FIRST LOOK: Nikki Reed steps out with her stunning engagement ring from @IanSomerhalder

— People magazine (@peoplemag) February 4, 2015

I know no one is too impressed by Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder, but I had to comment on their ridiculous thirst level. You’re looking at a People magazine tweet that points towards this story about Nikki’s engagement ring. The paparazzi just happened to get photos of Nikki and Ian kissing in Atlanta. The ring is conveniently placed next to the liplock. Perfect photo op. Then someone sent the photos to People as an exclusive.

The ring is ridiculously huge. Kaiser and I were chuckling over how it looks more like a cocktail bauble than an engagement ring. People says the ring is “very unique featuring what looks like a round center diamond surrounded by smaller round diamonds for an antique, floral-cluster vibe.” Nikki and Ian shopped hard for this bling. They were papped at several jewelry stores. Now they really want you to notice the fruits of their labor. Do I sound too suspicious? This is a couple who bought $1000 in adult toys in full view of the paparazzi. They love this attention, which neither of them draws on their own. I’m mystified by their game. What does this paparazzi influx do for either of their careers?

There’s more. This week’s issue of Life & Style has an insider story about Nikki and Ian’s “pre-wedding getaway.” Someone at Sundance heard Nikki at a swag booth where she was gifted a trip to Aruba: “She kept making sure the trip was for two, because she wanted a getaway with her future husband. She said they’d never been on vacation together, and this was a perfect first place to go!” #swag

Here are some thirsty photos from Ian’s Instagram page. Poor Bill Clinton.

Photos courtesy of Ian Somerhalder on Instagram & WENN