Blue Nile Rings in an Extraordinary Holiday

SEATTLE, Nov. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Nile (Nasdaq:NILE), the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, is making this holiday extraordinary by offering shoppers exclusive deals on the hottest jewelry trends, $100,000 in gifts through the biggest social media promotion in the company's history, gift guides curated by the company's diamond and jewelry experts, the convenience of free FedEx shipping, and the peace-of-mind of lifetime warranties.

Holiday Exclusives Sales & Discounts

Blue Nile knows that shoppers are looking to stretch their dollars. That is why the brand is offering unprecedented sales and discounts throughout the holidays on items from classic diamond studs to trendy gemstone bracelets. Blue Nile's Holiday Exclusives, which provide a special deal on a unique item each day, offer something for every taste and every budget. A sneak peek includes:

• Black Friday: Starting November 22^nd at 9:00pm EST through November 25^th at midnight EST, Blue Nile will offer 33% off its most popular gemstone cushion bracelets in five colors, such as the Amethyst Cushion Bracelet (Regular $295; Black Friday Exclusive $199) and the Smokey Quartz Cushion Bracelet (Regular $295; Black Friday Exclusive $199).
• Cyber Monday and Holiday Exclusives: From November 26^th through December 22^nd, Blue Nile will announce a different "Holiday Exclusive." Here is a taste of what Blue Nile will offer:

• Cyber Monday: 40% off 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 carat diamond stud earrings.
• December 7^th – December 9^th: Save up to $700 on Blue Nile Signature Diamonds.
• December 18^th: 20% off diamond tennis bracelets.

Extraordinary Days of Christmas

Blue Nile is giving away $100,000 worth of extraordinary gifts via the largest social media promotion in its history. Starting on November 26^th and running through December 7^th, Blue Nile's Facebook page (facebook.com/BlueNile) will transform into an interactive holiday scene, complete with a roaring fire and gift-wrapped presents. Each day, fans can select and virtually unwrap a gift of their choice for a chance to win one of 12 extraordinary pieces of jewelry.

One extraordinary gift, ranging in value from $3,500 to $13,500, will be unwrapped each day by one lucky winner. Gifts include, but are not limited to, 2-carat diamond earrings, a 4-carat diamond bracelet, sapphire and diamond rings and multiple diamond engagement ring packages, including one from the Monique Lhuillier Fine Jewelry collection exclusively for Blue Nile.

2012 Holiday Jewelry Trends

Blue Nile's jewelry experts have put a unique spin on this season's must-have trends, enabling gift givers to purchase extraordinary styles to meet all budgets.

• Enduring Elegance: Timeless Diamonds Are Always in Season

Diamond accessories are an easy way to add grace and distinction to an everyday look. Fashionable diamond staples from Blue Nile such as simple studs, delicate bracelets and classic pendants are exciting, meaningful gifts that never go out of style.

• Heavenly Holiday Trend: Halos

Halos, this season's must-have style in diamonds, offer a dazzling accent to any round or cushion diamond accessory. Vintage Halo Diamond Earrings in 14k White Gold from Blue Nile ($800) enhance the center stone, increasing the visual impact of the diamond's sparkle.

• Make a Statement: Objects of Desire

Be the belle of the ball at all of your holiday festivities this season with bold, yet elegant statement pieces. Explore a mixture of gemstone and diamond accessories with Blue Nile's Objects of Desire.

• Love That Lasts: Platinum Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

The holiday season is a popular time of year for engagements and Blue Nile is the leading online destination for breathtaking engagement rings in platinum, which is a great metal choice because it won't change color or fade. It symbolizes a relationship that will endure.

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

• Top Holiday Gifts for Women – What she really wants; the season's "must-have" gifts.
• Top 10 Classic Gifts – A collection of Blue Nile's most sought after pieces that are eternally chic.
• Top Gifts Under $100 – Beautiful, budget-friendly gifts that look like you spent a fortune.
• Extraordinary Gifts – An exquisite collection of fine jewelry pieces to ring in an unforgettable holiday.
• Gifts for Men – Stainless steel cuff links, sterling silver money clips and other staples for the men on your shopping list.
• Gifts for Kids – It's never too early for a girl to start her fine jewelry collection.

Win Your Wish List

Underway now and running through November 26^th, Blue Nile is challenging one lucky person to "Win Your Wish List." Shoppers can simply sign into a Blue Nile account and create a wish list of their favorite items for the chance to win a jewelry wardrobe valued at up to $2,500. Drop a hint by clicking on the 'Send My Wish List to a Friend' link and email your list to friends and family. For an additional chance to win, visit Pinterest.com and create a "My Blue Nile Wish List" board with three of your favorite Blue Nile items. More details can be found on www.bluenile.com/wish-list-sweepstakes.

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 worry 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 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

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.

• 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 2012, 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.  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