Today we report that Carla Bruni has been causing a stir in France because she was seen wearing fabulous diamond earrings and a diamond necklace at a state dinner in Mexico.

Commentators in France have attacked President Sarkozy and his glamorous wife for indulging in lavish excesses in Mexico while the French public suffer from bleak midwinter and recession back at home.  Sarkozy’s nickname of ‘President Bling Bling’ seems especially apt.

At diamondthrills, we can’t help wondering if it would have made a difference if Carla had been able to explain the diamonds away as rented.

Wouldn’t that have demonstated a savvy thriftiness that might have taken some of the heat out of the attacks?