Following in the footsteps of royal brides before her, such as Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle is setting trends and influencing fashion without even trying.
With her capsule collection launched this week with Smart Works, the Meghan effect was also felt in Dublin at Timeless, the RDS Antique Dealers Fair.
Taking place this weekend, the glamorous event will showcase a huge selection of furniture and trinkets, but as always it will be jewellery and especially wedding rings that brings a sparkle to visitors' eyes.
According to experts and vintage jewellery sellers, the Duchess of Sussex's engagement ring - a yellow gold ring dotted with three diamonds, two from Princess Diana's collection and one from Botswana where Meghan and Prince Harry holidayed together - is setting the trend for the year ahead.
Antique dealer Matty Weldon of Courtville, an antique and vintage jewellers in Dublin's Powerscourt Townhouse, believes that Meghan's cushion-cut diamond ring, which she has recently modified with a diamond-studded band, is what more and more people are looking for in a wedding ring.
However, it's less about jewels worthy of a royal family than it is about having something unique. "It's a nostalgia thing with Victorian pieces being rediscovered and repurposed for the 21st century," Matty said.
"Meghan’s ring is an antique cushion-cut diamond. Where modern stones are cut broadly in the same way, each cushion-cut diamond is totally bespoke and individually crafted for maximum brilliance.
"This is what people want when they are buying an engagement ring – something no-one else has with its own exclusive shape and magical charm."
The Meghan effect is clearly in full swing in the jewellery world, but not just when it comes to wedding rings. Jeweller John Farrington of John Farrington Antiques in Dublin has seen increased interest in Victorian jewellery and fine quality coloured gemstones enjoying increasing popularity.
"People are inspired by a design that a celebrity wears and we are seeing a big interest this year in fine quality coloured gemstone jewellery," said John. We're instantly reminded of the breathtaking emerald-cut aquamarine Asprey ring once owned by Princess Diana and worn by Meghan at the couple's evening reception.
The striking blue-toned ring stood out magnificently against her white evening gown and tanned skin, so no wonder the appetite for coloured jewels is rife again!
"There is also a great demand for wearable diamond necklaces, drop diamonds and other shapes that look good with a polo neck or a tee-shirt."
