Diamonds and Champagne weekend

I promise never to say I was stressed in Paris.
I promise never to say I was stressed in Paris.
I promise never to say I was stressed in Paris.

I spent Friday at a Diamond Divas exhibit in Antwerp, Belgium and Monday tasting Mumms and Moet & Chandon at their champagne cellars in Champagne, France. I promise. Everyone I really do.

I LOVE DIAMOND TIARAS! Where else could you see this crown from Princess Marie Bonaparte, where the olive branches symbolize peace and prosperity . . .

And also see Doris Duke's Cartier head crown. Who knew Doris had this much style?

Also on view was the 24 carat yellow Moon of Baroda that Marilyn Monroe wore to the premier of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and Jackie O's brooches, a gorgeous Chanel pendant and a serpent collar which took 2 years to make.

In addition to the glamourous Princess Grace Kelly's engagement rock, er ring and her tiara with jumbo tear drop pearls dangling in betwen the diamonds. It literally made me weak in the knees.

Having to check your bags at the door in a locker, not allowed to bring in a camera, purse, passport, wallet or anything but the locker key and THEN walking through airport security and being wanded kind of freaked me out. But spending over 2 hours at this 3 floor exhibit was such a visual treat and an educational one as well, I cannot imagine a better way to brighten up anyone's life.

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Just a few tips when purchasing true champagne:

1. Grand Cru is the way to go.

2. Look for a"vintage" as a label. It's the unique variety selected from a handful of years, and is a different "blend" of the grapes never to be replicated again. A vintage '99 Mumms or 2000 Moet. Try them both!

3. And if you are so lucky to find a family house champage (look for Reims or Epernay, France) I mean no need to pad the LVMH or Pernod-Ricard stock if you don't have to, pick one up for 1/3 the price. It is just wine you know so all should be tasted and not wasted!