LOVED-UP couples are paying up to $100,000 for high-end engagement rings that resemble those worn by celebrities, with social media fuelling a trend towards flashy bling.
Blake Lively’s oval-cut diamond is the most-requested style-of-the-moment, according to a top Australian jeweller.
Mary-Kate Olsen’s vintage Cartier rock, Sofia Vergara’s square-shaped diamond and Victoria Beckham’s emerald-cut ring (one of 13 engagement rings she has had during her 17-year marriage to David Beckham) are also influencing the size, cut and cost of diamonds requested by newly-engaged couples.
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READ NOWLeading Australian jeweller Nic Cerrone, of Cerrone Jewellers, said Gossip Girl star Lively’s oval diamond in four-claw setting with a rose gold pave-set diamond band was the No. 1 most requested design.
“Blake Lively is the one that really stands out. I think it’s because of the style and elegance of the ring and her,” Cerrone said.
Couples are spending an average of $15,000 to $20,000 on engagement rings, with social media appeal prompting them to fork out up to $10,000 more than they did two years ago, Cerrone said.
“They’re spending more than ever,” Cerrone said.
“You do get couples who’ll go up to two or three carats ... that could go up to $50,000 to $100,000.
“They’re spending $5000 to $10,000 more than they used to spend.
“They’re getting photographed with very big diamonds on their fingers. The diamonds today are a very important statement about an engagement.”
Cerrone, who has designed engagement rings for supermodel Nicole Trunfio, Top Model host Jennifer Hawkins and AFL WAG Nadia Bartel, joked that Aussie blokes felt the pressure to match celebrity bling.
“Men do have a problem today to keep up with these celebrities,” Cerrone said.
“They do expect a fairly big size (ring).”
Cerrone will unveil its stunning new boutique at 260 Collins Lane in Melbourne on November 17.