Editors

Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

EditorsAug 27, 2025

Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Taylor Swift Engaged
After two years of dating, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. They announced their engagement with a joint post on Instagram Wednesday, debuting the singer’s romantic engagement ring—a diamond solitaire with a vintage feel. (Photo credit: Taylor Swift’s Instagram)
Just when I thought the best thing about Tuesday was the return of the pumpkin spice latte, Taylor Swift broke the news of her engagement to Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end who is the Burton to her Taylor, if you will. 

The “Love Story” singer, 35, took to Instagram on Aug. 26 to announce her engagement to Kelce, 35, in a joint post with a carousel of proposal photos taken in a fairytale-like garden, captioned “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.” 

*Cue “So High School”*

One of the photos includes a close-up of her engagement ring—an elegant solitaire diamond on a yellow gold band.

It is reportedly an elongated old mine-cut diamond set in a ring that Kelce designed alongside Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine, as reported by Page Six. 

Lubeck, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, is a New York City-based jewelry designer and goldsmith who specializes in hand-engraved, vintage-inspired styles and ethically sourced natural gemstones.  

She also recently released The Vault Collection, which is a fun detail for Swift, the queen of Easter Eggs, who added never-before-heard songs called “From the Vault” tracks to her recently re-recorded albums. 

While official details on the ring had not been released as of press time, several sources estimate the diamond to be about 10 carats, though Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, notes that the stone does appear to be “spready,” and estimated the size as somewhere between 4 and 7 carats.

Estimates on the price range from $500,000 to more than $1 million. Natural Diamond Council’s Grant Mobley said the ring, with “exceptionally high clarity and such a rare, unique cut,” would be valued at around $750,000.

Fashion commentator Sarah Chapelle of @TaylorSwiftStyled observed in her post that the filigree work also appears to include a small “T” on each side, possibly in reference to Taylor and Travis’ couple nickname ‘TnT’, which, Chapelle noted, Taylor nodded at in her caption via a dynamite emoji.

Celebrity engagement rings have a history of driving trends, and interest in vintage cuts has already been on the rise.

Swift’s diamond seemingly could only boost this trend, and it could influence the type of bands people choose too.  

“I anticipate that this is going to increase people wanting hand engraving and customizations to their solitaire,” said Constance Polamalu, chief operating officer of Zachary’s Jewelers.

“It’s also important to me that her band is not super thin, like a lot of the rings that we’ve seen in recent years, so I do think that this is going to continue the trend of having a more substantial band. This piece is super romantic and a definite ode to the vintage world of romance.”

Also seen in the proposal photos—a gold Cartier watch, specifically the brand’s Santos Demoiselle Quartz, that Swift has worn before, notably in a recent appearance on a certain someone’s podcast. 

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
While the news broke Tuesday, the proposal actually took place about two weeks ago at Kelce’s home, the NFL star’s father, Ed Kelce, said in an interview with a Cleveland news station last night.

Kelce and Swift’s engagement announcement comes weeks after the singer’s first-ever podcast appearance, when she joined her now-fiancé and his brother, retired NFL star Jason Kelce, on their show, “New Heights,” to announce her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release Oct. 3.

Reports of a pending proposal having been swirling online for more than a year, and the couple’s lovebird energy on the show certainly didn’t quell any rumors.

The real life rom-com began in 2023, while Swift was in the middle of her worldwide stadium tour, “The Eras Tour,” and it all started with a different type of jewelry. 

During one of the shows at Arrowhead stadium, the Chiefs’ home turf, Kelce showed up to the concert wearing a friendship bracelet (the marker of a true Swiftie at Eras) bearing his phone number, with plans to give it to Swift.

He didn’t get the bracelet to her that night but later talked about the attempt and his affection for the singer on New Heights.

The two later got in touch and started dating quietly in summer 2023, gaining attention when Swift attended the Chiefs vs. Bears game in September of that year—the first of several games she attended throughout the season, including Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, which the Chiefs won.

Although football season is on the horizon once again, I’m hoping for closer look at the ring even sooner, if and when the couple attends the wedding of Swift’s close friend Selena Gomez to music producer Benny Blanco, reportedly happening next month. 

The Latest

Pandora and Foundrae medallions
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court Rules

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

The Retail Smiths Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional Selling

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Constance Polamalu
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' List

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Photo collage of new GCAL by Sarine lab in Mumbai
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn Edition Imagery
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn Edition

The four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Cartier Cheich watch in white gold
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Pamela Bernstein-Gulla and Elle Hill at the Wynn Las Vegas
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to Retire

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

Bhindi Jewelers Glendale Store Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California Store

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Nanis Sway Earrings
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

De Beers Group’s SynthDetect 2 diamond screening instrument
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.

14th century gold seal ring
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 Friends

Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s Desk

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

John Carter and Michael Richards
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley Award

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

Cynthia Erivo x Zoe Chicco The Chrysalis Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to Transformation

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Kevin Patton
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

Graphic for episode 9 of My Next Question featuring Pamela Froman and Remy Sasha
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy Edelstein

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

L’Objet x Jessica McCormack Homeware Collection
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares Collection

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Stock image of police cars with flashing lights
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and Grabs

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Brian Hood, president of Bromberg & Co.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New President

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

Midas Chain’s House of Midas Bridal Catalog
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal Catalog

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Technology Therapy Group founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends You

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

Armadani Retail Support Program Marketing Imagery
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday Season

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

The Retail Smiths Principal Sherry Smith
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your Christmas

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy