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New luxe diamonds from Mappin & Webb

4000BC: The year opals date back to. They are most likely to originate from Ethiopia
90%: Australia has dominated opal production since the 1800s with more than 90% of the global output coming from down under
19th: The century when the opal was considered bad luck in Europe. However, Queen Victoria was quite a fan of opal and wore her personal collection throughout her reign
15,000: Black opals, the most rare and prized, can cost more than Aus$15,000 (about £8,750) a carat

Luxury jewellers Mappin & Webb has launched its latest diamond collection featuring a selection of ultra luxe, statement pieces.

The new ranges include Art Deco-inspired jewellery, bold cocktails rings with precious stones, contemporary pieces featuring pave-set diamonds and classic styles with intricate detailing.

The Art Deco-inspired pieces include a bracelet made from delicate interlocking 18ct yellow gold links set with 9.83ct of diamonds with a RRP of £16,000.

Cocktail rings combine diamonds with precious stones including a version in 18ct white gold featuring a 8.29ct sapphire with a webbed setting of intricate 0.70cts of brilliant-cut diamonds. It has a RRP of £40,000.

Pave-set diamonds are also used in several pieces including an 18ct white gold ring made with a total of 4.09ct of diamonds and using an unusual pave design with each diamond used individually princess cut. The ring retails at £6,000.

Mappin & Webb prides itself on its rich heritage, being granted with Royal Warrants in 1897 and still acting as a silversmith to HM Queen Elizabeth II and to HRH Prince Charles.

The brand offers an expertise in diamonds as well a bespoke service. Its new diamond collection is available in stores from October 27, 2008.