Bruni knows a thing or two about diamonds

Eugenia Bruni, the daughter of Italian jewellery maestro Pasquale Bruni, knows a thing or two about diamonds. In New Zealand last week to showcase $3 million of diamond jewellery, the Milan-based house of Pasquale Bruni is acclaimed for creating jewellery for Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hollywood's elite.

Bruni was invited to New Zealand by Hartfield Jewellers, which sells the Pasquale Bruni collection exclusively in Australasia.

Why are diamonds a girl's best friend?

They are absolute beauty, the brightest, deepest light reflecting the thousand facets of life.

How can you spot if a man is trying to pass off a fake as an engagement ring?

From the light of his eyes and the diamond.

What's an acceptable weight for an engagement ring?

An ideal weight doesn't exist - it depends on the symbolism of the ring. It could be small but with an elegantly styled mounting.

What's the most amazing diamond you have ever seen?

A marquise-cut diamond in New York with my father. It may have been the elegance of the cut or the brilliance but I remember we both looked at it with the same light in our eyes. Words were unnecessary.

If you had to pick a coloured diamond, what would it be?

The rarest, a sky blue diamond. It's like having the sky on my finger.

Any tips on how to look after a diamond?

Treasure it like a jewel.

Is it common for women with large diamonds such as Paris Hilton to wear fakes and keep the real ones in a safe?

Never. Like life, wearing a diamond is a risk. Why possess it and deny yourself its light?

Should a man choose an engagement ring alone, or is it better if the woman is there, too?

A woman knows what she wants.

What's your personal favourite?

I wear rings that represent emotions. At the moment I am wearing the Ghirlanda D'Oriente and Raggio di Sole collections. The first because it is sensual, elegant, it moves me, the second because it is full of energy. One is a cascade of diamonds, the other is the sun dressed in colour.

Who has the best diamond collection in the world - Queen Elizabeth II or Liz Taylor?

I love Liz Taylor. Her passion for jewellery is unique. Her jewels are distinguished from others because she wears them and loves them, as few do, they represent her life and her loves. Her loves were real men who knew how to choose because they had a muse to inspire them with taste and passion.

How much is too much - does P Diddy go over the top?

That's his style. It's great because it's his, even in excess.

Is there such a thing as being too old or too young for diamonds?

No. Again, a diamond is an emotion. Emotions change but have no age.