Give Beyoncé a gold star in the "be prepared" category – or maybe she'd rather have a diamond.

The new star of the Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance ad campaign says she's learned to be photo ready at all times. She carries three pairs of sunglasses – black, gold and brown – in her purse as well as a pair of nude-colored or gold Christian Loubatin shoes, in case she has to elevate her outfit in a moment's notice.

Many "Beyoncé sightings" happen while she's shopping, and she loves the pastime too much to give it up over the risk of an unflattering photo.

"I enjoy shopping but I hate trying on clothes," she said.

One of her latest purchases: An 18-karat gold ring from Lorraine Schwartz's hear-no-evil, see-no-evil monkey collection; Beyoncé's is the hear-no-evil monkey made of 5 carats worth of yellow diamonds surrounded by white ones.

"I hear so many crazy things about myself that I'd rather not," she said with a laugh.

Beyoncé, who recalls wearing her first Armani suit at age 14, says diamonds often are a sign of a woman's strength these days. "Now women can buy their own diamonds," she said.