Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Features an 8-Carat Diamond, Sparking a Vintage Trend

Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have made their engagement official with a ring that’s already making waves in the jewelry market. The piece, created by designer Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry in New York, features a diamond estimated at around eight carats, cut in an elongated, antique-inspired cushion shape. The design’s vintage character is reinforced by intricate hand-engraved details.

Ring Details and Diamond Selection

The center diamond features an elongated cushion cut—also described as an old mine brilliant—which combines soft edges with a slightly extended shape. This style, popular in the 19th century, has seen a resurgence for blending classic romance with contemporary proportions. The jeweler applied hand-engraved motifs to the metal setting, keeping the focus on artisanal finishes.

The setting follows the bezel prong trend, which merges a bezel setting (a closed contour) with subtle prongs. This method protects the gem without hiding its facets, a feature appreciated by brides who want both security and visual lightness. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), hybrid settings like this have grown in popularity in recent years for their aesthetic versatility.

2025 Engagement Trends

The jewelry market is seeing an increased demand for elongated stones, such as cushion, oval, and emerald cuts. These shapes create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers and expand the gem’s surface brilliance. Additionally, vintage influences—floral engravings, intricate galleries, and cathedral profiles—are re-emerging in designs that balance nostalgia and modernity.

Experts note that many brides want pieces that are “unique, yet timeless.” The use of traditional metalsmithing techniques, combined with historically inspired cuts, perfectly fits this profile. Swift’s choice reinforces the expectation that a classic, revisited style will solidify its place as one of the leading aesthetic directions in the industry for 2025.

Impact on the Industry and Consumers

Celebrity milestones often quickly influence demand for specific jewelry styles. Since the engagement was announced, online retailers and artisanal studios have reported a surge in searches for “elongated cushion ring” and “vintage design with a large diamond.” Similar trends occurred after announcements from celebrities like Meghan Markle and Hailey Bieber, with their ring styles later reflected in more affordable collections.

For manufacturers, the main consequence is the need to expand their inventory of elongated diamonds and invest in skilled labor for hand-engraving. Independent designers are also taking advantage of the moment to launch limited-edition lines inspired by Victorian motifs, while major brands are adapting their catalogs with more affordable options that capture a similar aesthetic.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Vintage-Inspired Ring

Those interested in antique-inspired pieces should evaluate the quality of the cut, the diamond certification, and the structural integrity of the setting. Hybrid settings require periodic maintenance to ensure the prongs and bezel remain secure. Jewelers recommend annual check-ups, especially when the gem’s weight exceeds five carats.

Another consideration is personalization: engravings and ornate details may increase the final value but also enhance the potential for creating a family heirloom. For more accessible options, you can choose smaller stones or alternative gems like sapphires and morganites, applied in the same setting style.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Artifex Fine Jewelry