Old Mine Diamonds & Taylor
Inside the Antique Diamond Trend Everyone’s Talking About
Taylor Swift’s engagement ring has set the jewelry world abuzz — and for good reason. With its vintage-inspired old mine cut diamond, engraved gold band, and personalized design, it’s a breathtaking statement of romance and artistry.
But this isn’t just about one stunning ring. Taylor’s choice is reigniting interest in antique diamonds, particularly old mine cuts, and sparking a broader trend in celebrity engagement jewelry. Let’s dive into the details, the history, and how her ring compares to some of Hollywood’s biggest bling.
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring: A Vintage-Inspired Masterpiece
Taylor’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, co-designed the ring with rising jeweler Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation that perfectly blends heritage and personal storytelling.
Ring Details
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Center Stone: Antique style old mine cut diamond (elongated cushion shape)
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Carat Weight: Estimated 7–13 carats (most experts agree around 8 carats)
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Setting: 18K yellow gold with delicate engraving, needle point prongs, and smaller accent diamonds
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Designer: Kindred Lubeck + Travis Kelce
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Estimated Value: Ranges from $550,000 to $1 million, with some high end estimates pushing $5 million
This ring has a soft, romantic glow and feels worlds apart from the sharp, ultra symmetrical diamonds we see in most modern celebrity rings.
What Makes an Old Mine Cut Diamond Special
The magic behind Taylor’s ring lies in its old mine cut — a style of diamond cutting popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras (1700s–1800s).
Unlike today’s machine cut diamonds, old mine cuts were handcrafted by artisans, giving each stone a unique personality. Here’s what makes them so beloved:
Feature | Description |
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Shape | Cushion like outline with slightly rounded corners |
Facets | ~58 chunky, hand-cut facets |
Table Size | Smaller than modern cuts |
Crown Height | High crown, deep proportions |
Culet | Large open culet, visible through the top |
Sparkle | Designed for fire (colored flashes) rather than sheer brilliance |
Lighting | Perfect for candlelit rooms, since they predate electric lighting |
The “Cross” Effect in Old Mine Cuts
One of the most enchanting quirks of these diamonds is the Maltese cross pattern you can sometimes see when looking directly through the table of the stone.
This cross-shaped reflection happens because of:
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Chunky facets
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A high crown
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A large open culet
Collectors love this feature because it’s unique to antique diamonds — a little hidden signature of history and craftsmanship.
Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Taylor Swift’s engagement ring isn’t just a jewel — it’s a trendsetter:
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Old mine cut diamonds are experiencing a surge in demand.
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Vintage-inspired, heirloom style engagement rings are becoming the more popular
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Fans and jewelers alike love the storytelling aspect of her design — it feels more connected and meaningful than oversized, ultra-modern stones.
This is exactly why antique cuts like Taylor’s are leading the “anti-trend” trend — a quiet luxury moment in the world of jewelry.
And even amid the fanfare of her engagement announcement, Taylor quietly turned attention toward generosity, using her platform and resources to benefit communities in need. And that's why we love her so much. She speaks to our passion for giving back.
A Tradition of Quiet Philanthropy
Taylor has a long history of charitable giving—from $5 million to hurricane relief via Feeding America to food bank donations at nearly every stop on her Eras Tour, ensuring communities from Cardiff to Liverpool were supported
Taylor’s ongoing philanthropic momentum continues to shine. News outlets have spotlighted her consistent support, including her quiet contributions to food banks and educational programs, as well as her extraordinary tour crew bonuses.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
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Authentic Expression, Not a Soundtrack: Taylor’s generosity feels deeply genuine—not performative. The headlines following her engagement highlight her ongoing commitment to service, not self-promotion.
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Amplifying Need: Her donations not only provide direct relief but also shine a spotlight on important causes—food insecurity, disaster recovery, and youth programs—encouraging fans and communities to give back.
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Balancing Glamour with Groundwork: While her ring evokes old-world elegance, her charitable actions illustrate a modern, socially conscious icon—reminding us that love and luxury can coexist with empathy and action.
Closing Thoughts: The Beauty Beyond Bling
Taylor Swift’s engagement ring mesmerizes with its vintage cut and craftsmanship, but her real legacy lies in what she does beyond the spotlight. The same day her ring captivated millions, she remained rooted in generosity—giving without fanfare, supporting communities, and spreading hope.
In a world that can be quick to admire the sparkle on the surface, Taylor reminds us that true brilliance comes from shining light on others.