Taylor Swift’s Old Mine Cut Diamond

Pop the champagne and cue the love songs – Taylor Swift is engaged, and the ring is making headlines across the globe.

If you haven’t heard, the superstar said “YES!” to NFL player Travis Kelce, and she’s sporting an engagement ring that has jewelry lovers swooning and curious in equal measure. Why? It features a massive old mine cut diamond, an antique style gem that you rarely see in modern rings.

In fact, many fans are hearing the term “old mine cut” for the very first time thanks to Taylor’s exciting news. Let’s dive into what makes her ring so special – from the eye-popping details to the rich history behind that vintage diamond cut.

A Ring Fit for a (Pop) Queen

Taylor’s engagement ring isn’t your average celebrity bling – it’s a piece of art history. Reportedly, the ring showcases an elongated, cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond estimated between 8 and 10 carats. In true superstar fashion, its value is pegged somewhere around $400,000 to $800,000.

 But beyond the carats and dollar signs, it’s the cut and character of the diamond that have jewelry aficionados abuzz. The stone was crafted by jeweler Kindred Lubeck (Artifex Fine Jewellery) with a vintage flair, meaning the diamond likely has that distinctive shape and faceting that harks back to the 19th century. One close-up photo of the ring (which racked up millions of likes in minutes) shows a chunky facet pattern and a warm glow that practically whispers of bygone eras. It’s not just a ring – it’s a story on her finger.

What is an Old Mine Cut, Anyway?

The old mine cut is often described as the great-great-grandfather of today’s modern diamond cuts. From the early 1700s up to the late 1800s, this was the cut for diamonds, especially in the Georgian and Victorian eras. If you picture an old mine cut diamond, think romantic and slightly rustic: it usually has a soft squarish or cushion outline, a high domed crown, a teeny tiny table (the flat top facet), and a large, open culet (that’s the flat facet at the very bottom of the diamond). In fact, an old mine cut also has 58 facets like a modern round brilliant, but the similarity pretty much ends there. These stones were measured by eye and cut by hand in an age before precision machines – meaning each old mine cut diamond is truly one-of-a-kind. Their facets may be slightly asymmetrical or quirky, but that just adds to their charm. Jewelers often say old mine cuts have a “pillowy” shape and a unique sparkle: their larger facets throw off bolder flashes of colored light (fire) and a softer brilliance, giving a candlelit glow rather than the strobe-light sparkle of modern diamonds.

Antique Allure and Estate Mystique

So why is Taylor’s ring choice so fascinating? For one, it’s bringing a historic diamond cut into the spotlight of 2025 pop culture. Old mine-cut diamonds are usually found in antique and estate jewelry – imagine Georgian era brooches or Victorian engagement rings tucked away in your grandmother’s jewelry box. They evoke a sense of timeless romance. Each was crafted by an early diamond cutter slowly grinding away by hand; no two are exactly alike because cutters followed the natural shape of the rough crystal.

In the trade, we often say these diamonds have their own personality. By wearing an old mine cut, Taylor is essentially wearing a tiny piece of history, complete with all its character. This choice could spark a resurgence of interest in vintage-style rings, especially among brides who crave something distinctive with a story behind it.

At Hauser’s Jewelers, we’re huge fans of estate jewelry, so forgive us for geeking out! We believe gems like this carry a mystique – a connection to the past. Old mine cuts, for instance, originated long before electric lighting, so they were meant to dazzle in softer light (think candlelight and gas lamps). There’s an inherent romance in that.

They also often have slightly warmer color tones and telltale signs of handcrafting, which collectors adore. When we acquire estate pieces with an old mine cut diamond, we know we’re holding something truly special – a gem that has journeyed through generations.

Old Mine Cut vs. Modern Diamonds

 For the uninitiated, it might be puzzling why someone would choose an old cut over the precision of a new one. But consider this: perfection isn’t the goal here – character is. An old mine cut has a softer sparkle; it trades the blinding brilliance for a glow that many describe as “romantic” or “vintage-y.” Technically, these diamonds have a smaller table and higher crown, which means you’ll see deeper flashes of color (thanks to those big facets) and a distinct pattern of light and dark that’s different from modern cuts.

 They also typically have a visible culet (a tiny flat facet at the bottom) when you peer into the stone, which is a signature quirk of antique cuts. Modern round brilliants, by contrast, are engineered for maximum sparkle and symmetry – they’re dazzling, but in a more uniform way. Neither is “better” – it’s all about the vibe you love. Taylor clearly wanted that vintage vibe, and we’re here for it.

A Revival of Vintage Cuts?

Every time a celebrity flaunts a non-traditional ring, it sets a trend. With Taylor Swift bringing an old mine cut into the limelight, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a surge of interest in vintage and estate rings. Brides-to-be might start asking for old mine cut or old European cut diamonds (another antique style from the early 1900s) instead of the usual round brilliant.

And guess what? Some modern diamond cutters are already on it – due to growing demand for that vintage look, there are cutters now polishing new diamonds in old mine or old Euro styles, basically creating replica old cuts for the market. It’s the perfect blend of old and new: you get the charm of a historic cut with the advantages of a recently made diamond (like higher clarity or color, if that’s a priority). So if you love the look but can’t find a genuine 19th-century stone, don’t worry – there are options! 

We’re thrilled that an antique cut diamond is having such a moment. Here at Hauser’s, our hearts beat a little faster when we encounter an old mine-cut diamond or any piece of estate jewelry with history in its facets. Taylor Swift’s ring is a dream example – it beautifully ties the past and present together, just like the best heirlooms do. If this story has you intrigued about old mine cut diamonds (or estate pieces in general), come chat with us!

We have a passion for these old-soul gems and can show you some stunning examples in our estate collection. You don’t have to be a global pop icon to enjoy a bit of vintage sparkle. Whether you’re engagement ring shopping or just curious, we’d love to share the timeless romance of old mine cuts with you.

 After all, every diamond – like every love story – has a tale to tell, and we’re here to help you find one that speaks to you.

XOXO,

-Amy Hauser