diamonds are for stealing

what would you have done? i stared at it for a good minute or so – sort of in shock – then told myself it was probably a good thing. if you're like me and have spent entire days being absorbed by back-to-back screenings of programmes like america's next top model, then you’ll know what i mean.

my only recourse was either the pub, which is geniusly situated a stone’s throw from our house, or a trip into cyberspace compliments of my computer. as i’m trying to quell my love of all things that come in a cocktail or pint glass (for january anyway) i opted for the web.

my first port of call was the van cleef & arpels website. if you’ve never been, then take a look – it’s total escapism. images of jewellery float on to the screen backed by dreamy music. it’s like being in an incredibly expensive spa. the best thing is there are no prices anywhere, so the illusion isn’t shattered by any “f**king hell!” moments.

in america, van cleef & arpels is reportedly taking model heidi klum (think victoria’s secret and project runway) to court for allegedly copying their vintage clover design from the alhambra range. she designs for a US-based jewellery company.

the lawsuit was filed on december 21, which would be enough to kill the christmas cheer for most of us, but i imagine heidi took it in her stride. it is, after all, a piddley amount for both parties concerned, but van cleef & arpels probably think it’s the principal of the matter.

personally, i’m not that into diamond jewellery, so i won’t be queuing for hours to get my hands on any clover-inspired necklaces should they wing their way across the atlantic. no offence heidi.

i like wearing jewellery that works with lots of different occasions – a necklace or bracelet you can wear at the weekend, to work or a party. anything i have to remove before i go on public transport doesn’t really do it for me.

my friend emma sees it differently though. she has a diamond engagement ring so large and beautiful that she daren’t wear it on the tube. she refuses to let that stop her enjoying it though, so instead she slips it into her handbag (even she admits this is crazy as it’s probably more at risk than she is) and pops it on when she gets to work.

is she nuts or do we all have jewellery-wearing habits like this?