The Kardashians’ bigger is better mindset is also being applied to engagement rings, with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker proposing to reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian with an oval-cut diamond estimated to be worth $US1 million ($1.35 million).

The elongated stone, which is set on a diamond-accented band, is the latest example of a Kardashian riding the crest of the Zeitgeist, with Australian jewellers emerging from lockdown facing clients seeking larger diamonds and custom-made rings.

“One of our major rivals in our sector is travel. As a result of the travel limitations, we’ve discovered that people are far more generous with rings. “A great deal,” remarked Irene Deutsch, CEO of Fairfax & Roberts jewellers.

Kardashian is successfully ticking two more trend boxes by saying “yes” to Barker after dating for less than a year and selecting from the appealing oval pile of diamonds.

“With lockdown, we’ve all gone through a lot, and we’re realising that timelines have moved.” “We’re seeing earlier proposals in a relationship’s journey, and couples are doing something more extraordinary than they would have imagined,” said Joshua Rogers, sales director at Fairfax & Roberts.

“The popularity of oval diamonds has skyrocketed. They stick out because they are less traditional than a regular solitaire cut and they extend the finger in a really appealing fashion.”

Blake Lively’s 12-carat pale pink oval-cut diamond from Ryan Reynolds, shown in 2012 and reportedly costing $US2 million ($2.7 million), set the standard high. Fortunately, oval-cut diamonds don’t require a crippling excursion to seven-figure territory for those of us without Hollywood contracts, music royalties, or endorsement deals.

“For the same number of carats, an oval-cut has a significantly bigger effect.” A considerably larger presentation is available. Our consumers would pay between $12,000 and $14,000 for an oval cut diamond ring because we are at the top of the market. Even better if you can go over $25,000.”

Nic Cerrone, a well-known Australian jeweller, is baffled by the growing desire from couples for larger diamond rings, while he is more than willing to assist those who are fortunate in love and money in finding what they require.

“I’ve been in this profession for 50 years, and when I first started, half a carat was considered a good engagement diamond,” Cerrone remarked. “It’s two carats plus today.” The poor fellas! It’s gotten quite high.”

“This is being driven by competition, demand, and the media.” A diamond is a symbol of memory. You don’t have to consider size or quality. It’s what makes you fall in love. To be the best, it doesn’t have to be enormous.”

“There used to be a mix of Australian and Ceylon sapphires,” Larsen explained, “but now everyone wants to buy Australian sapphires.” “It’s influenced by the geography, as well as being more ethically produced, which is a growing trend.” Customers are increasingly inquiring about the environmental impact of their purchases.”

Fingerprints are right up there with carbon footprints, with some couples preferring the band of their rings over the stones. “Custom designs are becoming more popular, and couples are having their partner’s fingerprint engraved on the outside or inside of the ring to make it really one-of-a-kind.” Are you listening, Kourtney?

When it comes to engagement rings, it doesn’t have to be a diamond. The demand for Australian sapphires has increased, according to Lars Larsen of Larsen Jewellery.

Since Princess Diana accepted a 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring from Prince Charles in 1981, which is now worn by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, coloured stones have gone in and out of fashion.

If oval-cuts and fingerprints aren’t for you, there are a few more growing styles to consider.

“Along with yellow gold bands, we’re seeing more demand for bezel-set stones in engagement rings, which really accentuates their colour,” said Rogers of Fairfax & Roberts. “The eighties have returned.”

Someone should inform Kourtney Kardashian right away so she may get a pouffe skirt wedding gown from the Dynasty era.