Diamond Sales Struggle but Blue Nile Survives
Although brick-and-mortar diamond retailers are hurting these days online vendors are staying afloat. Stores such as Finlay's, Shane Co, Whitehall and Fortunoff have closed their doors as diamond sales have frozen in the stale economy. Blue Nile, however, has managed to keep consumers' interest with over 60,000 diamonds and hundreds of settings. Their internet approach educates potential buyers without the pressure of a salesperson. Plus, Blue Nile keeps their inventory costs low, which they pass along to customers, by only purchasing diamonds once the consumer has made their order. That means a 20-40% reduction in price over other retailers. Incredibly, Blue Nile has even competed with Tiffany's engagement ring sales. It just goes to show, sometimes the better deal is more important than that little blue box.
Below is a gallery of some of the world's most expensive engagement rings for your viewing pleasure.
