The Steeple Times asks high jewellery expert Francesco Paolillo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My guiding forces are the everyday challenges that I face and my family of course.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Nothing comes to mind. I don’t have a motto.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
I don’t really know who Kerry Katona is but for me the political situation in Italy is unfortunate.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss living in New York and walking in Central Park.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I would give up everything I have to spend one more day with my father.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
My view on the banking crisis is that we are all responsible for it.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
The word “manager”. I think it is overused.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I do not support any causes at the moment.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
These devices are essential to our lives. They should simply be used politely.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Tony and Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown. I would also have George Soros and Nicole Kidman.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would have a steak in Tuscany with a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. A friend would come with me.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
When I fancy it.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
I would be most likely to go for a martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My own, because I know how to enjoy myself.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Me: I trust myself.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Women.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
No tattoo can sum me up.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Porsche.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have won several trophies for BMX bike riding.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A group picture of me with some good friends.
Francesco Paolillo is a high jewellery expert based in Knightsbridge, London.
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/fppaolo