Buy the Butler's Bling!

Since I've been railing against ShopNBC for getting into bed with the butler, I just couldn't resist posting this little article from the UK paper, The People ...

Buy bling telly plea by Burrell

Shameless Paul Burrell faces new accusations of cashing in on Princess Diana's name after appearing on a TV shopping channel flogging jewellery.

Burrell, 50, spent an hour talking to presenters on America's ShopNBC.

He pains takingly described the "Effy" line of gems he claims he has helped inspire.

The man who called himself Diana's "rock" smiled as diamond-studded rings, pendants and bracelets were paraded before the camera.

And Burrell, now living in Florida, boasted: "My range will stay true to her.

Understated but beautiful and eye-catching. This eclectic mix of styles represents the 21 years I spent with the royal family."

There's also some kinky dirt flying around about Butler Burrell on Perez. It's so out there that even Perez doesn't believe it!!!

Click here to take a look at the Burrell Effy Collection on ShopNBC.

Priness Di (inspired) Jewelry Sneak Peak

So Paul Burrell's new line of jewelry based on what he thinks Princess Diana would like will be premiering tonight on ShopNBC. I hate to admit it, but from what I've seen so far, it's not bad. It is, however, hella expensive!


J181983 - 18K WG 1.95ct Diamond Pave Ring
This ring can be yours for the rock bottom price of $3,699.95--that's 5 Value Pays of only $739.99. I do like it though, but I'm a sucker for pave.


J181978 - 14K White & Cognac Diamond Cross Pendant w/ Chain
At only $799.95 , this is one of the most affordable items in the collection, which probably means that they brought in huge quantities of this one. It's nice, but not 800-dollars worth of nice.

J181980 - 18K Tri-Color 1.14ct Diamond Flower Ring
For only $1,699.95 , this flower ring can be yours! I'm not much of a flower person, but this ring ain't bad at all. I like the 3D effect.

J181973 - 18K 2.29ct Diamond Earrings
These earrings are on sale for a mere pittance at only $3,299.95 (15% off folks--hurry up before they're gone! I'll be grabbing a pair for me, my mom, and the babysitter.)

Honestly, this is why I have a deep and forbidden love of fake diamonds. These prices are ridiculous! How many times would I wear those earrings? For 3k, they better pick up my dry cleaning or something. Jeez!

Look for the show tonight with Wes and Pam McCoy and tomorrow night with Libby Floyd at 7 p.m. both nights.

ShopNBC Exploiting Princess Di?

Princess Diana's former Butler, Paul Burrell, is going to be selling a new jewelry line on ShopNBC "based" on what Di used to wear. Based on? The line will have "regal" and "princess-cut" diamond pieces "designed from Diana's taste." Whatever that's supposed to mean.

In case you've forgotten, the butler worked for the Princess for ten years until her tragic death in 1997. Since then, he has been cashing in to the tune of 10 million by writing three books, appearing on reality TV shows, and launching his own line of furniture. He also recently admitted to lying under oath during his testimony at Diana's inquest. Lucky for him, he will not be prosecuted for perjury.

He reportedly told a friend: "Diana wore big formal pieces for royal events. But privately her taste was much more understated. She liked smaller diamonds and simple designs. My range will stay true to that and to her - understated but beautiful and eye-catching. I am told it will be very popular in America because of the interest in Diana."

At the Diana inquest in January, Burrell claimed the princess didn’t like the diamond and sapphire engagement ring given to her by Prince Charles. “She felt it was a little too big and gaudy.” Of course, he admitted that he was less than truthful, so who really knows.

Butler Burrell is scheduled to be on ShopNBC Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. each night with his Effy Signature Range. The line will feature (although ShopNBC won't post any of the pictures on their website) an 18-carat gold ring with 33 “princess-cut diamonds," a chain and cross featuring 130 gems in 18-carat white and rose gold, and an 18-carat tri-color diamond flower ring.

This just smacks of blatant exploitation. Calling something "regal" or "princess" doesn't make it so. Let me tell you, Queen Bea knows about this first hand!

I know sales at ShopNBC have been tanking lately, but do they have to get in bad with this guy? Are people really going to buy from him because he is "basing" the designs on what he thinks Di would like? Gag me. And, no, I don't think this is the same as the Jacqueline Kennedy Jewelry Collection on QVC. Those are replicas of her actual jewelry--not some schmuck peddling what he thinks Jackie O. would like "based on" her taste.