Photo Release -- Blue Nile Brings Brilliance to the Holidays

Exclusive Deals, Mistake-Proof Gift Guides, and Free FedEx Shipping Tie a Bow on Holiday Shopping


SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To help consumers this holiday, Blue Nile (Nasdaq:NILE), the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, is making it possible for shoppers of all budgets to have a convenient, stress-free, and brilliant season. This includes offering the top holiday jewelry trends at affordable prices, mistake-proof gift guides curated by the company's diamond & jewelry experts, a robust series of sales and discounts, and amenities such as free shipping and a lifetime warranty.

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2011 Holiday Jewelry Trends

Blue Nile's jewelry experts have put their unique spin on the hottest trends of the season, enabling gift givers to put runway-ready fashions under the tree.

  • Fine Jewelry Goes Goth: Black Diamonds

An anomaly of nature, black diamonds are popping up in films such as Sex & the City and on the red carpet, as seen on Gwenyth Paltrow at this year's Emmy Awards. With prices starting at only $300, black diamonds provide a dark and dazzling addition to your jewelry wardrobe for far less than traditional white diamonds.

  • Better Than Mistletoe: Dangling Earrings

Catch his eye this holiday with the movement and sparkle of dangling earrings. Starting at only $30, whether intricate chandeliers or long elegant drops, Blue Nile's collection of dangles is an affordable way to amp up any look.

  • Find Your Ace With Ping Pong Rings

    Inspired by the late Elizabeth Taylor, Blue Nile's delicate ping pong rings can be stacked for statement or stand alone. With three different diamond cuts (hand crafted Asscher, cushion and princess) and four different metals (white, yellow, rose and black rhodium gold), customers can serve up an ace.
     
  • Do The Holiday Twist: Mixed Metals

Once a fashion faux pas, sterling silver, yellow, and rose gold are now mixing it up. The luster of the intertwined metals is warmer than the coziest holiday fire. 

  • Royal Charm

Thanks to a certain Duchess of Cambridge, classic charm bracelets are seeing a resurgence. Kate Middleton uses one to complement her elegant ensembles, and with Blue Nile's interactive "Build Your Own Charm Bracelet" feature, anyone can add the special mementos that represent their most cherished memories.

For those who need a bit of assistance with the latest trends, Blue Nile offers convenient lists of popular items to instill confidence to even the most undecided gift giver, including:

Holiday Exclusives Sales & Discounts

Knowing shoppers are looking to stretch their dollars, Blue Nile is offering unprecedented sales and discounts throughout the holidays on items from classic pearls to trendy black diamonds – and everything in between. Blue Nile's Holiday Exclusives, which provide a special deal on a unique item every day, offer something for every taste and every budget. Each Holiday Exclusive will be available at midnight EST beginning Friday, November 25 and run each day through midnight EST on Thursday, December 22. A sneak peek includes:

  • Black Friday: Black Diamond Stud Earrings (in Sterling Silver), Regular $300; Black Friday Exclusive Price, $195 (35% off)
  • Cyber Monday: Each item on our Top 25 Gifts $100 and Under are 20% off
  • December 14th: Stackable Freshwater Cultured Pearl Rings (in Sterling Silver), Buy 2 Get the 3rd Free

Win Your Wish List

From November 22nd through December 13th, Blue Nile is challenging one lucky person to "Win Your Wish List." To enter to win a jewelry wardrobe valued at up to $5,000, shoppers can simply sign into a Blue Nile account and create a wish list of their favorite items. No purchase is necessary. More details can be found on www.bluenile.com or www.facebook.com/bluenile. Begins November 22nd.    

All the Details, Handled

Armed with the latest trends, deals, and discounts, shoppers also have peace of mind that their gifts will be delivered on-time and under warranty. To make purchases convenient and stress free, Blue Nile offers:

  • Free FedEx Shipping on All Orders

Every Blue Nile purchase is shipped free via FedEx, insured to the shopper's door, and arrives in elegant gift packaging. Free ring sizing and free return shipping is available on every Blue Nile engagement ring. All certified diamonds are accompanied by an independent grading report and professional appraisal. If for any reason shoppers are not satisfied, they can return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

  • Lifetime Warranty

All Blue Nile diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry adhere to our high standards of quality, and are backed by our lifetime warranty, which protects against all defects in manufacturing, design, and workmanship.

  • Pressure-Free Advice; Significant Savings on Fancy-Shaped Diamonds

Non-commissioned Diamond & Jewelry Consultants are available 24/7 to assist with in-depth education to help shoppers find the perfect gift at the perfect price. They're also informing engagement ring searchers that you can currently save up to 40% by choosing a "fancy shape" (non-round) diamond, a fact most jewelers won't reveal.

  • Superior Quality

Before jewelry can bear the Blue Nile name, it must first pass a series of rigorous inspections by our graduate gemologists to ensure it meets our exacting standards.

Finally in 2011, the tradition continues: Every Blue Nile employee – including the CEO – will work overtime answering phones, packing boxes, and doing whatever is necessary to ensure every customer experience and holiday order is perfect.

For more information on Blue Nile's holiday plans, to request photos, or to schedule an interview, please contact:

About Blue Nile, Inc.

Blue Nile, Inc. is the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry. The Company delivers the ultimate customer experience, providing consumers with a superior way to buy engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewelry. Blue Nile offers in-depth educational materials and unique online tools that place consumers in control of the jewelry shopping process. The Company has some of the highest quality standards in the industry and offers thousands of independently certified diamonds and fine jewelry at prices significantly below traditional retail. Blue Nile can be found online at www.bluenile.com, www.bluenile.ca and www.bluenile.co.uk.  Blue Nile's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol NILE.

The Blue Nile, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9579


            
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