Diamonds by the bushel.

Lunch today with Mark Walker of Ice Cool, who knows more about my favourite stone than you or I ever will or would want to. Have a wander round their website and you won't have a clue that the man behind this online jeweller was responsible for the design and production of one of the most exotic and expensive jewels in the world, the crown for the idol at the Indian Hindu temple Tirupati, which contained over 25,000 carats of D Flawless diamonds, 22,000 grams of 22 karat gold and 50 carats of emeralds and rubies. Before undertaking the commission, Mark had to be blessed in a cloak which had previously been worn by Mahatma Ghandi and Indira Ghandi.

Apparently the world was short of precious stones that year - so no surprise there then. I hope you're taking this all in?

No shopping today which was sad - not even a lipstick! Completely overwhelmed by the size and price of the designer handbag treats on display at Selfridges, just about my favourite store (about to go online - and more about that to follow). H&M and Banana Republic also about to take the plunge they should have taken a while back.

Also overwhelmed by all the talk of diamonds - I want more, don't you?