The so-called Swift effect is in full effect again.
After Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement broke the internet, experts say her unique engagement ring is driving what could be a massive trend in the jewelry biz.
“We’re already seeing the ‘Taylor Effect’ in full force,” Laura Taylor of Lorel Diamonds told Page Six of Swift’s “old mine cut” diamond, which was designed by Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry.
The jewelry expert added on Wednesday that after Swift’s engagement announcement went viral: “Searches for old mine cuts have risen by almost 10,000% overnight. It’s now the most searched-for diamond cut this month, with more than 170% more interest than the second most popular cut (cushion), and 427% more than the third (emerald).”
Hand-cut and characterized by their shape — including rounded corners and chunky facets — old mine cut diamonds were especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and no two are alike, Page Six Style has reported.
“From a trend perspective, I actually think we’ve seen this vintage style growing in popularity for a little while,” says Taylor. “For example, Jessica McCormack’s antique-inspired designs have been worn by Zendaya and Zoë Kravitz, so I think Taylor’s ring will just take it that one step further.”
And before Swift’s sparkler made headlines, the old mine cuts were not the most popular choice among would-be brides, Taylor says.
“Old mine cuts definitely aren’t for everyone,” says the Lorel Diamonds pro, “and it’s true that they don’t always have the clarity and sparkle we tend to associate with modern engagement rings.”
Taylor adds of the vintage cut rocks: “They can look darker or a bit off to people who are used to today’s styles, but I think that’s also part of the charm, and why it feels like such a perfect choice for Taylor!”
The jewelry expert also says: “She’s always leaned into a more romantic, vintage way of doing things, like her handwritten letters, so a hand-cut ring feels very her, and it is entirely possible that she told Travis that she wanted this type of cut beforehand.”
Looking at the gem that’s reportedly estimated to be up to 10 carats: “Based on the photo she shared, I suspect it could be what’s known as a modern old mine cut… so a diamond that’s been cut recently in the old style, but using more modern techniques.”
“The faceting seems sharper and more symmetrical than you’d typically find in a true antique ‘OMC,’ especially with that elongated shape. If that’s the case, it would have taken a really skilled cutter to work with a diamond of that size, especially as it features a pinhole culet which can be notoriously tricky to get right,” Taylor says.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift and Kelce captioned their post.
Swift and Kelce began dating in the summer of 2023, shortly after the football pro famously tried (and failed) to pass the pop icon his phone number at one of her Eras Tour stops in Kansas City.
They’ve been practically inseparable ever since, with Swift supporting Kelce at many of his games (and two Super Bowls!) and Kelce attending the Eras Tour in multiple countries — and even making an onstage cameo in London.
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