An impressive month for platinum jewellery retailer Blue Nile has been confirmed with news of soaring sales figures.

The company, which specialises in platinum engagement rings, saw second quarter net sales rise by 26.7 per cent to £36.05 million.

Operating income increased by 39.8 per cent to £2.5 million in the same period, as net income climbed from £1.55 million last year to £1.9 million.

It is the latest in a spate of positive reports on the firm, including one by Internet Retailer magazine which found that Blue Nile was responsible for a third of all online jewellery sales in 2006.

Blue Nile was also recognised by Stores magazine in the annual Hot 100 Retailers list, after astonishing year-to-year sales percentage gains.

Though perhaps most famous for its platinum engagement rings, Blue Nile also sells spectacular platinum bracelets, necklaces and earrings. One particularly striking bracelet is the Platinum Handmade Wheat Bracelet, which sells for £750.

Platinum wide hoop earrings can be bought for around £250 and platinum Blue Nile weddings bands sell for up to £5,250.

Reflecting on the new financial figures, Blue Nile's chief executive officer Mark Vadon, said: "Blue Nile's second quarter performance was excellent in all areas of the business. We continued to show strong momentum in revenue growth and profitability, and our results reflect our focus on providing an exceptional experience for our customers."