch has been supported by an extensive communication programme involving all 207 store managers in briefing meetings held around the country.

Rob Anderson, Chief Executive of UK Jewellery, Signet Group plc, parent company to Ernest Jones, said:

"The new Ernest Jones website not only offers customers a leading edge transactional capability with over 2,000 items, including an outstanding range of diamonds and watches, it also provides expert guidance on their purchase, as well as the ability to arrange design consultations in-store. The site further reinforces Ernest Jones' capabilities as the diamond and watch specialist."

Enquiries: Tim Jackson, Investor Relations Director, Signet Group plc +44 (0) 20 7317 9700

Ernest Jones, the diamond and watch specialist, with 207 stores nationwide, was established in 1949 and is part of Signet Group plc, the world's largest speciality retail jeweller. At 29 July 2006 Signet operated 1,847 speciality retail jewellery stores; these included 1,257 stores in the US, where the Group trades as "Kay Jewelers", "Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry" and under a number of regional names. At that date Signet operated 590 stores in the UK, where the Group trades as "H.Samuel", "Ernest Jones" and "Leslie Davis". Further information on Signet is available at http://www.signetgroupplc.com/. See also http://www.kay.com/, http://www.jared.com/, http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/, and http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/

CONTACT: Tim Jackson, Investor Relations Director of Signet Group plc,
+44-0-20-7317-9700

Web site: http://www.signetgroupplc.com/
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/