Who designed the ring?
The ring was created by New York jewellery designer Kindred Lubeck. Although Kindred said she was once told she would never be a jeweller, as the daughter of master goldsmith Jay Lubeck, she appears to have been primed for a career in the industry.
The Florida native moved to New York in 2023 to set up her own online jewellery store, where she specialises in hand engraving. There is certainly evidence of her fine craftsmanship on Swift’s ring, which features delicate tendrils engraved on the band. Indeed, she prides herself on her attention to detail, describing herself as “very meticulous”.
Lubeck also referred to the recent release of her Vault Collection of jewellery, widely considered to be a nod to Swift’s own Vault tracks.
The bezel setting for Taylor Swift’s engagement provides the support necessary for a diamond this size.Credit: Instagram
What is an ‘old mine cut diamond’?
Old mine cut diamonds date to the earliest days of diamond mining, as far back as the 17th century in India, where the precious crystals were mined and cut by hand. Neuman says they have unique qualities that have been lost over time, as technology has focused more on precision.
“The old mine cuts were generally cut by lamplight or candlelight, and it would often take several days to cut,” he says. “A diamond that size would have been really carefully thought about before launching into faceting. It would have taken weeks to create a gemstone like this, back in the day.
“They would have planned it to bring out the light and brilliance in the stone.”
Neuman says while Swift’s ring conforms to the classic cushion-cut in most ways, it has some unorthodox features.
“They are cushion-cut gems, but Taylor Swift’s is a fairly elongated cushion-cut. It’s quite unusual in shape – they are generally squarish,” he says. “These stones are very much individual.”
Certainly, the choice of this diamond is a deliberate decision by Swift and Kelce to embrace a softer, more vintage aesthetic.
“It is really romantic and old school. It has a completely different look to a modern diamond,” says Neuman.
Where can you find old mine cut diamonds?
Neuman says the most accessible place to find old mine cut diamonds is in existing jewellery.
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“They are easy enough to find if you know where to look, and you have the connections with suppliers,” he says.
He says some clients will bring in old pieces, with outdated or unattractive settings but beautiful stones, to his sister Nadia Neuman’s business – Mondial by Nadia – although diamonds that size are still rare.
With Swift’s announcement, he says he expects antique jewellery suppliers will see an uptick in business because, despite their age, older diamonds maintain their integrity.
“Diamonds don’t degrade,” he says. “All the aristocracy and everyone who had them in the 17th century, those diamonds are still around.”
Why is this style of ring so popular now?
Co-founder of TMC Fine Jewellery, Makayla Donovan, says that in the past six to 12 months, her clients have shown a growing interest in vintage-inspired designs.
“Younger Millennials and Gen Z value the bespoke, and people are naturally drawn to more interesting styles, especially vintage and historical styles, but with a modern twist so that it is still elegant and timeless,” she says.
The 2025 Pinterest Wedding Trends Report shows Gen Z couples are increasingly requesting vintage ring silhouettes, with Swift’s ring likely to fuel further interest.
Donovan says Georgian-style solitaire settings are particularly popular now, combining an antique aesthetic with modern technologies – and practicalities.
“It’s important to work with a jeweller whose interest is not on the biggest carat size but one that feels like you and fits you and is a one of a kind,” she says. “Five carats might feel like the perfect size, but you might have dainty fingers and 2 carats might look much better on your hand.”
For everyday wear, Donovan says a ring has to marry style with robust design.
“Taylor’s has a Georgian bezel border [where the metal folds over the stone] protecting the diamond, and it has a really thick sturdy but tapered band, which is perfect for the ring because it offers that support,” she says.
For Neuman, who once specialised in pink diamonds, Swift and Kelce’s announcement has a touch of deja vu.
“It reminds me of when Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez a pink diamond ring for their engagement, which generated a lot of interest. There will be a massive uptake in demand.”
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