Whether we like to admit it or not, the current “bigger is better” trend, particularly when it comes to celebrity-wearing diamond engagement rings, is having an impact on what we buy.

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And despite the fact that THAT engagement ring has been replaced by another equally stunning piece of jewelry, copies of J.Lo’s six-carat pink diamond are still selling well at many online jewelry stores.

When Marilyn Monroe breathlessly purred “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” (as if we didn’t know that already!), I have no doubt that women all over the world secretly coveted the baubles Mrs. Monroe, but such extravagant displays of excess would have offended the sensibilities. of any self-respecting 50s housewife.

Not so today. We’ve come to expect the ultimate in quality and quantity, and if that’s the equivalent of wearing a 3-carat diamond ring similar to the one worn by our favorite celebrity, 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 the choice of design of the ring is influencing (or is influenced by) current trends.

Jewelers like David Feinstein of Feinstein & Co, Boston, say, “The hottest look in engagement rings right now is the resurgence of old-cut diamonds and we’re desperately trying to keep up with the demand,” making the ring Catherine Zeta-Jones’ 10-carat vintage marquise-cut diamond ring, Madonna’s 3-stone Edwardian ring, and Ashley Judd’s antique pavé-set diamond ring are favorites when it comes to replicas.

Diamond size is also influencing today’s styles, and according to the Diamond Information Center, the traditional one-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring has now grown to three and four carats.

One only had to witness the jaw-dropping display of jewelry at this year’s Oscars, worth some $40 million, to reinforce the notion that in the minds of most celebrities “bigger is better.” Never mind that their precious loot had to be returned to the vaults they came from 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 yardstick for any potential suitor to determine how much he should be willing to pay for an engagement ring was set arbitrarily at three months’ salary, which is fine if he’s earning a healthy six-figure salary. But try telling Joe Schmo, whose monthly budget doesn’t extend much beyond local Thai takeout, that he’s out to make what could be many thousands of dollars, and you’ll see his face (not to mention his wallet) fall apart.

Which brings me to my last point. The value of your engagement ring is not simply measured in monetary terms. nor is it 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 newest 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’s symbolic of everything the two of you share, whether you’re wearing a 2-carat stone or a cheap copy.

Just remember, your local jeweler is probably a remodeling genius, so you can always upgrade later!