Blue Nile Launches Rare Fancy Colored Diamonds Collection

SEATTLE, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- No longer limited to royalty and celebs, Blue Nile today launched its exclusive collection of rare fancy colored diamonds, including extremely rare diamonds in red and pink hues. For the first time, this launch provides all consumers access to these rare gems, which are so scarce that only one in 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color.

Blue Nile

"Historically, fancy colored diamonds were limited to an elite few," said Blue Nile CEO Mark Vadon. "Because of the value, access and selection we provide to consumers, fancy colored diamonds are now available to everyone."

Blue Nile, already one of the largest sellers of diamonds and diamond engagement rings in the United States, will provide fancy colored diamonds with the in-depth product education, selection, and value for which the company is famous. Prices for fancy colored diamonds will surpass even the 20 to 40 percent savings consumers normally receive at Blue Nile.

Prices for a fancy colored diamond at Blue Nile will start at $2,250 for a half-carat cognac diamond. For those seeking something more unique, a green diamond will retail for $160,380.

As with all Blue Nile diamonds, consumers can work with the company's Diamond & Jewelry Consultants to set their fancy colored diamond into one of the more than 100 ring designs on the site. Consumers can also choose to have their fancy colored diamond set as a pendant or diamond earrings. Blue Nile will create customized settings according to each diamond's individual shape and color.

Due to the complexity of setting fancy colored diamonds, delivery will take approximately three weeks. Loose diamond orders will be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight in most cases and received the next day. As with all Blue Nile orders, shipping is free.

FANCY BLUE FACTS

Fancy colored diamonds come in a variety of natural colors, including yellow, pink, blue, purple, orange, cognac, champagne and red. -- Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color. -- True red diamonds, the rarest of diamonds, are so scarce, only seven are believed available for sale. -- Fancy colored diamonds are produced by trace elements and distortions to the diamond crystal. -- Blue diamonds are often created by the introduction of boron into the diamond. -- The presence of nitrogen produces diamonds in yellow and orange. -- Hydrogen generates unique shades of violet. -- Intense pressure, even greater than that for traditional white diamonds, produces diamonds in red, pink, purple and brown. -- Green, blue, aqua and teal diamonds result from millennia of exposure to natural radiation. -- The most famous diamond is the 45.52 carat, blue Hope Diamond, housed at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. -- Pink diamonds gained national attention when Ben Affleck presented Jennifer Lopez with a 6.1 carat pink diamond ring for their high-profile, but ill-fated, engagement. ABOUT BLUE NILE, INC.

Blue Nile, Inc.