Fine diamond jewellery rental service launches

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

A new jewellery rental service dedicated to fine diamond jewellery has launched, aiming to appeal to people looking for a way to wear expensive jewellery despite the recession.

Diamondthrills is aimed at consumers who want to wear the jewellery for a special occasion but not pay the full ownership cost. Its launch follows research by Diamondthrills that found that 42% of women surveyed would consider hiring diamond jewellery, while 70% of those women favour weddings as the most likely occasion when they would use the service.

Jamie Mordaunt, managing director of Diamondthrills, said: “Our innovative service allows women to access and enjoy great diamond jewellery in an entirely new way.”

The business intends to tap into customers looking to make their disposable income go further, cutting back on luxury, but who are still interested in indulging in “recession chic”.

Hire prices start at £50 per week and the jewellery is insured while on loan.

The jewellery can be hired through website: www.diamondthrills.co.uk