Taylor Swift Engagement Ring

Old Mine Cut Magic: Why “Taylor’s Ring” Has Everyone Talking — And What It Means For Your Own

When a celebrity flashes what looks like a ~10-carat antique-style diamond, the world notices. If that stone is high colour and clarity, it could easily carry a price tag in the realm of US$1 million. But the real story isn’t just size or spend — it’s the romance of the cut and the personal details that make a ring genuinely unforgettable.

Taylor Swift Engagement Ring

What is an Old Mine Cut?

Old mine cut diamonds date back to the early 1700s through the late 1800s. Each stone was hand cut, so they’re never perfectly symmetrical — and that’s part of their charm. You’ll notice:

  • high crown
  • small table
  • An open culet
  • A softer, candlelit sparkle that feels distinctly vintage

Historically, cutters prioritised keeping as much carat weight as possible over perfecting brilliance, which is why these stones feel soulful and unique. Today, several specialist polishing houses are reviving the look using modern guidance so you keep the classic proportions with a little extra life compared to some antique counterparts.

Could a celebrity’s diamond be a true antique? Possibly. But in many cases, these stones are cut in modern times to emulate the old-world aesthetic.

The Rise of Elongated Shapes

We’re seeing huge demand for elongated silhouettes — ovals, radiants, elongated cushions and emerald cuts — because they maximise face-up presence and bring a refined, elegant look (very much like Taylor’s ring). These shapes flatter the finger and photograph beautifully.

The Strongest Trend: Personal, Custom-Made Rings

Off-the-shelf is out. Today’s couples want custom-made pieces that speak directly to their story.

At our studio, Zac Ireland, our Head Jewellery Designer, works one-on-one with each client to translate ideas into a ring that feels completely personal. From subtle engravings to hidden birthstones inside the band — the details only you two know about — we create pieces that become heirlooms of your story, not just beautiful objects.

Taylor’s ring isn’t just about the diamond; the engraving on the band makes it deeply personal. That’s the level of thought that transforms jewellery into a love story.

Advice for Everyday Couples

Celebrities set trends, but the best rings aren’t the biggest — they’re the ones that reflect the wearer.

  • Don’t copy. Capture the essence you love and make it yours.
  • Tailor the details. Try a different diamond shape, a hidden engraving, or a setting that fits your partner’s lifestyle.
  • Focus on meaning. The most important ring is the one that feels right to you, not the one that makes headlines.

A Recent Nick Ireland Example

We recently finished a non-traditional solitaire that perfectly captured our client’s style: a 2.20ct D-colour, VVS2 elongated cushion in a refined, custom setting — minimalist from a distance, rich with thoughtful details up close. It’s modern, elegant, and unmistakably theirs.

Old Mine Look on a Modern Budget

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a celebrity budget to enjoy the antique aesthetic.

Lab-grown diamonds are a genuine game-changer. If you’re working to a tighter budget but want maximum visual impact, you can achieve a similar look to Taylor’s style at a fraction of the cost — without compromising on brilliance.

From around A$10,000, many clients can commission a ~5ct lab-grown antique-style solitaire* that delivers that bold, romantic presence — then layer in personal touches (hand engraving, hidden gemstones, bespoke gallery work) to make it uniquely yours.

Taylor swift inspired engagement ring
Whilst Taylor's ring might be worth upwards of 1M USD, for as little as $10,000

Whilst Taylor’s ring might be worth upwards of 1M USD, for as little as $10,000, you can
recreate something that appears to be very similar to this style. This would get you a 5ct Lab
grown antique cut diamond solitaire ring with the same look and feel as this ring here. With
some beautiful personal design details that make the ring uniquely yours. Remember it’s not
about copying, it’s about creating something that is unique and special to you.
~ Nick Ireland

*Carat weight, quality, cut style and metal selection all affect final pricing. We’ll guide you transparently through options to balance beauty and budget.

What Drives Price (Quick Guide)

  • Carat (size)
  • Colour & clarity (rarity and visual purity)
  • Cut style & craftsmanship (old mine proportions vs. modern variants)
  • Origin (natural vs. lab-grown)
  • Design complexity (hand engraving, custom galleries, pavé work)

Ready to Design Your Own?

If you love the vintage glow of old mine cuts or the sleek elegance of elongated shapes, we’ll help you capture the feeling you’re drawn to — and make it unmistakably personal.

  • Private design consultations with Zac Ireland
  • Bespoke sketches and digital previews
  • Ethically sourced natural and premium lab-grown options
  • Hand-finished craftsmanship, start to finish

Book a consultation to start your design, or bring in inspiration you love and we’ll translate it into a piece that’s uniquely you.

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