Whether we like to admit it or not, the current “bigger is better” trend, particularly when it comes to diamond engagement rings worn by celebrities, is having an impact on what we’re buying.
According to Celeste Ohrens of New York Diamond Traders, “In the six months after J. Lo’s engagement to Ben Affleck, we sold more pink diamonds than we had in the previous six years!”
And despite the fact that THAT engagement ring has been replaced by another equally impressive gem, copies of J.Lo’s six-carat pink diamond still sell well in many online jewelers.
When Marilyn Monroe purred breathlessly “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” (as if we didn’t already know!), I have no doubt that women around the world secretly coveted the trinkets that Ms. Monroe, but such outlandish displays of excess would have offended sensibilities. of any self-respecting fifties housewife.
Not so today. We expect the latest in quality and quantity, and if that equates to wearing a 3 carat diamond ring similar to the one our favorite celebrity wears, then more power to us!
Whether celebrities are seen as arbiters or slaves to all that is considered elegant, the engagement rings that adorn the left hand of stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Madonna and Ashley Judd attest to the fact that their choice of design of the ring is influencing (or is influenced by) current trends.
Jewelers like David Feinstein of Feinstein & Co, Boston, say, “The most attractive aspect of engagement rings right now is the resurgence of old-cut diamonds and we are desperately trying to keep up with demand,” so the style Catherine Zeta-Jones antique 10 carat marquise diamond ring, Madonna Edwardian 3 stone ring and Ashley Judd antique pavé diamond ring all favorites when it comes to replicas.
Diamond size is also influencing current styles, and according to the Diamond Information Center, the traditional one-carat solitaire diamond engagement ring has now grown to three and four carats.
One only had to witness the jaw-dropping jewelry display at this year’s Oscars – some $ 40 million – to reinforce the notion that “bigger is better” in the minds of most celebrities. Never mind that their precious loot had to be returned to the vaults from which they came the next morning.
But our growing fascination with all things “bling” begs the question “What about the poor fool who has to PAY for this excess?” The traditional measure for any prospective suitor to determine how much they should be willing to part with the engagement ring was arbitrarily set at three months’ salary, which is fine if you’re earning a healthy six-figure salary. But try telling Joe Schmo, whose monthly budget doesn’t extend much beyond local Thai takeout, that you’re willing to pay what could be many thousands of dollars, and you’ll see your face (not to mention your wallet) go down. crumbles.
Which brings me to my last point. The value of your engagement ring is not simply measured in monetary terms. It is also not measured by whether your best friend’s diamond is bigger, whiter, or more extravagant. And it’s certainly not measured by whether it looks like J. Lo’s latest accessory (and I mean the ring, not the husband!)
Your engagement ring is a measure of the value of your relationship and what it means to both of you, now and in the future. It is a symbol of everything the two of you share, whether you are wearing a 2 carat stone or a copy of a dime store.
Just remember, your local jeweler is probably a genius at remodeling, so you can always update later!