Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce just crashed the internet with their engagement news, but it’s not just the romance making headlines—it’s the ring. The pop superstar’s elongated cushion-cut diamond, set in 18-carat yellow gold, features an old mine cut—a vintage style with a tall crown, small table, and open culet that predates today’s standardized round brilliant.
The old mine cut diamond is having a comeback moment, but here’s the twist: consumers are no longer just chasing antique stones. They’re now looking at lab-grown engagement rings that replicate these historic cuts while offering something natural diamonds cannot—sustainability, ethics, and accessibility.
Old Mine Cut Diamonds: From Candlelight Glow to Celebrity Buzz
Industry insiders describe old mine cuts as “imperfectly perfect,” designed centuries ago to shimmer under candlelight. They glow with soft, romantic fire rather than sharp, blinding sparkle. De Beers’ CEO Al Cook even suggested Swift’s choice could revive interest in unconventional cuts, while Sofia Kaman Jewelry called them “less sparkle, more soul.”
Searches for old mine-cut diamonds skyrocketed 10,000% overnight after Swift’s announcement. But here’s the reality check: genuine antique old mine cuts are finite. Demand far outweighs supply. And this is exactly where lab-grown old mine cut diamonds come into play.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Reinventing Vintage for a New Generation
Today, advanced technology allows jewelers to cut lab-grown diamonds in antique styles like old mine or rose cuts. Consumers get the romance of history with the modern benefits of sustainability and affordability.
Why this matters:
- Lab-grown old mine cut engagement rings can replicate the warmth and charm of antique diamonds
- Ethical sourcing appeals to Gen Z and millennial buyers
- Prices are accessible compared to rare natural old mine stones
- Customization allows couples to design rings that balance history and modern identity
The Bigger Picture: What Swift’s Ring Signals for the Market
Swift’s ring may feature a natural old mine diamond, but the cultural wave it creates is set to boost the lab-grown market. Just as her fashion choices redefine trends, her jewelry is reshaping conversations about what “luxury” means.
The irony? While celebrities flaunt rare stones worth millions, the real consumer boom is happening in lab-grown engagement rings—where sustainability, personal expression, and timeless design converge.
If old mine cuts are about soul, then lab-grown diamonds are about soul plus conscience. And in 2025, that combo is unstoppable.